Nervous System Dysregulation
Does it seem like you have tried everything to help your child act and function like the other children their age? From the constant meltdowns to struggling to focus in class to chronic ear infections. These things may not seem like they have anything in common but they do- dysregulation of the nervous system.
At an alarming rate chronic illnesses seen in our children is rising. Over 40% of school-aged children have been diagnosed with a chronic illness including obesity, asthma, ADHD, anxiety and so many more.
Autism rates have gone from 1 in 44 children being diagnosed to 1 in 31 children over the last 8 years. 12% of children from the age of 3-17 have ADHD, a number rising rapidly. Depression rates in teens have increased by over 50% in the last 10 years.
These are only a few examples of how a malfunctioning nervous system is showing up in our children today.
As an office that focuses on neurologically-focused pediatric and family care, we have seen the effects nervous system focused chiropractic care has on restoring balance to a dysregulated nervous system. In this blog post we are going to go over the basics of nervous system dysregulation, the effect on the autonomic nervous system and how chiropractic care plays a role in the restoration of function.
Dysregulated Nervous System
A dysregulated nervous system is referring to a state of imbalance with in the body’s main control center, the nervous system. The central nervous system is composed of the brain, brain stem, spinal cord, and sensory/motor nerves. This system controls every system of our body. When functioning properly, we are able to respond properly to our environment resulting in overall optimal health.
When the nervous system is not functioning properly this can lead to many symptoms and challenges affecting our children’s lives including:
Emotional Struggles: depression, anxiety, and mood swings
Behavioral Issues: tantrums, aggression, and impulsivity
Cognitive Troubles: difficulty focusing, learning and listening
Physical Symptoms: pain, headaches, stomach aches, and sleep disturbances
Immune Dysfunction: chronic ear infections, congestions and coughing
The Autonomic Nervous System’s Role
To fully understand a dysregulated nervous system we must talk about the autonomic nervous system (ANS). The ANS is in charge of controlling the automatic functions of our body, including breathing, heart function, digestion and more. It consists of two branches:
The sympathetic nervous system (SNS): This is the body’s “gas pedal”. It activates our body’s fight-flight response when their is perceived stress or danger. An increased heart rate, sweating, and muscle tension are present when the sympathetic nervous system is activated to prepare our body for action.
The parasympathetic nervous system (PNS): This is the body’s “break pedal”. It activates our body’s rest-regulate-digest response. Slowed heart rate, increased digestion and the bodies ability to rest are activated when the parasympathetic nervous system is engaged.
The vital part of the parasympathetic system is the vagus nerve. The vagus nerve is the key part to the ‘braking and regulating’ portion of the parasympathetic system. Behavior, social, emotional and communication function are also key roles of the vagus nerve. When the vagus nerve can’t function as it was designed, neither can the rest of the nervous system.
In a healthy nervous system, the SNS and PNS are balanced creating homeostasis within our body. However, when dysregulation of the nervous system occurs, the ‘braking and regulation’ portion of the nervous system can’t function properly, leading to dysautonomia.
The CAUSE and RISK of a Dysregulated Nervous System
When we discuss the causes of a dysregulated nervous system it is crucial for us to understand it is not just one thing or one event. A multitude of factors compound to create this dysregulation.
Maternal Stress:
The first factor leading to a dysregulated nervous system is maternal stress. When a mother experiences, increased stress during the preconception and prenatal phase of life the stress hormone, cortisol, can cross the placenta. Early and chronic exposure to cortisol can result in baby’s nervous system being more susceptible to dysregulation leading to chronic health concerns later on in life that stem from an overactive sympathetic nervous system.
Birth Trauma and Interventions:
The birth process of a child can play a significant role in their neurological health. Each birth is beautiful and unique in itself, however, some are more traumatic on the newborn baby’s nervous system than others. Interventions including forceps, vacuum, and cesarean-sections, can result in high amounts of physical stress on the baby’s delicate nervous system.
Early Exposure to Toxins:
From birth our children are exposed to unnatural toxins resulting in a further impact on their nervous system. These chemical stressors can include:
Chronic illness/infection
Frequent antibiotic use- this disrupts the natural make up of the microbiome
Environmental exposures- pesticides, preservatives, heavy metals, etc.
Sensory overload- bright lights, loud noises, and chaotic environments
Life Factors:
Studies have shown the home environment also plays a substantial role in the nervous systems development. Including:
Diet- nutritional deficiencies and poor diet can lead a a lack of nutrients needed for a healthy nervous system
Exercise- physical activity and time outdoors helps to regulate the nervous system
Excessive Screen Time- leads to an overstimulation of the senses and can disrupt sleep patterns
Recognizing the Signs and Symptoms of a Dysregulated Nervous System
Understanding a dysregulated nervous system can show up in a variety of signs and symptoms in your child can be the most challenging aspect. A child’s emotional, social, physical and/or cognitive well-being can be affected by a dysregulated nervous system. We want to help you know understand what those signs are early on so you can help your child find healing.
Every child is unique and a dysregulated nervous system will present differently in each child. Here are some common signs/symptoms seen in a dysregulated nervous system:
Physical:
Chronic pain, headaches, or muscle tension
Digestive issues, such as constipation, diarrhea, or reflux
Respiratory problems, like asthma or frequent infections
Sleep disturbances, including difficulty falling or staying asleep
Fatigue or low energy levels
Recurrent illnesses or weakened immune function
Sensitivities to certain foods, textures, or environmental factors
Emotional:
Difficulty concentrating or focusing on tasks
Poor memory or forgetfulness
Learning challenges or academic struggles
Anxiety, fear, or worry
Mood swings or emotional outbursts
Difficulty regulating emotions
Low frustration tolerance
Sensory processing issues, such as overstimulation or under-responsiveness
Behavioral
Hyperactivity or impulsivity
Aggression or oppositional behavior
Social withdrawal or isolation
Difficulty with transitions or changes in routine
Rigid or repetitive behaviors
Tics or involuntary movements
Self-stimulatory behaviors, like rocking or hand-flapping
Avoidance of certain activities or situations
Many of these signs and symptoms are similar to those found in some common childhood disorders including; attention deficit hyperactivity disorder, autism spectrum disorder, sensory processing disorder, and PANS/PANDAS. A dysregulated nervous system could be the root of some of these childhood disorders due to autonomic dysfunction and vagus nerve function impairment.
The Limitations of Conventional Approaches
When it comes to finding healing for these symptoms the conventional approach is the address the symptom. Many of the medical doctors facing parents with children presenting with these symptoms do not understand the role to the autonomic nervous system enough to properly diagnose or create a plan of action for true healing.
Early signs of nervous system dysregulation are seen as ‘colic, constipation, and reflux’ in infants. Many parents are told to ‘not worry about it’ or ‘they will grow out of it’ by their providers when bringing up their concerns. Unfortunately, the ‘wait-and-see’ approach only does more harm than good. By solely focusing on the symptom, the root cause is missed.
Healing a Dysregulated Nervous System: Neurologically-Focused Chiropractic Care
Through neurologically-focused chiropractic care we approach these common but not normal symptoms differently. Through the deep understanding of the autonomic nervous system, we are able to address the underlying neurological imbalances contributing to the various signs and symptoms.
We focus on approaching the body a whole unit, functioning together. With a deep understanding of the nervous system as the master control center for all of the bodies functions, regulating the processes are essential for optimal health and function. The dysregulation can affect multiple system and organs. This is due to subluxation, nerve interference, within the nervous system.
This is where neurologically-focused chiropractic shines. Our specialty is removing subluxation from your child’s body through gentle, specific, and non-invasive techniques. Each adjustment restores communication within the nervous system; resulting in restored balance. Through specialized planning and individualized care we have seen hundreds of children’s lives change from being dysregulated to thriving and growing.
Next Step
Contact our office today to find more out about how chiropractic care can lead to a regulated nervous system. If you are not near our office here is a list of other chiropractic offices who specialize in neurological healing.
Resources:
“Autism Statistics and Facts.” Autismspeaks.Org, www.autismspeaks.org/autism-statistics-asd. Accessed 17 Oct. 2025.
Dr. Tony Ebel, DC. “A Guide to Your Child’s Dysregulated Nervous System: PX Docs.” PX Docs - Your #1 Pediatric Chiropractic & Education Source, 10 Oct. 2025, pxdocs.com/nervous-system/nervous-system-dysregulation/.
“Managing Chronic Health Conditions.” Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, www.cdc.gov/school-health-conditions/chronic-conditions/?CDC_AAref_Val=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.cdc.gov%2Fhealthyschools%2Fchronicconditions.htm. Accessed 17 Oct. 2025.
Wilson, Sylia, and Nathalie M Dumornay. “Rising Rates of Adolescent Depression in the United States: Challenges and Opportunities in the 2020s.” The Journal of Adolescent Health : Official Publication of the Society for Adolescent Medicine, U.S. National Library of Medicine, Mar. 2022, pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC8868033/.
