Is Your Child Stuck with Their Foot on the Gas Pedal? Understanding ADHD and theNervous System
As a parent, it can be heartbreaking to watch your child struggle with focus, emotional regulation, and hyperactivity. Many children with ADHD seem to be in constant motion—always “on the go” and easily overwhelmed. Simple tasks like completing homework, sitting through a meal, or winding down for bed can feel like an uphill battle. But what if the reason behind these struggles lies in the way their nervous system is functioning?
The Nervous System and ADHD: A Car Stuck in Overdrive
Think of your child’s nervous system like a car. When it’s functioning optimally, there’s a smooth transition between pressing the gas pedal to accelerate (activity) and using the brake pedal to slow down (rest and regulation). However, children with ADHD often experience sympathetic dominance, meaning their nervous system is stuck in overdrive—constantly pressing the gas pedal with little ability to slow down. This creates a state of dysautonomia, where the balance between activity and rest is disrupted, making self-regulation extremely difficult.
At Blossom Family Chiropractic, we specialize in helping children find better balance through chiropractic care. Our gentle, neurologically focused adjustments help reset the nervous system, allowing for improved self-regulation and focus.
Read more about how Chiropractic Care can also help reduce anxiety in children in our blog post, Reduce Anxiety in Kids: How Chiropractic Adjustments Can Help.
How Sympathetic Dominance Affects Your Child’s Daily Life
When the nervous system is imbalanced, children may experience:
- Struggles in the Classroom – Sitting still, following instructions, and completing assignments feel overwhelming when their nervous system is constantly on high alert.
- Emotional Outbursts – With an overactive stress response, emotions can feel bigger than they should, leading to frustration, meltdowns, or anxiety.
- Trouble Sleeping – Even when their body is exhausted, their brain stays in “go-mode,” making bedtime battles a common challenge.
- Sensory Sensitivities – Sounds, lights, and even clothing textures may feel overwhelming when the nervous system isn’t properly regulated.
Read more about how Chiropractic Care can also help reduce anxiety in children in our blog post, Reduce Anxiety in Kids: How Chiropractic Adjustments Can Help.
The Role of Chiropractic Care in Regulating the Nervous System
One of the key players in slowing the nervous system down is the vagus nerve, which activates the parasympathetic nervous system—the body’s “brake pedal.” Gentle chiropractic adjustments at Blossom Family Chiropractic help stimulate the vagus nerve, restoring balance to the nervous system. When this happens, children can experience improved focus, better emotional regulation, deeper sleep, and less sensory overwhelm.
At our office, we use CLA nervous system scans to assess how much stress your child’s nervous system is under. These scans provide valuable insight into where their body is stuck in overdrive and how we can support them in finding greater balance. Learn more about our family and pediatric chiropractic care here.
Read more about how Chiropractic Care can also help reduce anxiety in children in our blog post, Reduce Anxiety in Kids: How Chiropractic Adjustments Can Help.
Take the First Step Toward Helping Your Child Thrive
If you’re looking for a natural, drug-free approach to help your child regulate their nervous system and thrive, Blossom Family Chiropractic is here to help. Our specialized approach supports children in achieving greater focus, emotional balance, and overall well-being.
Schedule a CLA nervous system scan today to learn how chiropractic care can support your child’s unique needs. Have questions? We’d love to guide you on this journey toward better health for your child!
