What You Haven’t Been Told About Overstimulation
Does this sound familiar? You’re at a family gathering, and suddenly, your child covers their ears. A trip to the grocery store ends in tears, or the tag on their shirt becomes unbearable. As a parent, these moments can feel overwhelming, confusing, and even isolating. You may have been told it’s “just a phase” or that your child will “grow out of it.” But what if there’s something deeper happening within their nervous system? 💛
Sensory Overload: A Window Into Your Child’s Nervous System
If you’ve watched your child struggle with loud noises, bright lights, or overwhelming textures, know that you are not alone. Research shows that sensory processing challenges are becoming increasingly common, affecting more children than ever before.
But this isn’t just about “behavior.” It’s about how your child’s brain and nervous system are processing the world around them. Imagine a traffic jam in their nervous system—too much input coming in at once, without enough ability to filter or process it smoothly. 🚦
How the Nervous System Shapes Sensory Experiences
Your child’s nervous system has two key branches:
🌿 The Sympathetic Nervous System (the “fight or flight” response)
🌿 The Parasympathetic Nervous System (the “rest and regulate” response)
When overstimulation occurs, many children get stuck in sympathetic dominance, where their nervous system remains in a heightened state of alertness. This can show up in ways that might seem unrelated:
Trouble falling or staying asleep 😴
Digestive discomfort 🌱
Emotional ups and downs 💕
Increased sensitivity to sensory input 🎧👕
The Root Causes of Sensory Sensitivity
Many sensory processing struggles don’t happen overnight. They develop over time, often beginning before birth. We call this “The Perfect Storm”, where a combination of early stressors creates a sensitive nervous system. Some contributing factors include: ✨ Prenatal Stress – Mom’s stress levels during pregnancy can shape a baby’s developing nervous system.
✨ Birth Trauma – C-sections, forceps, vacuum extractions, or long labors can create stress on the baby’s brainstem and vagus nerve.
✨ Early Childhood Stressors – Repeated ear infections, antibiotic use, or environmental toxins can further dysregulate the nervous system.
Recognizing the Signs of Overstimulation
How can you tell if your child is struggling with sensory overload? Here are some common signs:
💛 Physical Signs:
Frequent headaches or tummy aches
Unexplained fatigue or low energy
💛 Emotional Signs:
Increased irritability or frustration
Heightened anxiety or worry
Emotional outbursts that seem to come from nowhere
💛 Behavioral Signs:
Difficulty focusing or sitting still
Frequent meltdowns, especially after busy outings
Seeking out quiet, dark spaces to regulate
A Natural Approach to Restoring Balance
Instead of just avoiding triggers or managing symptoms, we take a deeper approach at Golden Family Chiropractic—one that helps the nervous system adapt, regulate, and find balance naturally.
Our Neurologically-Focused Chiropractic Care is designed to support the root cause of sensory struggles. We use state-of-the-art INSiGHT Scanning Technology to assess how your child’s nervous system is functioning. These scans are completely non-invasive, safe, and even comforting for little ones—they can sit in your lap during the process!
With gentle, specific chiropractic adjustments, we help the body release stored tension, activate the parasympathetic (calm and regulate) system, and restore balance. Many parents notice improvements in their child’s sleep, digestion, mood, and ability to handle daily sensory input.
Helping Your Child Thrive in a Sensory-Filled World
Your child isn’t choosing to be overwhelmed. Their nervous system is simply working overtime to process the world. The good news? With the right support, their system can find balance, and they can experience the world with greater ease. 🌿
You’re not alone in this journey. Many families are navigating similar challenges, and there is hope. If you’re ready to learn how chiropractic care can support your child, we’d love to connect with you at Golden Family Chiropractic. Reach out today to schedule a consultation. And if you’re not local to us, visit the PX Docs directory to find a trusted provider near you.
🌸 Your child’s sensitivity is not a flaw—it’s part of their beautiful uniqueness. With the right care and understanding, they can move through the world with confidence and ease. 💛