As parents, we all dream of seeing our children flourish—full of joy, energy, and endless possibilities. But for some families, this dream can feel distant when their child faces daily health challenges. If you’re a parent whose child is grappling with mood swings, digestive issues, chronic pain, unexplained weakness, or a host of other confusing symptoms, you’re not alone. Despite countless doctor visits and treatments, finding the root cause can feel like searching for a needle in a haystack, leaving you frustrated and heartbroken.
You might find yourself asking: Could there be an underlying issue behind all these struggles? Is there a way to truly help my child heal?
The answer may lie in a condition that’s often overlooked: dysautonomia.
In this blog, we aim to shed light on dysautonomia and empower you with knowledge to take control of your child’s health. We’ll explore what dysautonomia is, why it’s so frequently missed in traditional diagnoses, and how Neurologically-Focused Chiropractic Care can help restore balance to the nervous system—offering hope to families navigating these challenges.
Francesca’s Journey: Finding Hope
Meet Francesca, a bright 13-year-old whose health struggles began at age 7 with seizures. As she entered puberty, her symptoms worsened—fatigue, anxiety, and chronic constipation became daily battles. Despite many efforts, doctors couldn’t pinpoint a cause. Each symptom seemed to be treated separately, with no answers to the bigger picture.
That all changed when Francesca’s mom had a chance conversation with a friend about health concerns. The word dysautonomia came up—a term unfamiliar to her, but one that would become a beacon of hope. Determined, Francesca’s family sought out a specialized chiropractor focused on the nervous system, marking the beginning of a new chapter in her healing.
What is Dysautonomia?
Dysautonomia refers to a dysfunction within the autonomic nervous system—the system that controls vital functions such as digestion, immunity, breathing, and blood pressure. When this system becomes imbalanced, the communication between the brain and body is disrupted, leading to a wide range of symptoms that can affect different areas of the body.
In children, dysautonomia can be triggered by factors such as prenatal stress, birth trauma (including c-sections or vacuum/forceps deliveries), recurring infections, gut issues, and emotional stress. These stressors can disrupt the nervous system, making it difficult for the body to function properly.
Unfortunately, traditional medical approaches often overlook nervous system dysfunction as the root cause, opting instead for treatments that manage symptoms without addressing the underlying issue. This can leave children stuck in a cycle of recurring symptoms and frustration.
The Role of Neurologically-Focused Chiropractic Care
At Foundation of Stone Pediatric & Perinatal Family Chiropractic, we approach dysautonomia from a different perspective. Through our INSiGHT Scanning technology, we can assess nervous system function and deliver precise, gentle adjustments to release tension (subluxation) and help the nervous system regain balance.
Healing the nervous system is a step-by-step process. Before we see improvements in brain-based challenges like seizures and anxiety, we first focus on areas such as digestion, sleep, immune function, and motor skills. Once these systems are back on track, the brain can start to heal and function optimally.
In Francesca’s case, working to improve her sleep, digestion, and immune function, her brain-based symptoms also began to subside, leading to real progress in her overall health.
Finding Hope and Healing
If your child is struggling with unexplained symptoms or health challenges that seem never-ending, dysautonomia may be the missing piece of the puzzle. At Foundation of Stone Chiropractic, we’re here to help you uncover the root cause of your child’s health concerns. Our INSiGHT scans allow us to pinpoint neurological dysfunction and create a personalized care plan, using non-invasive, gentle adjustments that guide the body toward restoration and healing.
If you’re not local to us, we encourage you to explore the PX Docs directory to find a trained PX Doc in your area. There’s no need for your child to endure another day of suffering—the path to healing starts now!