The Stuck Switch

Beyond the Diagnosis: Calming Your Child’s Overactive Nervous System

The Stuck SwitchIf you are a parent of a little one with any of the number of divergent neurodevelopmental conditions, you already know what it feels like to live in a state of hyper-vigilance. You see it in your child every day. The frequent restlessness, the meltdowns over that scratchy tag, or the struggle to hold eye contact during simple social interactions.

Mothers tell me they feel like they are constantly navigating a "perfect storm." They are managing their own parental burnout while trying to locate the right early intervention services.

As a Doctor of Chiropractic & Certified Chiropractic Wellness Practitioner with 40 years of experience, I want to share a perspective that goes deeper than standard behavioral coaching. Let's look at the actual engine driving these challenges: the central nervous system. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) reports that 1 in 36 children in the U.S. have Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD), a noticeable rise from previous years. When we look at the broader umbrella of Neurodevelopmental Disorders (NDD)—which includes ADHD, learning disabilities, and developmental delays—it is clear our children are absorbing an unprecedented amount of physical, chemical, and emotional stress. Genetic and environmental factors can combine early on. Prenatal maternal stress, frequent infant illnesses, and early medication use can all disrupt early development.

Have you noticed your child staying in a constant state of "fight or flight"? The human nervous system has two primary gears: Sympathetic (Fight or Flight): Designed for protection and survival & Parasympathetic (Rest and Digest): Designed for growth, healing, and skill acquisition.

Here is the vital truth: Our bodies cannot be in protection mode and growth mode at the same time. In neurodevelopmental issues sometime the child is “stuck “in sympathetic mode. When a spine has a subluxation (a minor misalignment that interferes with nerve signals), it acts like a kink in a garden hose. It keeps the nervous system locked in that hyper-excited, defensive state. Chiropractic care is not a cure or a direct treatment for ASD, sensory challenges, or ADHD. Instead, it is a neurodivergent-affirming care practice focused entirely on removing that interference.

Look for future blogs where I discuss links between the central nervous system and these conditions.

If you want to chat directly about how Chiropractic might help your family, call us at 718-837-0048 or This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..

Risk Factors for Pinched Nerves in the Back

A pinched nerve in the back occurs when nerves in the spine become compressed or irritated by surrounding tissues like muscles, bones, or discs. This pressure can disrupt normal nerve function and lead to a variety of uncomfortable symptoms. People may experience sharp or radiating pain that travels from the back into the legs, along with numbness, tingling, or muscle weakness. Risk factors include poor posture, repetitive movements, spinal misalignment, injury, and conditions such as disc degeneration. Chiropractic care can help by gently improving spinal alignment, reducing nerve pressure, and restoring proper movement to the spine. If you have symptoms of a pinched nerve, it is suggested that you consult a chiropractor to explore appropriate relief solutions. 

Pinched Nerve

A pinched nerve occurs when surrounding tissues, such as bones, muscles, or tendons, apply excessive pressure on a nerve. This condition can cause pain, numbness, tingling, or weakness, often in the neck, back, or limbs. Everyday activities, poor posture, or repetitive motions are common triggers. Left untreated, the condition may worsen, leading to chronic discomfort and reduced mobility.

Chiropractors use a hands-on approach to relieve the pressure that causes a pinched nerve. By performing gentle spinal adjustments, they create space for the nerve to function properly, alleviating discomfort. Chiropractic care may also include stretching exercises to improve flexibility and targeted muscle work to reduce surrounding tension. Patients often receive guidance on posture and activity modifications to prevent recurrence. This tailored approach focuses on restoring normal nerve function and improving overall quality of life.


1. Are pinched nerves only caused by spinal issues?
No, they can also result from tight muscles, inflammation, or repetitive strain. Chiropractors address both spinal and muscular causes.


2. How does a chiropractor determine the location of a pinched nerve?
Chiropractors use physical exams, mobility tests, and sometimes imaging studies like X-rays to pinpoint the source of nerve compression.


For additional information, please contact our office located in Dyker Heights, Brooklyn, NY .
 

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Frozen Shoulder and Why Movement Matters

Frozen shoulder causes pain, stiffness, and a loss of normal range of motion in the shoulder, and may develop when the shoulder joint becomes inflamed. This can happen when the shoulder is kept still for a long time after an injury, surgery, or illness. Risk factors include a lack of exercise therapy and conditions, such as rotator cuff disorders. Everyday activities like reaching or lifting may become difficult and uncomfortable. While this condition affects the shoulder, overall body movement and balance can also be impacted. A chiropractor can help support mobility, assess gait changes, and recommend ways to stay active safely. If you have shoulder pain, it is suggested that you consult a chiropractor who can accurately diagnose frozen shoulder and explore appropriate relief and treatment solutions.

Shoulder and arm pain can significantly affect daily life, making simple tasks challenging. This pain often arises from issues such as rotator cuff injuries, tendonitis, nerve compression, or even misalignments in the spine or shoulders. Symptoms can range from a dull ache and stiffness to sharp, shooting pain that radiates down the arm, limiting mobility and impacting overall comfort.

Chiropractic care offers a non-invasive approach to managing shoulder and arm pain by focusing on the musculoskeletal system. Chiropractors assess the shoulder, neck, and spine alignment to identify potential sources of nerve compression or joint dysfunction. Gentle adjustments aim to restore proper alignment in the affected areas, which can relieve nerve pressure, reduce inflammation, and encourage natural healing.

In addition to adjustments, chiropractors may recommend exercises to strengthen the surrounding muscles and improve flexibility. Stretching routines can help relieve tension, while strengthening exercises provide better support to the shoulder and arm, preventing further strain.
By addressing the root causes of discomfort, chiropractic care provides a holistic approach to managing shoulder and arm pain. This method promotes long-term relief by restoring alignment, enhancing function, and encouraging a more active, pain-free lifestyle without relying on medication or surgery.
1.  How does chiropractic care help with frozen shoulder?
Chiropractors use gentle mobilization and targeted adjustments to improve joint flexibility. Soft tissue therapies can also reduce inflammation and improve function.
2.  Is shoulder pain always caused by a shoulder issue?
No, shoulder pain can originate from the neck or upper back due to nerve compression or referred pain. Chiropractors assess the entire musculoskeletal system to find the root cause.
3.  Are chiropractic adjustments safe for shoulder pain caused by arthritis?
Yes, chiropractors use gentle, non-invasive techniques tailored to reduce arthritis-related pain and improve joint mobility.
If you have any questions please feel free to contact our office located in Dyker Heights, Brooklyn, NY
 

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Understanding the ACL and Knee Stability

The anterior cruciate ligament, often called the ACL, is an important ligament in the knee that connects the shin bone to the thigh bone and helps keep the joint stable during movement. It plays a key role in controlling motion, such as pivoting and stopping. When the ACL is damaged, it has a very limited ability to heal on its own and cannot fully regenerate, which is why surgery is often needed for repair. Injuries may lead to pain, swelling, and a feeling that the knee is unstable. Healing takes time and proper care. A chiropractor can support recovery by improving joint alignment, guiding safe movement, and helping restore strength and flexibility. If you have undergone this type of knee surgery, it is suggested that you consult a chiropractor who can discuss the necessary steps for strength and recovery.

Knee Pain

Knee pain is a frequent complaint that can arise from injuries, overuse, arthritis, or misalignments in the body. This pain can disrupt daily life, limiting movement and impacting quality of life. Knee discomfort often develops when the body’s structural alignment is off, which places extra strain on the knee joint and surrounding muscles and ligaments.

Chiropractic care focuses on reducing knee pain by assessing and addressing alignment throughout the lower body. Gentle adjustments may be used to realign the knee and correct imbalances in the hip, pelvis, and spine that contribute to excessive knee stress. Restoring alignment in these areas can relieve pressure on the joint, ease pain, and promote improved mobility.

To support these adjustments, chiropractors often incorporate exercises, stretches, and lifestyle guidance to improve strength and flexibility around the knee. Strengthening muscles surrounding the joint can offer additional stability, helping to prevent future injuries.

Is knee pain treatment going to be painful?

Patients may worry that adjustments or other treatments will hurt. Chiropractors reassure patients that the techniques used are generally gentle, with any discomfort being mild and short-lived. They work within the patient’s pain tolerance.

How many sessions will I need?

Frequency and number of sessions depend on the pain’s severity and the patient’s response to treatment. Chiropractors often suggest a treatment plan tailored to the individual, sometimes starting with frequent visits and tapering as improvement occurs.

If you have any questions please feel free to contact our office located in Dyker Heights, Brooklyn, NY

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Stop Mid-Back Pain

Mid-back pain is often caused by poor posture, muscle strain, or issues with the thoracic spine. It can make breathing, twisting, or lifting uncomfortable, interfering with daily life. Non-invasive and drug-free care can help ease pain and improve function.

Contact us today for effective mid-back pain treatment.

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