ADHD & ADD
The Neurological Root of ADHD
To truly understand how Neurologically-Focused Chiropractic Care and how Dr. Nathan Wallb can help children with ADHD, we need to look at the body’s command center: the nervous system. Specifically, we focus on the autonomic nervous system (ANS)—which runs all of the body’s automatic functions like digestion, immune response, heart rate, and, importantly, stress regulation.
The ANS has two key parts:
- The sympathetic nervous system (SNS) – the “gas pedal,” which drives the fight-or-flight response.
- The parasympathetic nervous system (PNS) – the “brake pedal,” which helps the body rest, digest, calm, immune and regulate.
In a well-functioning system, these two branches work together in balance. But in many children with ADHD, this balance is disrupted. We often see what we call the “Neuro Storm”—a buildup of early life stressors like birth trauma, prenatal stress, or repeated illness and antibiotic use—that pushes the nervous system into overdrive. The SNS stays stuck “on,” and the calming influence of the PNS becomes weakened.
This can show up in two major ways:
- 1st – a child who is hyperactive, impulsive, and constantly on edge.
- 2nd – a child whose system is disorganized, sluggish, and struggles to stay focused or regulate.
At the core of this imbalance is subluxation, or stress and interference within the nervous system. This can be caused by physical stress (like a difficult birth), chemical stress (like toxins), or emotional stress—and over time it leads to dysautonomia, where the nervous system becomes stuck and unable to self-regulate.
One of the most affected areas is the vagus nerve—a vital nerve that supports parasympathetic (“rest and regulate”) activity. It connects the brainstem to the heart, lungs, digestive system, and more. Research shows children with ADHD often have low vagal tone, meaning the vagus nerve isn’t functioning properly—leading to poor regulation, poor digestion, mood instability, and behavior challenges. Dr. Nathan and team here at TFC look to this nerve heavily to make sure the child has all the chance to stay in the “Brake-Pedal” response.
This is why a neurologically-focused approach is essential. It’s not about managing symptoms—it’s about getting to the root, restoring balance, and helping the nervous system finally settle and thrive.
INSiGHT Scans:
A Window Into Your Child’s Nervous System
At Thriving Families Chiropractic, we use state-of-the-art INSiGHT Scans to take the guesswork out of care and provide a clear view of how your child’s nervous system is truly functioning. These scans are completely non-invasive and safe for children of all ages—even infants—and they help us uncover what’s going on beneath the surface.
INSiGHT Scans evaluate three key areas of neurological function:
NeuroThermal Scan:
Measures temperature patterns along the spine to detect areas of dysregulation and imbalance in the autonomic nervous system.
Neuro-EMG Scan:
Shows us where stress is building up, indicating chronic subluxation and overactive nerve activity.
Heart Rate Variability (HRV):
Gives us insight into the adaptability and balance of the nervous system as well as direct information from the vagus nerve. Low HRV is a sign of sympathetic overdrive—when the “gas pedal” is stuck and the body is in a constant state of stress.
A Story Of Hope
When Dr. Nathan and team obtain these scans we combine the scan results with a thorough neurological exam and a deep dive into your child’s history, we’re able to build a personalized care plan that actually addresses the root cause—not just the symptoms.
Below is an example from a real case—an ADHD child presenting with hyperactivity, impulsivity, trouble sleeping, digestive struggles, and frequent illness. The Neuro-EMG scan shows intense stress patterns in the neck and upper spine—where sensory input flows rapidly to the brain. These chaotic signals keep the nervous system stuck in overdrive and were likely set into motion by a difficult birth involving a failed vacuum extraction followed by an emergency C-section.
Scans like this don’t just help us understand what’s wrong—they guide us in how to help your child heal, regulate, and thrive from the inside out.
The intense stress patterns we see in the lower part of this child’s neurospinal system are directly tied to his chronic constipation and gut-related challenges. This family had tried it all—magnesium, Miralax, and countless other remedies—to ease his digestive issues, but nothing worked. Then, after just a few weeks of Neurologically-Focused Chiropractic Care, everything started to shift. He began sleeping soundly through the night, having regular bowel movements, and showing a dramatic decrease in both sensory overwhelm and behavioral outbursts.
While your local PX Doctor will walk you through all the details of your child’s Neuro-EMG, NeuroThermal, and HRV scans, what’s often immediately clear is just how “wound up and worn out” the nervous system can become. This overwhelmed, stuck-in-overdrive state is exactly what traps so many kids in the exhausting loop of ADHD—and why helping the nervous system regulate is key to lasting change.
Helping Your Child with ADHD Thrive—Naturally
If you’re reading this, chances are you’ve felt the highs and lows of parenting a child with ADHD. You’ve witnessed their incredible creativity, resilience, and energy—alongside the daily challenges, frustrations, and misunderstandings. And like so many parents, you’ve likely tried everything to help them succeed in a world that often doesn’t fully understand how their brain works.
At Thriving Families, we want every parent to know this: you’re not alone—and there is real hope. When we approach ADHD through a neurological lens, identifying and addressing the root causes of nervous system dysfunction, incredible changes can happen. We’ve seen it time and time again—children sleeping better, focusing more, regulating emotions, and reconnecting with who they were created to be.
Whether your child is newly diagnosed or has been struggling for years… whether they’re taking medication or searching for a drug-free path… we’re here to walk alongside you. Our care is gentle, personalized, and 100% drug-free—built around the unique needs and goals of your child and your family.
If you’re ready to discover what’s possible with Neurologically-Focused Chiropractic Care, it starts with a thorough consultation and INSiGHT Scans as well as a Physical Neuro exam to truly understand what’s going on beneath the surface.
Get Started Today!
Click our special offer below and let us know you’re ready to get safe and effective results! If you have questions right now feel free to reach out to us at (801) 590-0600.