The Hidden Stress Behind Back-to-School
For many Colorado Springs families, the end of summer comes with more than just new backpacks and school supplies. It often brings a massive amount of stress. Parents worry about meltdowns over homework, calls from teachers about focus issues, or simply watching a child struggle in a classroom environment that doesn’t feel built for how their brain works.
One young teen who came to our office had major sensory processing struggles. Simple things like itchy clothes, crowded hallways, or loud noises sent her into complete overwhelm. School was exhausting, and even routine errands like going into a store felt impossible.
Over time, neurologically focused chiropractic care helped calm the stress inside her nervous system. Today, she describes her anxiety as a three or four instead of the eight or nine it used to be, and now she’s considering becoming a chiropractor herself!
Why Traditional Approaches Often Fall Short
Over the past decade, ADHD and sensory processing diagnoses have risen dramatically. In fact, between 2016 and 2022, an additional one million U.S. children were diagnosed with ADHD. Sensory processing challenges now affect nearly one in six kids. Yet most conventional methods still focus on symptom management. Behavior charts, counseling, and even medication can provide some relief, but they don’t always get to the heart of the issue.
The real problem often lies within the nervous system. When the sympathetic “fight-or-flight” response dominates and the parasympathetic “rest, digest and heal” system is underactive, kids feel stuck in a constant state of overload. This imbalance leaves them anxious, restless, and unable to concentrate in a busy school environment.
Small Daily Habits that Make a Big Difference
Parents can begin building a calmer foundation at home. Quality sleep is essential. Establishing earlier bedtimes, keeping screens out of the bedroom (we know that’s a tough one), and creating a cool, quiet environment can dramatically improve focus and emotional regulation.
Organization also plays a big role. Simple strategies like creating a family “command center” or designating spots for backpacks and school supplies ease transitions. These routines reduce the cognitive load on already overwhelmed children, allowing their energy to flow toward learning and growth.
And don’t underestimate the power of movement. Morning exercise—whether it’s jumping jacks, a walk around the block, or squats before breakfast—can help kids start the day calmer, more focused, and better regulated.
Families here in Colorado Springs often enjoy a quick walk or bike ride on the Pikes Peak Greenway Trail, which can be a simple way to combine movement with fresh air before school. (This is true for parents, too; just think how stiff joints feel worse on a cold morning when we skip stretching.)
A Natural Foundation for Focus and Calm
While sleep, organization, and exercise help, many parents find they aren’t enough on their own. That’s where neurologically focused chiropractic care can make a profound difference.
Through gentle, specific adjustments, this approach helps release tension in an overactive nervous system and activates the calming side of the brain-body connection. Freedom Chiropractic offers advanced INSiGHT Scans, which are used to pinpoint areas of stress and build personalized care plans that support focus, sleep, and emotional balance.
Set Your Child Up for Success
Every school year brings its challenges, but here’s the good news: with the right strategies, kids can approach them with more confidence and calm. If your child struggles with ADHD, anxiety, or sensory processing challenges, this could be the perfect time to explore natural, drug-free options that focus on the root cause rather than just the symptoms.
Schedule your child’s initial INSiGHT Scans at Freedom Chiropractic today and discover how neurologically focused pediatric chiropractic care can help them flourish this school year and beyond!