Kick the Sick: Unlocking Your Child’s Natural Resilience
As the seasons change and we head into the colder months, many families find themselves in a frustrating cycle of colds, coughs, and congestion. Over-the-counter medications and doctor visits become routine, and stronger antibiotics are often prescribed when symptoms persist. Yet, the cycle continues. What many don’t realize is that while medications can help suppress symptoms, they often don’t address the root cause — and can even weaken the body’s long-term resilience.
At the core of our "Kick the Sick" approach is the nervous system.
Why? Because the nervous system doesn't work in isolation. It is constantly communicating with other systems throughout the body, including the immune system, and plays an important role in coordinating our response to stress.
The Nervous System: Your Body's Command Center
Your nervous system is the master controller of all your body’s systems — from immunity to digestion to recovery. Every function you rely on to stay healthy and energized is coordinated by this intricate network of nerves. A well-balanced nervous system means that all your cells, tissues, and organs can work together optimally. Any stress, interference, or imbalance within the nervous system can affect the entire body.
One of the most important aspects of the nervous system when it comes to staying healthy is the autonomic nervous system. It has two branches:
The Sympathetic Nervous System: Known as the "fight or flight" system, this branch gets activated when the body is under stress. When overactive, it can suppress immune function, making it harder for the body to fight off infections.
The Parasympathetic Nervous System: Often called the "rest and digest" system, this branch helps promote healing, digestion, and immune system activity.
When there is an imbalance between these two systems — for example, When the body is under prolonged stress and spending more time in a heightened sympathetic state, it can influence how the immune system functions. Chronic stress has been associated with changes in immune function and greater susceptibility to infections, including colds.
Subluxation: When the Nervous System + Spine Aren't Functioning as Well as They Could
Chiropractors often talk about subluxation, but what does it really mean? In simple terms, subluxation is a misalignment or dysfunction in the spine that disrupts normal nerve communication. This interference can create stress in the nervous system, preventing the body from functioning optimally and affecting its ability to regulate key systems, including the immune system.
There are many different stressors that can place demands on our bodies and nervous systems throughout life, including:
Birth + early development: Birth can place significant physical demands on both mom and baby, followed by an incredible period of growth, movement, and neurological development.
Physical stress: Falls, sports, accidents, repetitive movements, prolonged sitting, posture, and other physical demands can all influence how our bodies function.
Emotional + everyday stress: Busy schedules, school, work, changes in routine, emotional stress, and lack of recovery can all influence our stress response.
Lifestyle + environmental stress: Nutrition, sleep, illness, and our environment can add to the overall demands our bodies are adapting to.
Chiropractic care focuses on locating and correcting these areas of nerve interference to restore balance within the nervous system. Your nervous system and immune system are constantly communicating with each other. This connection helps coordinate how your body responds and adapts to stress, infection, inflammation, and other challenges. Which is why nervous system health is so important to immune health!
Chiropractic Care: A Preventative Approach to Immune Health
Most people wait until they or their children are sick before taking action, but what if you could help your family take a more preventative approach? Chiropractic care offers a preventative approach by ensuring that the nervous system — which influences the immune system — is functioning optimally year-round.
At ChiroHouse, we use advanced technology such as INSiGHT scans to precisely measure levels of nervous system stress and tension. Based on these results, we create a customized care plan to help reduce nerve interference and restore balance. The result? A stronger immune system, better sleep, improved digestion, and overall better resilience to stress and illness.
Why Kids Need Nervous System Support
Children, in particular, are constantly exposed to germs in schools, daycares, and social settings. While it's normal for kids to catch the occasional cold, frequent or severe illness may indicate that their bodies are struggling to adapt. Addressing subluxation in the nervous system might help your child's body handle seasonal changes, school stress, and growing pains without falling into the cycle of recurring illness.
For children, a stressed out or dysfunctional nervous system can lead to challenges with immune health, but it can also cause other issues such as:
Digestive problems: Nerve interference along the spine can impact gut function, leading to issues like constipation, stomach aches, or diarrhea.
Behavioral challenges: Conditions such as ADHD, sensory processing issues, or anxiety
Sleep and bedwetting struggles: When the nervous system is out of balance, sleep patterns and bladder control can be affected.
"Kick the Sick" Strategies for Families
Instead of relying solely on medication when symptoms arise, here are some simple steps to help your family stay healthy naturally:
Prioritize rest and reduce stressors when sick: Give your body the chance to recover by reducing stressful activities and promoting relaxation.
Ensure proper nutrition and hydration: A balanced diet with plenty of whole foods, vitamins, and water helps build immune resilience.
Get regular chiropractic check-ups: By keeping the nervous system clear of subluxation, you help your body maintain its natural defenses.
Natural immune boosters: Consider using vitamin C and D, probiotics, and essential oils to enhance immune function.
By supporting the body in this way, many families find that their children experience fewer colds, recover more quickly, and build up resilience over time.
Conclusion: Strengthen the Immune System from Within
Chiropractic care is about more than just treating pain — it’s about optimizing health at its core, starting with the nervous system. By reducing subluxations and improving nervous system function, your body is better equipped to handle stress, fight off illness, and maintain overall wellness. Especially during flu season, keeping your nervous system in balance is a crucial step in staying healthy.
At ChiroHouse, we’re here to support your family in kicking the sick cycle and building strong, resilient bodies that can adapt to whatever life throws your way. Contact us today to schedule a "Kick the Sick" assessment and take the first step toward better immune health!
