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ADHD & Sensory Struggles? How Chiropractic Can Help Your Child Thrive Naturally

Portrait of Dr. Jonathan Johnson of Pinnacle Chiropractic — Pediatric and Prenatal Chiropractor in Lakewood Ranch, FL.
Dr. Jonathan Johnson
March 6, 2025
A child with ADHD receives a nervous system based chiropractic adjustment.

At Pinnacle Chiropractic, we know how overwhelming it can be to support a child with ADHD and Sensory Processing Disorder (SPD). From difficulty focusing in school to emotional outbursts and sensory overload, these challenges affect not just your child, but the entire family.

Many parents feel stuck between conventional treatments that don’t address the root cause and the search for a natural, drug-free solution that actually works. That’s where we come in. Our nervous system-based chiropractic care is designed to help your child regulate their sensory input, improve focus, and function at their highest potential.

Understanding ADHD and Sensory Processing Challenges

What is ADHD?

ADHD (Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder) is a neurological condition characterized by inattention, impulsivity, and hyperactivity. These symptoms can make daily tasks—like sitting still, following directions, or completing homework—feel impossible for some kids.

While medications are often prescribed, they don’t work for every child and don’t address the underlying neurological imbalances contributing to ADHD symptoms.

What is Sensory Processing Disorder (SPD)?

SPD occurs when the brain has difficulty receiving, processing, and responding to sensory information. Some children with SPD are hypersensitive, reacting strongly to bright lights, loud noises, or certain textures, while others are under-responsive, constantly seeking movement and stimulation.

Many children with ADHD also struggle with sensory processing challenges, as both conditions involve dysregulation in the nervous system.

The Nervous System and ADHD/SPD: What’s the Connection?

At the root of ADHD and SPD lies an overwhelmed and overstimulated nervous system. When the nervous system is stuck in a fight-or-flight response, it becomes difficult for a child to focus, regulate emotions, or process sensory input properly.

Misalignments in the spine—especially in the upper neck—can contribute to this dysfunction, making it harder for the brain to regulate sensory information and behavior.

That’s why our approach focuses on balancing the nervous system through gentle pediatric chiropractic care.

How Chiropractic Care Supports Kids with ADHD and SPD

At Pinnacle Chiropractic, we take a neurologically-based approach to care. Our focus is on correcting nervous system interference so your child’s brain and body can communicate and function optimally.

Key Benefits of Chiropractic Care for ADHD and SPD:

Calms an Overactive Nervous System – Gentle adjustments help regulate the fight-or-flight response, making it easier for kids to stay calm and focused.

Improves Sensory Processing – When the nervous system functions properly, the brain can interpret and respond to sensory input more effectively.

Enhances Focus and Attention – Better nervous system function leads to improved concentration, emotional control, and impulse regulation.

Supports Emotional Regulation – Kids who struggle with meltdowns and mood swings often experience a sense of calm after regular chiropractic care.

Improves Sleep Patterns – Poor sleep is a common struggle for children with ADHD/SPD. By calming the nervous system, chiropractic care helps kids fall asleep faster and stay asleep longer.

Encourages Healthy Brain Development – The earlier nervous system imbalances are addressed, the better a child’s brain can develop and adapt.

Our Approach to Helping Kids Thrive

Step 1: Comprehensive Case History & Nervous System Assessment

We begin with a detailed case history to understand your child’s health journey and identify potential root causes of nervous system dysfunction. From there, we utilize advanced INSiGHT neurological scans to measure:
✔️ Inflammation levels
✔️ Muscular tension levels
✔️ Stress 

These scans help us pinpoint how well your child’s nervous system is functioning and where interference may be occurring, allowing us to create the most effective care plan.

Step 2: Personalized Chiropractic Care Plan

Each child receives a customized care plan tailored to their unique needs. Our precise, gentle, and kid-friendly adjustments help restore proper nervous system function, allowing their body to adapt and thrive.

Step 3: Ongoing Support and Guidance

We believe in partnering with parents every step of the way. Through education, lifestyle recommendations, and continuous progress monitoring, we ensure your child receives the best possible care, making adjustments as needed for long-term success.

Success Story: Vincent’s Transformation 

Vincent’s journey with Pinnacle Chiropractic started when his mom saw a post about the “Perfect Storm” and felt like it was screaming at her. At the time, Vincent was holding it together at school, but at home, he was constantly fidgeting and overwhelmed by sensory inputs. Other kids would get frustrated with him, and at times, he seemed “disconnected.” His mom had concerns about food sensitivities and overall health, but no one—pediatricians, friends, or family—was truly listening. The frustration weighed heavily on her, making her feel like she wasn’t doing enough.

At Pinnacle, the INSiGHT scans confirmed what she had been sensing all along, and Dr. Matt’s explanations made everything click. Within the first week or two of care, a switch flipped. Vincent’s body entered a calmer state, and his mom started noticing remarkable changes. He was easier to talk to, more rational when emotional, and better able to process his feelings. His focus improved, his reactions were calmer, and even his immune system got stronger—when he did get sick, it didn’t last as long.

Today, as a teen, Vincent still loves his adjustments! His mom says, “I’m very glad we have Pinnacle as a resource to keep getting him to be the healthiest version of himself and with such a better understanding of how his body works.” 🌟 Chiropractic care wasn’t just a solution—it was the missing piece that helped Vincent thrive.

Why Parents Choose Pinnacle Chiropractic

🌟 Expert Pediatric Care: Our team is highly trained in pediatric and prenatal chiropractic care, with certifications from ICPA and PXDocs.

🌟 Safe and Gentle Adjustments: Our techniques are tailored specifically for children, ensuring comfortable and effective care. 

🌟 Holistic, Drug-Free Approach: We focus on getting to the root cause of ADHD and SPD, not just managing symptoms with medication.

🌟 Family-Centered Care: We believe in partnering with parents to create lasting health improvements for their children.

Take the Next Step Toward Natural Healing

If your child struggles with ADHD, sensory overload, emotional regulation, or focus issues, there is hope. Chiropractic care can help their nervous system function at its best, allowing them to thrive naturally.

📞 Call us today at 941-822-8828

You don’t have to navigate this journey alone—we’re here to help your child reach their Pinnacle Potential!

Looking for a Pediatric or Prenatal Chiropractor Near You?

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Reviews

Patient Stories: Discover Reviews by Satisfied Chiropractic Patients

Hear what our patients have to say about their experience at Pinnacle.

Please if you are concern about your child’s overall well-being please go to Pinnacle Chiropractor, you won’t regret it, they have changed our lives.
We are so thankful with Dr. Matt, Dr. Jordan and all the staff. My son is a completely different kid. We contacted Dr. Matt because my son was getting sick all the time (he had the flu twice, strep, pneumonia, and tonsilitis this year) had a really hard time sleeping and was a picky eater. His pediatrician said that he would grow out of it, just to give him time, but I felt this was not enough. I wanted my son to thrive, to be a happy, healthy kid. So I talked to my pediatrician about Dr. Matt and she said to go a head and try it, that she goes to a chiropractor as well and that it has helped her a lot. So we made the decision to go, we paid for the whole treatment (people may say is “expensive”, but it is totally worth it, I would do it all over again) and the results are just amazing. My son is happier than ever, he is sleeping better, his appetite has increased, and the most important part he is healthy. He has gotten a cold here and there but he is fighting it off so much quicker and no high fevers like he used to get.
I am so thankful to Pinnacle for the confidence I have that my body is right and ready for labor.
100% recommend for pregnant mommas! I have been receiving weekly adjustments since I was about 10 weeks pregnant, and have had nothing short of an amazing experience at Pinnacle Chiropractic! The staff here is incredible and it is evident that they truly care for their patients needs. Since receiving prenatal care, I have had tremendous relief in the lower back pain that I experienced prior to pregnancy and have experienced little to no pelvic discomfort. Weekly pelvic adjustments have made a huge difference in my pregnancy symptoms thus far, and I am so thankful to pinnacle for the confidence I have that my body is right and ready for labor.
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7984 Cooper Creek Blvd., Suite #104
University Park, FL 34201
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