The Aftermath of Decades of Medication Reliance
Starting in the late ‘80s and early ‘90s, ADHD medications and other psychiatric drugs became commonplace for kids and teens. While those medications were supposed to offer short-term relief, many individuals who grew up during that era are now adults navigating side effects and lingering issues such as sleep disturbances, chronic fatigue, or reliance on additional medications for emerging health challenges.
This doesn’t mean that medications should never be considered; we believe they shouldn’t always be the first line of defense. It indicates that we should consider a more proactive, holistic approach to care, such as chiropractic care. Chiropractic care can help many people find more natural and lasting relief by reducing the underlying stress on the nervous system.
Measuring and Managing the Stress on the Nervous System
In chiropractic, our primary goal is to assess how the spine and nervous system handle stress. By identifying misalignments (subluxations) and correcting them, we aim to restore proper nerve flow so the body can respond appropriately to its environment. This is especially important for children who are still developing, as their bodies are more sensitive to stressors.
When the spine and nervous system are aligned, the body can better process stimuli and maintain a healthy balance between Fight-or-Flight and Rest-and-Digest responses. Chronic stress, if left unchecked, can lead to overactivation of the Fight-or-Flight response, resulting in elevated cortisol levels. Over time, this can contribute to cortisol-induced weight gain, impaired immune function, and an increased risk of pain, dysfunction, and disease. Chiropractic care helps break this cycle by supporting the body’s natural ability to regulate stress, promoting long-term health and resilience.
Understanding The Three “T” Ingredients of the Perfect Storm
Most people don’t realize that stressors come in multiple forms—and they can build up quickly. Chiropractors often refer to these as the three Ts:
- Physical Stress (Trauma): Begins at birth and continues through infancy, childhood, and adulthood. Traumas are injury-based or repetitive positions and motions.
- Chemical Stress (Toxins): These are supplied in the food we eat, the water and liquids we drink, the air we breathe, and the other chemicals and pollutants our bodies internalize every day. Because we live in a world saturated with toxins, our bodies must work overtime to filter them out. When the nervous system is already stressed, this becomes much harder.
- Emotional/Mental Stress (Thoughts): Stress can manifest from fear and anxiety produced by internal and external factors. In today’s society, it is also observed as a perpetuating cycle of worry that has risen to alarming numbers due to the never-ending online input of stressors that are not in the person’s control.
Breaking the Cycle: How Chiropractic Care Can Help
The key question is: How do we reduce these three Ts and help our kids (and ourselves) thrive?
- Start Early
- Begin chiropractic check-ups as early as possible to ensure a child’s spine is aligned from day one.
- Catch and correct small misalignments before becoming more significant, chronic issues.
- Support the Immune System
- A well-functioning nervous system boosts your immune response.
- Regular adjustments help the body adapt better to physical, chemical, and emotional stressors.
- Make Lifestyle Changes
- Opt for healthier, toxin-free foods (organic when possible).
- Consider gentle, natural remedies before taking antibiotics or other medications.
- Participate in stress-reducing activities.
- Encourage frequent movement and play to counteract the adverse effects of prolonged sitting.
- Address Mental/Emotional Stress
- Unplug from devices and participate in electronic-free activities you enjoy.
- Set realistic goals and emphasize self-care, including adequate rest.
- Seek counseling or therapy if emotional stress is overwhelming.
Preventing the Perfect Storm
Our goal at Advanced Physical Medicine & Rehab of Miami in Miami, FL, is to help people in our community avoid the Perfect Storm by identifying and reducing nervous system stress before it becomes debilitating. We believe that the best time to start chiropractic care is yesterday, but it’s never too late to take control of your health today.
Whether you’re a parent looking to give your child a healthier start or an adult wanting to mitigate long-term consequences from past medication reliance, we’re here to help guide you toward greater well-being.
Take Charge of Your Health
If you’re ready to learn more about how chiropractic care can make a difference, call to schedule an appointment today. Our team is here to answer any questions and guide you through the process of avoiding or overcoming the Perfect Storm.
For Your Health,
Dr. Joseph Gambardella, Dr. Benjamin Erb and Dr. Gail Behar