44% of Teens Feel Hopeless—Here's What Doctors Are Missing

As a parent, watching your once full-of-life teenager transform into someone withdrawn, constantly overwhelmed, and struggling with anxiety or depression can be heart-wrenching. You've likely consulted various healthcare providers, tried different approaches, and perhaps even considered medication—yet your teen's struggles continue.

What if I told you that the root cause might not be the "chemical imbalance" that most conventional doctors continue to blame these rapidly increasing teen challenges on?

The Crisis Our Teens Are Facing

The United States is facing an unprecedented mental health crisis among adolescents. According to recent CDC data, 44% of American high school students report persistent feelings of sadness or hopelessness. Even more alarming, nearly one in three teenage girls report having seriously contemplated suicide—twice the rate of boys.

What's particularly interesting is that during this same period of rising mental health challenges, we've seen some positive trends for young people—including reduced alcohol consumption and fewer teen pregnancies—yet anxiety and depression have continued to surge across all demographics.

Beyond the Chemical Imbalance Theory

While traditional medicine typically addresses these challenges with medications aimed at correcting presumed chemical imbalances, many parents find these approaches merely mask the symptoms rather than address underlying causes.

The truth is, the 'chemical imbalance' theory behind anxiety and depression isn't as scientific or proven as most people believe.

What's really happening? Our teens' nervous systems are stuck in 'fight or flight' — constantly dysregulated, exhausted, and overwhelmed. They're trapped in stress mode 24/7, often chasing constant stimulation just to cope.

Understanding the Neurological Foundation

From a neurological perspective, anxiety and depression are often connected to imbalances in the Autonomic Nervous System—specifically between the sympathetic "fight or flight" response and the parasympathetic "rest and digest" functions.

This neurological imbalance, called dysautonomia, represents a crucial but often overlooked root cause that can leave teens stuck in a persistent state of stress and emotional dysregulation.

The Critical Role of the Vagus Nerve

The vagus nerve is the primary component of the parasympathetic nervous system and plays a crucial role in emotional regulation, stress recovery, and social connection.

This "wandering nerve" connects the brain to vital organs and helps regulate heart rate, breathing, digestion, inflammation, and emotional states.

Research shows that lower vagal tone is significantly linked to challenges in managing emotions and a heightened sensitivity to stress—exactly what we see in teens with anxiety and depression.

When vagus nerve function is compromised due to subluxation and nervous system stress, it affects your teen's ability to calm themselves, process emotions, and maintain balanced mood states.

The "Perfect Storm" Leading to Teen Mental Health Issues

This neurological dysfunction often begins early in life, what we call “The Perfect Storm”:

• Maternal stress during pregnancy can affect the developing fetal nervous system through stress hormones that cross the placental barrier.

• Birth interventions like forceps deliveries or C-sections can cause subtle injuries to the upper neck and brainstem regions, potentially affecting the vagus nerve and leading to subluxation.

• Early childhood factors continue building the foundation for later challenges, including repeated infections, frequent antibiotic use, disrupting the gut-brain axis, environmental toxins, and physical injuries.

• Modern lifestyle factors significantly amplify these neurological imbalances—including digital technology, sleep disruption, decreased physical activity, and poor nutrition affecting the gut microbiome and vagal function.

Many researchers have noted that the sharp rise in teen mental health issues coincided with the widespread adoption of smartphones around 2012, pointing to digital technology as a significant factor—but the full picture is much more complex and begins much earlier in life.

Recognizing Signs of Nervous System Dysfunction in Your Teen

If your teen is struggling, look for these signs that may indicate neurological imbalance:

• Physical signs like sleep disturbances, appetite changes, digestive issues, continually getting sick, fatigue + exhaustion, and restlessness often reflect an underlying neurological imbalance.

• Emotional indicators such as persistent sadness, excessive worry, irritability, and loss of interest stem from an Autonomic Nervous System stuck in sympathetic dominance.

• Behavioral changes including social withdrawal, declining academic performance, and increased sensitivity to criticism frequently signal nervous system dysregulation rather than just "typical teen behavior."

There Is Hope: Finding the Root Cause

Simply put – it's NOT easy being a teen in today's crazy world.

Thankfully, teens have a remarkable ability to bounce back and become resilient, adaptable, and joyful once again! The teen brain and nervous system are going through so many changes all at once, and once we get the stuck sympathetic stress, tension, subluxation, and exhaustion out of the way for them – it's programmed for healing + recovery!

At Live Well Family Chiropractic, we use advanced technology, called INSiGHT Scans, which can help us identify specific areas of dysregulation and dysautonomia and provide critical insights into your teen’s autonomic function.

Based on these assessments, we can then create personalized care plans, including specialized approaches designed to release excessive sympathetic "fight or flight" activity while stimulating the vagus nerve and parasympathetic function.

By addressing these neurological imbalances, we help restore proper communication pathways between the brain and body, creating the physiological foundation for improved emotional health and mood regulation.

Renewed Hope for Parents

Parents often tell us they feel renewed hope after learning about this nervous system-focused approach to healing! They're relieved to discover there's a different path they can take — one that doesn't rely on potentially dangerous medications with long-term side effects, but instead focuses on restoring proper function to the systems that naturally regulate mood, stress, and emotional well-being.

If your teen is struggling with anxiety or depression, it's likely their nervous system is imbalanced and dysregulated – and there is hope for healing. The teen brain is remarkably resilient when given the right support. So please don’t wait to reach out to Live Well Family Chiropracticto schedule a consultation today! If you are not local to us, check out the PX Docs directory to find an office near you.

Your teen's story isn't over. There's so much healing ahead. Let's take the first step together.

Understanding Fevers: Why Your Child's Fever Might Actually Be a Good Thing

It's the middle of the night, and you're jolted awake by your child's warm forehead and flushed cheeks. Your heart races as you scramble for the thermometer, confirming what you already knew – your child has a fever. Like most parents, your instinct might be to immediately reach for fever-reducing medication. But what if everything we've been taught about fevers is actually incomplete or even incorrect?

The Misunderstood Healing Response

Did you know that fever-reducing medications might actually prolong illness in some cases? What if that elevated temperature isn't an enemy to be fought, but an intelligent healing response orchestrated by your child's brain and nervous system – one that's actively fighting infection, activating the immune system, and doing a very important job!

Fevers account for approximately one-third of all pediatric office visits in the United States. That's millions of worried parents rushing their children to doctors each year, often unnecessarily. What's even more concerning is that many parents administer fever-reducing medication for temperatures below 100.4°F, which isn't even technically a fever!

What a Fever Really Is

A fever is not simply an elevated temperature—it's a sophisticated response produced by your child's brain and nervous system. Specifically, the hypothalamus which acts as the body's thermostat.

When your child's immune system detects pathogens like viruses or bacteria, it releases chemicals called pyrogens that signal the hypothalamus to raise the body's temperature via prostaglandins. This creates a controlled, intentional increase in temperature that's quite different from dangerous overheating that occurs in conditions like heat stroke.

From a neurological perspective, a fever is actually a sign that your child's nervous system is regulating properly, actively coordinating a complex immune response to eliminate pathogens and restore health.

The Powerful Benefits of Fevers

Here's what's happening when your child has a fever:

1. Slowing down pathogens: Many bacteria and viruses replicate optimally at normal body temperature. Even a modest increase in temperature can inhibit their reproduction and spread.

2. Enhancing immune function: Higher temperatures actually accelerate white blood cell production and improve their mobility and effectiveness. Research indicates that fevers increase the number of circulating neutrophils, a type of white blood cell.

3. Activating the healing process: The fever is literally your child's immune system kicking into high gear, creating an internal environment where healing can happen more efficiently.

When Fever Patterns Indicate Deeper Issues

A child's fever patterns—whether they spike high fevers easily, struggle to develop fevers when fighting infections, have prolonged low-grade fevers, or never develop a fever when they should—often indicate there might be dysfunction within their neuro-immune system.

If your child's fever response is consistently excessive OR suppressive, it could be a sign of underlying nervous system dysfunction, sometimes triggered by early life factors like:

• Prenatal stress

• Birth trauma (especially from interventions like forceps, vacuum extraction, or c-sections)

• Frequent early antibiotics

These can disrupt proper neurological development and affect how a child's body mounts fever responses.

When Fevers DO Warrant Medical Attention

While fevers are generally beneficial, certain situations require professional care:

• Any fever in infants under 3 months

• Fever above 102.2°F in children 3-6 months old

• Persistent fever above 102.2°F for more than two days in children over 6 months

Watch for accompanying signs like lethargy, difficulty breathing, severe headache with neck stiffness, refusal to drink leading to dehydration, or a rash that doesn't fade when pressed.

Remember that even when medical intervention is necessary, this doesn't invalidate the premise that fevers themselves are beneficial. The goal is to approach them with understanding while recognizing situations that truly require attention.

Supporting Your Child's Fever Without Suppressing It

Instead of immediately reaching for medication, consider these supportive approaches:

1. Focus on hydration: Offer room temperature water, diluted electrolyte drinks without artificial colors, herbal teas for older children, or homemade popsicles.

2. Create a healing environment: Ensure extra rest, a comfortable room temperature, lightweight clothing, and light blankets that can be easily removed.

3. Consider tepid sponging: If your child is uncomfortable, try sponging with lukewarm water, but avoid cold baths, which can cause shivering and actually raise core temperature.

4. Get your child checked for nervous system dysfunction (subluxation): Consider having your child's nervous system checked by a neurologically-focused chiropractor to ensure proper communication between the brain and immune system.

From a neurological perspective, these supportive measures create an optimal environment for the vagus nerve and parasympathetic nervous system to function properly, leading to more effective fever patterns and faster recovery.

Empowering Your Approach to Childhood Illness

At Live Well Family Chiropractic, we understand fevers from a natural and neurological perspective that transforms how we approach this common childhood experience. Rather than fearing fevers, we can recognize them as evidence of a well-functioning neuroimmune system organizing an intelligent healing response.

If you are ready to schedule a consultation, please reach out to us today!  If you are not local to us, check out the PX Docs directory to find a PX Docs office near you.

When we support rather than suppress this process, we honor the body's innate wisdom and help our children develop resilient, self-regulating immune systems!

An Exhausted Mom's Survival Guide: Navigating Motherhood with Adaptability and Resilience

Motherhood is an excessive amount of responsibilities, from caring for our children to managing household chores, work commitments, and more. It often feels like there needs to be more hours in the day to accomplish everything on our to-do lists. With carpool lines, meal prepping, loads of laundry, and trying to keep all of the kids accounted for, it's easy for moms to neglect their own well-being, leading to exhaustion and burnout. Although motherhood is literally the best job in the world, it can also sometimes feel like the hardest, too. This season is full of joy, and it is very rewarding but can get lonely at times, which is why we created this little “survival guide” to help ease those tough days, to remind you to give yourself grace, that you are the best mother for your child, AND to give you some practical tips to help your overall health and wellbeing.

Understanding the Science

As mothers, our bodies undergo significant changes, both physically and mentally. Due to frequent hormonal changes, sympathetic overdrive, and exhaustion, we need to do all we can to support our bodies through motherhood. One key contributor to exhaustion is adrenal fatigue, a condition where the adrenal glands become overworked due to chronic stress. This constant state of heightened stress can lead to feelings of anxiety and overwhelm as our nervous system gets stuck in fight-or-flight mode.

Moreover, the lack of quality sleep exacerbates the problem, leaving us reliant on caffeine to get through the day. Unfortunately, coffee, energy drinks, and other caffeine only act as band-aids, forcing us as moms to never get out of this cycle and help the root cause, which is helping our nervous system become more adaptable to all of this stress! 

Tips for Survival

So, how can we navigate motherhood with resilience and adaptability? It starts with prioritizing self-care and making small but impactful changes to our daily routines. Here are some tips to help you thrive:

• Prioritize sleep: Aim for at least 7-8 hours of quality sleep each night by establishing a bedtime routine and creating a relaxing sleep environment.

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• Fuel your body with nutritious foods: Focus on eating whole, nutrient-dense foods that nourish your body and provide sustained energy throughout the day. Start the day with protein first, even before coffee! 

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• Delegate tasks and ask for help: Don't be afraid to ask for support from your partner, family members, or friends. Delegate tasks and responsibilities to lighten your load and give yourself time to recharge.

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• Make time for self-care: Schedule regular self-care activities that rejuvenate your mind, body, and soul. Whether it's taking a long bath, going for a walk in nature, or indulging in your favorite hobby, prioritize activities that bring you joy and relaxation, even if it is just 10 minutes to reset! 

Regulate Your Nervous System 

This should be the first step! The above suggestions are very important, but most of them won’t make a major impact unless our nervous systems are rested and regulated FIRST. So what does this mean? There are two parts of our nervous system: The Parasympathetic Nervous System (the brake pedal)  and the Sympathetic Nervous System (the gas pedal). Each part is equally important! The goal is to have fluidity between the two. If you need to be in go mode, chasing after your child, you want the gas pedal on! But once they start to calm down, your nervous system should be able to recognize this and enter a rested and relaxed state as well. Most of us as moms are stuck in sympathetic dominance. This means that even when our children are safe, our body is stuck in stress mode. When we are chronically stuck in this state, exhaustion really settles in, and motherhood challenges become physical fast. 

Taking the First Step

If you're struggling to find balance in motherhood, consider exploring Neurologically-Focused Chiropractic Care. By being on a care plan that is customized to your “mom exhaustion,” your nervous system will be able to find the balance between the gas vs brake and strive for resiliency and adaptability to all that comes with being an amazing mom! 

So, how do you start?! Our cutting-edge technology, called the CLA INSiGHT Scan, assesses your nervous system's function, which shows our PX Docs exactly what is going on within your brain and body and can pinpoint that mom exhaustion! Take the first step towards a healthier, happier you by scheduling a nervous system scan today. 

Success Story: Alyssa’s Journey

Let me tell you about our awesome friend, Alyssa, and we’ll look at one of her Neurological INSiGHT Scans.

About three months after giving birth, Alyssa threw out her back. She thought it would just resolve over time, but instead, the pain she was experiencing was not decreasing and, in fact, was increasing rapidly. Alyssa was at the point where she was barely able to move off the couch, let alone care for her newborn baby. 

When she saw her scans, Alyssa was really shocked and immediately a little disappointed. She was expecting everything to be lit up like a red Christmas tree! But there wasn’t a lot lit up at all. She immediately felt hopeless and like she was “unhelpable.” BUT then her local PX Doc explained to her that her body was so exhausted from the pain and the neurological state of the “gas pedal” that it was in power-down mode! The scan wasn’t lit up because it was exhausted!!

Surprisingly, pain relief wasn’t the first sign that Alyssa’s care plan was working. Instead, she noticed that she was finally able to sleep! She had always struggled with sleep and had never been able to fall asleep or stay asleep. She also noticed that her anxiety was no longer affecting her everyday life. AND finally her back pain began to diminish!

Here is Alyssa’s first EMG scan! The yellow in Alyssa's neurological scans indicated exhaustion in her body after being stuck on sympathetic 'stress mode' for too long. 

Alyssa’s life has looked different in many ways since starting with PX Docs. She is completely off all anxiety meds, has less and less pain every day, and has been able to achieve her initial goal - PLAY ON THE FLOOR WITH HER BABY.  Alyssa said that she loves having a provider team that believes in her and feels more empowered to advocate for herself and her family.

Ready to see what your Neurological INSiGHT Scans look like?! Visit our PX Docs Directory to find a doc in your area! 

Motherhood is the most extraordinary club to be a part of, but it is also just straight-up HARD sometimes. As PX Docs, we hope that we can help you find the hope, answers, and drug-free help that you have been searching for… for not only your sweet kiddos and family but FOR YOU too!