What some people think of as picky eating or sensitivity to sound can actually be a sign of something common called Sensory Processing Disorder. About 1 in 6 children have this disorder, with many adults impacted as well. SPD can be related to one sense or all five, and it is often seen in those with ADHD or autism. Little is known about treatments for SPD outside of learning to make accommodations for its symptoms, but a Charlotte chiropractor may be able to offer some additional relief.

About Sensory Processing Disorders

SPD is a neurodevelopmental disorder that results from the brain’s inability to process and integrate common sensory information. This information can be from one or more of the five senses (taste, smell, touch, sight, or sound) or other senses, like the proprioceptive system and vestibular system. The proprioceptive system extends throughout the spine and joints and can have an impact on motor skills, learning, behavior, and social-emotional development. The vestibular system is located in the base of the brain, the cervical spine, and inner ear, which regulates things like balance in relation to sensory input.

When these important systems are not working properly to process input, a number of issues can arise that make it difficult for someone to participate in normal daily life. These issues can range from mild to moderate and may mean an inability to tolerate stimulation such as being touched, eating certain foods, and hearing certain noises. There may also be physical impacts like sleep issues, balance problems, and difficulty reading or writing.

Common Treatment for SPD

There is no simple method of treating or reversing SPD. Instead, most people who suffer from the condition use a combination of therapy and adaptive behavior to manage symptoms. Avoiding things that may be easy to go without can be considered adaptive, and other therapies will help individuals learn to tolerate and integrate things necessary to carry out daily life.

Diet can also be used as a treatment mechanism for the condition. Focusing on the health of the gut microbiome, including avoiding processed foods and eating organic items, can be helpful. Many people also find that cutting out gluten, sugar, and dairy shows an improvement, and some will use supplements to make up for nutrition that may be lacking due to a restricted diet.

Chiropractic Care for SPD

In addition to therapies and diet, a holistic approach to SPD can involve seeing a Charlotte chiropractor like Dr. Grant Liestor. As the spine is primarily responsible for protecting and maintaining the nervous system, proper spinal alignment is a key component of ensuring full function in all sensory areas.

When the spine is returned to alignment, it can relieve the neural stress people with SPD may encounter, as well as improve neural processing and create a better flow of information and neural processing. This can relieve symptoms related to the nervous system and allow people to better tolerate input going forward.

Contact Greater Life Chiropractic today if you or your child is suffering from SPD to learn more about how chiropractic can help you live a greater, healthier life.

Sources

Suarez, M.A. “Sensory processing in children with autism spectrum disorders and impact on functioning.” Pediatric Clinics of North America, 2012 Feb; 59(1): 203-14, xii-xiii. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/22284803/.

Cermak, S.A, Curtin, C., Bandini, L.G. “Food selectivity and sensory sensitivity in children with autism spectrum disorders.” Journal of the American Dietetic Association, 2010 Feb; 110(2): 238-46. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/20102851/

Suarez, M.A. “Sensory processing in children with autism spectrum disorders and impact on functioning.” Pediatric Clinics of North America, 2012 Feb; 59(1): 203-14, xii-xiii. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/22284803/