3. Supporting Your Family’s Nervous System: The Science of Stress, Vagus Nerve, and Neurologically-Focused Chiropractic

In this episode of The Well Adjusted Chiropractor Podcast, we’re diving into the science of stress, the nervous system, and why so many chronic health challenges may have more in common than we realize.Whether you’re a parent trying to understand your child’s ADHD, sensory challenges, poor sleep, digestive issues, emotional dysregulation, or developmental concerns—or you’re someone who’s been told everything looks “normal” but still doesn’t feel like yourself—this episode explores why looking beyond symptoms and understanding how the nervous system responds to stress can offer a different perspective.We’ll cover:How the autonomic nervous system responds to stressThe difference between the sympathetic (“fight, flight, or freeze”) and parasympathetic (“rest, digest, and regulate”) nervous systemsWhy chronic stress can affect sleep, digestion, behavior, immune function, and overall well-beingThe role of the vagus nerve and why sensory input mattersNeuroplasticity and how the brain learns—and can relearn—patterns over timeWhat neurologically focused chiropractic is and how it fits into supporting nervous system functionHow INSIGHT Scans (Heart Rate Variability, Neuro-Thermal, and Surface EMG) help chiropractors objectively assess how the nervous system is adaptingWhy building a healthy foundation through nervous system regulation can complement other healthy lifestyle habits such as movement, nutrition, sleep, and stress managementSarah BrodmanInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/ftdr.sarah_brodmanYouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@sarahbrodman3226Resources & Links:PX Docs + Learn More from Dr. Tony Ebel (Articles & Educational Resources): https://pxdocs.com/Find a PX Pediatric & Family Chiropractor: https://pxdocs.com/px-docs/INSIGHT Scans: https://pxdocs.com/nervous-system/insight-scans/Haavik, H., Niazi, I. K., Amjad, I., Kumari, N., Ghani, U., Ashfaque, M., Rashid, U., Navid, M. S., Kamavuako, E. N., Pujari, A. N., & Holt, K. (2024). Neuroplastic responses to chiropractic care: Broad impacts on pain, mood, sleep, and quality of life. Brain Sciences, 14(11), 1124.https://doi.org/10.3390/brainsci14111124Lelic, D., Niazi, I. K., Holt, K., Jochumsen, M., Dremstrup, K., Yielder, P., Murphy, B., Drewes, A. M., & Haavik, H. (2016). Manipulation of dysfunctional spinal joints affects sensorimotor integration in the prefrontal cortex: A brain source localization study. Neural Plasticity, 2016, 3704964.https://doi.org/10.1155/2016/3704964Hoeve, J. (2021). Clinical evidence of vestibular dysregulation in colicky babies before and after chiropractic treatment vs. non-colicky babies. Frontiers in Pediatrics, 9, 668457.https://doi.org/10.3389/fped.2021.668457Gazerani, P. (2025). The neuroplastic brain: Current breakthroughs and emerging frontiers. Brain Research, 1858, 149643.https://doi.org/10.1016/j.brainres.2025.149643Disclaimer: This podcast is for educational purposes only and is not intended to diagnose, treat, or replace individualized medical advice