Sensory Processing Disorder in Cary, NC: Understanding Sensory Gating Dysfunction and Upper Cervical Chiropractic Care
If your child in Cary, NC or surrounding areas struggles with sensory processing disorder (SPD), you've likely tried occupational therapy, sensory tools, and countless strategies to help them manage overwhelming environments. But what if the root cause isn't about their senses being "too sensitive", but rather their brainstem's inability to properly filter sensory information?
As pediatric chiropractors specializing in neurologically-based care at Harmony Family Chiropractic in Cary, we've helped hundreds of Triangle-area families understand that sensory processing disorder is really sensory gating dysfunction, and it's happening in a very specific part of your child's nervous system.
What Is Sensory Gating Dysfunction?
Sensory gating is your brain's natural ability to filter out unnecessary information so you can focus on what matters. Think of it like a bouncer at a nightclub, deciding what gets in and what stays out.
Your child experiences approximately 11 million bits of sensory information every second: the hum of fluorescent lights, the texture of their shirt tag, conversations across the room, the smell of lunch from down the hallway, and countless other inputs.
A healthy nervous system filters this down to about 40-50 bits of information that actually reach conscious awareness. This allows your child to focus, regulate emotions, and navigate their world without becoming overwhelmed.
But when sensory gating breaks down? All 11 million bits start flooding through.
Where Sensory Gating Happens: The Brainstem Connection
The primary sensory gating center is located in your child's reticular activating system (RAS) within the brainstem, specifically in an area that sits right at the top of the spine where it meets the skull.
This region includes:
The upper cervical spine (C1 and C2 vertebrae)
The brainstem (medulla and pons)
The reticular formation (the filtering network)
When this area experiences stress, misalignment, or dysfunction - whether from birth trauma, falls, injuries, or accumulated tension - the filtering capacity diminishes. The nervous system shifts into a protective, hypervigilant state where everything feels like a potential threat.
Your child isn't choosing to have a meltdown in Target. Their brainstem literally cannot filter out the fluorescent lights, the shopping cart squeaks, the crowd noise, and the overwhelming visual stimulation. It's all coming through at full volume with no filter.
Why Traditional Approaches Miss the Root Cause
Most approaches to sensory processing disorder in the Cary area focus on managing symptoms rather than addressing the underlying nervous system dysfunction:
Occupational therapy teaches coping strategies and provides sensory input
Sensory tools (weighted blankets, noise-canceling headphones, fidgets) help reduce input
Behavioral interventions work on responses to sensory overwhelm
These approaches can be helpful, but they're working around the problem rather than addressing why the filtering system broke down in the first place.
How Upper Cervical Chiropractic Adjustments Restore Filtering Capacity
At our Cary chiropractic office, we use neurologically-based chiropractic care and specifically target the upper cervical spine - its direct relationship to brainstem function.
The Upper Cervical-Brainstem Connection
The atlas (C1) and axis (C2) vertebrae create a protective ring around the brainstem. When these vertebrae experience misalignment or dysfunction, often called subluxation, they create mechanical stress and neurological interference right where sensory gating occurs.
This interference disrupts:
Proprioceptive input (your brain's ability to sense body position)
Vestibular function (balance and spatial awareness)
Autonomic regulation (the ability to shift between calm and alert states)
Reticular activating system function (sensory filtering)
What Research Shows
Studies on sensory gating dysfunction have identified:
Children with sensory processing challenges show measurable differences in brainstem auditory evoked responses
Upper cervical misalignment correlates with autonomic nervous system dysregulation
Chiropractic adjustments produce documented changes in brain activity related to sensory processing
The Adjustment Process
Our approach involves:
INSiGHT Scanning Technology: We use computerized scans that measure nervous system function, identifying exactly where stress patterns exist in the spine and how they're affecting the brainstem
Upper Cervical Analysis: Using our INSiGHT Scans and other exams we can measure upper cervical dysfunction and alignment to understand the exact nature of the interference
Gentle, Specific Adjustments: Using neurologically-based techniques, we deliver precise adjustments to the upper cervical spine that remove interference and restore proper communication between the brainstem and body
Re-testing and Progress Tracking: We measure changes in nervous system function over time, documenting improvements in your child's filtering capacity
What Parents in Cary Notice After Care
Families bringing their children to our Cary pediatric chiropractic practice for sensory processing challenges report:
Improved tolerance for previously overwhelming environments (grocery stores, schools, restaurants)
Better emotional regulation and fewer meltdowns
Increased ability to focus and complete tasks
Improved sleep quality and duration
Reduced anxiety and hypervigilance
Better social interactions with peers
Decreased need for sensory tools and accommodations
One parent recently shared: "We spent two years in occupational therapy with minimal progress. After three months of specific care, my son can finally handle birthday parties and school assemblies without melting down. His nervous system finally has a filter again."
Is Your Child Experiencing Sensory Gating Dysfunction?
Common signs that your child's brainstem filtering system needs support:
Sound sensitivity: covering ears, distress from normal household noises
Touch aversion: refusing certain clothing textures, resisting hugs or haircuts
Visual overwhelm: shutting down in busy environments, difficulty in fluorescent lighting
Movement sensitivity: car sickness, resistance to swings or playground equipment
Emotional dysregulation: quick transitions from calm to meltdown
Sleep struggles: difficulty falling asleep or staying asleep
Focus challenges: inability to filter out background noise or activity
Picky eating: extreme reactions to food textures, temperatures, or smells
Why Families Choose Harmony Family Chiropractic in Cary
As the Triangle area's leading neurologically-based pediatric chiropractic clinic, we understand that sensory processing disorder isn't just a behavioral or developmental issue - it's a nervous system function issue with a specific location and a specific solution.
Our team has advanced training in:
Pediatric neurology and development
Upper cervical specific techniques
INSiGHT scanning technology
Nervous system-based assessment and care
Supporting children with ADHD, autism, SPD, and complex neurological challenges
We've helped hundreds of Cary, Apex, Holly Springs, and Morrisville families address the root cause of their child's sensory struggles, not just manage symptoms.
Here's How We Get Started:
Step 1: Complimentary Phone Consultation
Before you even come into our Cary office, we'll have a thorough conversation about your child's challenges. During this call, we'll:
Review your intake forms and your child's health history
Discuss what you've already tried (OT, therapy, medications, sensory tools)
Understand your child's specific sensory struggles and how they're impacting daily life
Learn about any birth trauma, falls, or injuries your child has experienced
Clarify your goals for care and what improvement would look like for your family
Explain how nervous system based chiropractic care addresses sensory gating dysfunction
Answer all your questions about our approach, what to expect, and whether we're the right fit
Determine if neurologically-based chiropractic care is appropriate for your child's situation
This consultation call ensures we're a good fit before you invest time coming into the office.
Step 2: Comprehensive In-Office Examination (If we determine we can help)
If we believe we can help your child and you'd like to move forward, we'll schedule your first in-office visit. During this appointment, we'll:
Conduct a comprehensive nervous system assessment
Perform INSiGHT scans to identify areas of dysfunction and measure nervous system stress patterns
Upper cervical analysis to understand the specific nature of spinal interference
Create a personalized care plan designed to restore filtering capacity and nervous system regulation
Frequently Asked Questions About Sensory Processing and Chiropractic Care in Cary, NC
Is chiropractic care safe for children with sensory processing disorder?
Yes. Pediatric chiropractic adjustments are extremely gentle, often described as the amount of pressure you'd use to check a tomato for ripeness. We specifically work with children who have heightened sensory sensitivities and create a calm, predictable environment.
How long does it take to see improvements?
Many parents notice initial changes within the first 4-6 visits, with continued improvement over 3-6 months as the nervous system builds new, healthier patterns. Every child's timeline is unique based on their history and severity of dysfunction.
Can chiropractic care replace occupational therapy?
We view chiropractic care and occupational therapy as complementary. We address the neurological root cause while OT provides valuable skills and strategies. Many families find their child progresses faster in OT once their nervous system filtering improves.
Ready to find out if Harmony can help you or your child? Let’s chat!