Understanding Sensory Processing Disorder (SPD)

What Is Sensory Processing Disorder (SPD)?

Sensory Processing Disorder (SPD), also known by other terms like Sensory Integration Dysfunction or Neurosensory Dysfunction, refers to a condition where the brain has difficulty processing and responding to sensory information from the environment. Our sensory system works as a "read and react" system, where our body is preprogrammed to respond appropriately to stimuli. This programming develops throughout life and helps us avoid harm, like learning to move our hand away from a hot stove after touching it.

As Dr. Bruce Lipton, a renowned biologist, explains:
"The function of the nervous system is to perceive the environment and coordinate the behavior of all other cells."

Perception and Coordination: The Core of SPD

In SPD, children struggle with the critical processes of perception and coordination. Perception is the ability to correctly interpret sensory input (like sights, sounds, and touches), while coordination ensures that the body responds appropriately. When the brain’s perception and coordination processes are impaired, children may have trouble understanding and adapting to their surroundings.

Think of the nervous system as the “Air Traffic Control” system for the body. It constantly takes in sensory data from the environment through receptors in the skin, eyes, ears, and other senses. This data is then processed and filtered by the brain, particularly in areas like the brainstem and upper neck, which act as the control center for sensory processing. These regions determine which sensory information is important enough to send to higher brain regions, helping us respond to our environment appropriately.

For children with SPD, this system doesn’t work as it should, leading to difficulties in perceiving and adapting to sensory input. This imbalance can affect brain development and lead to challenges like learning difficulties, behavioral issues, or coordination problems.

What Causes SPD?

SPD can result from various factors, but in our office, we most commonly encounter three key causes:

  1. Birth Injuries: Traumatic birth experiences such as forceps or vacuum extraction, or even Cesarean sections, can affect the upper neck and brainstem regions—key areas responsible for sensory processing.

  2. Childhood Falls: Physical trauma, like falls during early childhood, can disrupt normal development of sensory and motor coordination.

  3. Overuse of Infant Gear: Prolonged use of infant car carriers, walkers, and jumpers can impact proper physical and neurological development during critical early years.

The most significant cause, however, is often birth injury, which can directly affect the regions of the nervous system that control perception and coordination. Damage to the brainstem, cerebellum, or vagus nerve during delivery can lead to long-term sensory processing issues.

Recognizing Sensory Processing Disorder

Sadly, SPD is often overlooked or misdiagnosed. Many healthcare providers may not be trained to recognize sensory challenges, and conditions like ADD/ADHD, Autism Spectrum Disorders, or behavioral problems may mask the underlying sensory processing issues. Often, SPD goes unaddressed because it's dismissed with phrases like “they’ll grow out of it” or “wait and see.” However, these children need early intervention to help them overcome these challenges, as waiting can lead to greater difficulties later in life.

Common Signs of SPD in Children

Here are some early warning signs that may indicate a child has SPD or sensory challenges. These issues are often related to birth injuries or trauma to the neck and brainstem:

  • Intervention during Birth: C-sections, forceps, vacuum extraction, or difficulty with head and neck movement during delivery.

  • Infancy Challenges: Colic, reflux, gas pains, or torticollis (twisted neck).

  • Motor and Developmental Delays: Issues such as skipping crawling, or delayed motor skills.

  • Balance and Coordination Problems: Frequent falls, poor coordination, and unsteady movements.

  • Speech Delays: Difficulty with communication or delayed speech development.

  • Frequent Infections: Recurring ear infections, sinus problems, or digestive issues.

Treating Sensory Processing Disorder

Traditional treatments for SPD often focus on modifying behavior through therapy. Specialized sensory therapy, typically conducted in a “sensory gym” by occupational and physical therapists, is commonly used to help children with SPD learn to better process and adapt to sensory input.

However, while therapy can be helpful, we believe that addressing the root causes of SPD is essential for long-term improvement. Instead of just modifying behavior, we focus on enhancing sensory input and the brain's ability to coordinate and adapt. By improving the body’s ability to perceive and process sensory data, we help children develop more effective coordination and better adapt to their environment.

At our office, we specialize in assessing and treating the underlying neurological imbalances contributing to SPD. Our approach goes beyond environmental changes and focuses on ensuring that the brain and nervous system are properly processing and responding to sensory input.

Why Chiropractic Care for SPD?

Chiropractic care plays a crucial role in addressing the root causes of SPD, particularly through spinal adjustments and care that focuses on the upper neck and brainstem regions. These areas are essential for sensory processing and coordination. Chiropractic adjustments can help restore proper function to the nervous system, allowing for better sensory integration and improved neurological development.

By focusing on the proper alignment of the spine and improving nervous system function, chiropractic care helps to enhance the brain’s ability to process sensory input. This can lead to improved behavior, better coordination, and a reduced need for behavioral modifications.