Sensory Processing Disorder (SPD) is a fascinating yet challenging condition I encounter in my chiropractic practice here in Fort Myers, FL. While it’s often tied to Autism and other neurodevelopmental issues, I firmly believe SPD deserves its own classification as a stand-alone diagnosis. SPD can make everyday life feel overwhelming for those who experience it. The sights, sounds, and sensations that most of us process without a second thought can be an avalanche of overstimulation for someone with SPD.
What is SPD? SPD is most commonly identified in children, although adults can struggle with it too. It happens when one or more senses—sight, sound, touch, and even taste or smell—become intensely magnified. This hypersensitivity can make a child feel like they’re living in a constant state of overload. Bright lights might feel like they’re piercing, everyday sounds can seem deafening, and a simple hug may feel unbearable.
Children with SPD often have trouble focusing, learning, or interacting socially. They might throw fits, retreat from certain environments, or struggle to connect with loved ones. Watching this happen can be heartbreaking for parents.
Our bodies are equipped with sensors that detect everything we encounter—temperature, sound, touch, vibration—you name it. This sensory data gets sent to the brainstem, where the Reticular Activating System (RAS) plays the critical role of sorting through it all.
The RAS, a bundle of nerves at the base of the brainstem, acts like a filter. It decides what information is important and sends only the critical stuff to the brain’s cortex for further processing. When the RAS works properly, it helps create an environment for focus and learning.
But when the RAS malfunctions, the filtering system breaks down. Too much information gets through, making a normal environment feel overwhelming and chaotic. This is the root of the overstimulation and sensory challenges we see in SPD.
There are several reasons why the RAS might malfunction, but one cause I frequently see in my office is a misalignment in the upper neck vertebrae. The brainstem extends into the upper neck, and if the top vertebrae (the atlas or axis) shift out of place, they can put pressure on the brainstem. This pressure can disrupt how the RAS functions, leading to sensory processing issues.
One of my most memorable SPD cases was with a little boy named Sam (not his real name). Sam was four years old and still in diapers, eating only baby food, and unable to tolerate touch—even from his parents. Bright lights and loud sounds sent him into screaming fits. Watching his parents try to hug him and seeing him pull away was heart-wrenching.
After weeks of building trust, I performed an exam and found a significant misalignment in Sam’s upper neck. With gentle adjustments, we relieved the pressure on his brainstem. Over the next three months, his transformation was incredible. He began eating solid food, using the bathroom independently, and—best of all—he hugged his parents and shared stories about his day.
If your child is struggling with SPD, I urge you to have their upper neck checked. The adjustments are gentle—no twisting or cracking—and the results can be life-changing. We offer free consultations here at Upper Cervical Health Centers of Fort Myers to see if we can help. Call us today at 239-243-8810, or let us connect you with a qualified Upper Cervical provider in your area. Let’s help your child take their first steps toward a calmer, more connected life.
