When it comes to caring for our family’s health, it’s crucial to understand the different approaches available and how they can impact outcomes. For far too long parents were not even told about the various approaches to health and healing, and most especially were kept in the dark about natural and drug-free options like functional medicine and chiropractic care. 

Thankfully through the continued failure of conventional medicine and the explosion of information on the internet, we now know exactly why chronic disease rates have exploded in the last couple generations. 

It’s really quite simple. If we’re left with one single choice for healthcare, the conventional medical system, we’ll continue to suffer more chronic disease and illness. That entire system is designed to get our children sick and keep them sick. 

Which then means this – if we want a healthy, thriving family the most important thing we can do is take an entirely different direction with our healthcare choices and which type of doctor and provider we trust most with our health and well-being. 

In order to help you do just that, in this article we’ll be breaking down the key differences between Conventional Medical Care, Functional Medicine, and Neurologically-Focused Chiropractic Care. 

Personally, I have firsthand experience as both a doctor and a dad with all three (3) primary approaches or types of healthcare, so I can share with you the pros and cons of both in a very simple and straightforward way. 

Conventional Medical Care: The Traditional Approach

Conventional medical care is what most of us are familiar with. This approach is characterized by symptom-based treatment, focusing heavily on medication, surgeries, and other interventions to manage conditions. In this model, the primary goal is often to relieve symptoms rather than addressing the root causes of health issues. Pediatricians and general practitioners use standardized treatment protocols, which are effective in emergency and acute care situations, such as infections, injuries, or severe illnesses/

However, for children with chronic issues like ADHD, Autism, Sensory Processing Disorders, or anxiety, this approach fails quite miserably. Conventional pediatricians and medical doctors completely overlook the underlying root causes and contributing factors of these conditions. Instead of digging deeper into why the symptoms are there in the first place, the answer often revolves around prescriptions and managing the symptoms rather than eliminating them.

Another significant concern with conventional medical care is the heavy reliance on medications, which can lead to a host of unwanted side effects, especially in children. Many of the medications prescribed for conditions like ADHD, anxiety, and other chronic health issues come with risks such as sleep disturbances, appetite suppression, mood changes, and even dependency. These medications may provide temporary relief but often fail to address the root of the problem, leaving children and families in a cycle of symptom management without true healing. While medications can sometimes be necessary, they should not be the default solution, particularly when safer, more holistic options that address the actual root cause are available.

Functional Medicine: Root Cause Investigation

Functional medicine takes a different approach by aiming to identify and treat the root causes of health issues. It uses a systems-based approach, focusing on how various aspects of health—such as nutrition, lifestyle, and genetics—are interrelated. Practitioners spend significant time with patients, diving deep into their health history and environmental factors to understand the full picture.

For children dealing with chronic conditions, functional medicine offers a more personalized plan, often incorporating dietary changes, supplements, detoxification, and lifestyle adjustments. This approach resonates with many parents because it feels more thorough and individualized compared to the one-size-fits-all treatment of conventional care.

While functional medicine aims to dig deeper into various bodily systems such as the gut, microbiome, immune system, and endocrine function, there still can be a gap in understanding and addressing the neurological root of many chronic health issues. 

Since all of the body’s key systems, including the gut and immune system, are under the control of the nervous system, to fully address the root cause at its deepest layer it is essential to start by addressing any nervous system dysfunction and dysregulation first. This is where the important concept of “sequencing” your family’s health care options comes into play, and why combining this incredible functional medicine approach with the nervous system focused chiropractic care approach we’ll detail next gets the most incredible results. 

Neurologically-Focused Chiropractic Care: Addressing Neurological Dysfunction

Neurologically-Focused Chiropractic Care centers on addressing and adjusting dysfunction within the nervous system. This approach is unique because it emphasizes the role of the nervous system as the master control of all bodily functions. By focusing on specific neurological stressors and disruptions, this method aims to restore balance to the nervous system, allowing the body to heal naturally from within.

One core concept of Neurologically-Focused Chiropractic Care is the idea of “The Perfect Storm.” This refers to the sequence of stressors—like stressful fertility and pregnancy journeys, birth trauma, and early-life toxic exposures—that leads to dysregulation in the nervous system. Instead of masking symptoms, this type of care focuses on using chiropractic adjustments to reduce stress stuck within the sympathetic “fight or flight” nervous system, stimulate the vagus nerve, regulate the autonomic nervous system, and restore neurological balance. This helps children with chronic conditions like Autism, ADHD, sensory issues, and anxiety to experience significant improvements in their quality of life without relying on medications.

The focus on the vagus nerve and nervous system regulation is something that both conventional and functional medicine often overlook, yet it’s critical in addressing many childhood health challenges at their core. Neurologically-Focused Chiropractic Care sees the child as a whole, recognizing that the nervous system governs everything—from digestion to immunity, mood, behavior, and development.

A key tool in Neurologically-Focused Chiropractic Care is the use of INSiGHT Scans. These scans are incredibly valuable for identifying subluxation, dysfunction, and dysautonomia within the nervous system. By utilizing thermal scanning, surface electromyography (sEMG), and heart rate variability (HRV) assessments, INSiGHT Scans provide a clear picture of where stress and imbalances are present in the nervous system. 

This allows practitioners to create highly personalized care plans, targeting the exact areas of dysfunction and subluxation. Through this technology, families can visually understand the neurological stress their child is experiencing and track the progress as the nervous system is restored to balance.

Which Approach Is Right for Your Child?

Each of these approaches has its place in healthcare. Conventional medical care is essential for emergencies and acute conditions. Functional medicine is valuable for parents wanting to explore and address root causes through lifestyle changes, diet, and personalized protocols. But for families looking to restore neurological function and tackle the underlying stressors affecting their child’s health, Neurologically-Focused Chiropractic Care provides an effective, drug-free option that can transform a child’s life.

At PX Docs, we believe that every child deserves the chance to thrive without unnecessary medications and surgeries. By focusing on the nervous system—the body’s command center—we help children unlock their true potential, naturally and effectively.

Author: Dr. Tony Ebel, DC, CPPFC, CCWP