Understanding Sensory Processing Disorder — and How Chiropractic Care Can Help Naturally
Sensory Processing Disorder (SPD) occurs when the brain has difficulty organizing and responding appropriately to information coming in from the senses. Sounds may feel too loud, clothing may feel unbearably scratchy, lights may seem too bright, or normal touch may feel overwhelming or even painful. For some adults, SPD looks more like constant restlessness, trouble focusing, or feeling “on edge” in busy environments like work, stores, or social gatherings.
Because sensory processing is a direct function of the nervous system, any interference in how the brain and body communicate can amplify sensory overload, anxiety, and discomfort. A spine that is not moving or aligned correctly can create stress in the nervous system, which in turn may heighten sensitivity, decrease adaptability, and make it harder for the brain to filter incoming sensory input. This is why many people look for natural relief for sensory processing disorder beyond medications or coping strategies alone.
Neurologically based chiropractic care focuses on reducing interference in the spine and nervous system so the brain can receive, interpret, and respond to sensory information more clearly. At Vita Nova Chiropractic, serving Plano, Murphy, and Richardson, TX, we use gentle, precise techniques — including the Zone Technique — to support nervous system balance and help adults with sensory processing disorder function more calmly and comfortably.
What Causes Sensory Processing Disorder?
The exact cause of Sensory Processing Disorder isn’t fully understood, but research and clinical experience point to a combination of neurological, developmental, and environmental factors. When the brain and spinal cord are under chronic stress — from physical trauma, poor posture, repetitive strain, emotional stress, or inflammation — the nervous system can become overprotective and hypersensitive. Over time, this can disrupt how sensory signals are processed, filtered, and integrated.
Birth Trauma, Childhood Injuries, and Early-Life Stress
Falls, head injuries, difficult births, or early-life physical and emotional stress can alter how the nervous system develops and adapts. Even if these events happened years ago, their effects can continue to influence sensory processing into adulthood.
Spinal Misalignments and Subluxations
When vertebrae become misaligned or restricted, they can create subluxations — areas of interference that irritate nerves and alter the flow of information between the body and brain. This can heighten sensitivity, reduce adaptability, and contribute to symptoms associated with sensory processing disorder. At Vita Nova Chiropractic, we focus on finding and correcting these subluxations to support better sensory integration.
Chronic Poor Posture and Screen Use
Hours spent hunched over phones and computers can stress the neck and upper back, compromising normal spinal curves and creating long-term tension. This tension can impact blood flow, nerve function, and proprioceptive input (the sense of body position), all of which can affect how the brain processes other sensations like sound, touch, and light.
Inflammation and Nervous System Irritation
Systemic and local inflammation around joints, discs, and soft tissues can irritate nearby nerves. Chronic irritation can make the nervous system “hyper-alert,” amplifying sensory signals so that everyday experiences feel overwhelming or painful.
Repetitive Stress and Occupational Strain
Repetitive motions, heavy lifting, or static postures at work can overload spinal joints and soft tissues. Over time, this can contribute to disc pressure, joint dysfunction, and nerve irritation, which may further disturb sensory processing and regulation.
Previous Concussions or Head Injuries
Even mild traumatic brain injuries can disrupt the delicate balance of the brain’s sensory processing networks. When combined with spinal misalignments and nervous system stress, these injuries may contribute to long-term sensory sensitivities and integration challenges.
Common Symptoms of Sensory Processing Disorder
Adults with sensory processing disorder may not always realize that their struggles are sensory-based. Symptoms can show up physically, emotionally, and behaviorally, and they can range from subtle to very disruptive.
- Feeling easily overwhelmed in crowded or noisy places (stores, restaurants, offices)
- Extreme sensitivity to sound, light, touch, or certain textures (clothing, tags, fabrics)
- Difficulty focusing or concentrating, especially in visually or auditorily busy environments
- Feeling “on edge,” anxious, or irritable without a clear cause
- Discomfort with being touched or hugged, or feeling pain from light touch
- Clumsiness, poor coordination, or frequently bumping into objects
- Motion sensitivity, dizziness, or feeling sick in cars or on elevators
- Restlessness, fidgeting, or constant need to move to feel calm or focused
- Difficulty relaxing or falling asleep due to heightened body or environmental awareness
- Headaches, neck tension, or body aches that worsen with sensory overload
How Chiropractic Care Helps With Sensory Processing Disorder
Chiropractic care does not “treat” sensory processing disorder as a diagnosis. Instead, it focuses on improving the function of the spine and nervous system, which play a central role in how we experience and respond to our sensory world. When subluxations interfere with nerve communication, the brain may receive distorted or excessive input, contributing to hypersensitivity, poor focus, and difficulty self-regulating.
Through gentle, precise adjustments, a sensory processing disorder chiropractor works to reduce subluxations and restore clearer nerve pathways. This neurologically based chiropractic approach helps the brain get more accurate information from the body and environment. As nervous system communication improves, many patients report feeling calmer, less reactive to sensory triggers, and better able to handle stress.
By enhancing mobility in the spine, reducing tension, and supporting healthy alignment, chiropractic care can also decrease inflammation and mechanical stress that may worsen sensory symptoms. Techniques like the Zone Technique are designed to balance specific brain centers and body systems, offering another layer of support for those seeking natural relief for sensory processing disorder.
Benefits of Chiropractic Care for Sensory Processing Disorder
- Improved brain-body communication through reduced nerve interference
- Decreased overall sensory overload and heightened reactivity
- Enhanced ability to focus and stay present in busy environments
- Greater sense of calm, relaxation, and emotional regulation
- Reduced headaches, neck tension, and musculoskeletal discomfort
- Better posture and spinal alignment to support healthy nervous system function
- Improved coordination, balance, and body awareness
- Support for more restful sleep and easier transitions between activities
- A natural, drug-free option to complement other therapies for SPD
- Personalized, neurologically focused care tailored to each patient’s needs
The Brain-Body Connection — Why Sensory Processing Disorder Affects More Than Pain
Your nervous system doesn’t just control pain; it coordinates everything from muscle tone and posture to mood, digestion, heart rate, and sleep. When the spine is misaligned and the nervous system is under stress, your brain must work harder to interpret sensory input and maintain balance. This extra load can leave you feeling fatigued, irritable, or overwhelmed — even if you can’t pinpoint a single cause.
This is why patients at Vita Nova Chiropractic in Plano, Murphy, and Richardson, TX often notice improvements beyond their primary concerns. As spinal function improves and nerve interference is reduced, the brain can process information more efficiently. Many people report better focus, calmer moods, and increased resilience in situations that used to feel overstimulating, alongside improvements in posture, movement, and overall well-being.
How Subluxations Contribute to Sensory Processing Disorder
Subluxations are areas in the spine where joints are misaligned or not moving properly, affecting the surrounding nerves and soft tissues. These stressed segments can send distorted signals to the brain or limit the flow of information altogether. For someone with or prone to sensory processing disorder, this added “noise” in the system can make it much harder for the brain to accurately filter and organize incoming sensations.
Over time, uncorrected subluxations may keep the nervous system in a state of chronic stress or hyper-vigilance. This can lower your threshold for sensory input, meaning everyday experiences feel like “too much” far more quickly. Correcting subluxations through gentle chiropractic adjustments aims to restore smoother communication, giving the nervous system the chance to recalibrate and function more efficiently.
- Increased nervous system irritability and heightened sensitivity to sensory input
- Altered proprioception (body awareness), contributing to clumsiness or poor coordination
- Chronic muscle tension and postural strain that worsen headaches and discomfort
- Reduced adaptability to environmental changes, making transitions more stressful
- Greater overall stress load on the brain, leading to fatigue and mental overwhelm
Scientific Evidence Supporting Chiropractic and Sensory Processing Disorder Relief
Sensory Processing Disorder: Scientific Overview & Neurophysiology (2019)
This review explains the neurological basis of SPD, including dysregulated sensory integration, altered brain connectivity, and atypical autonomic nervous system responses. It highlights how variations in sensory modulation contribute to behavioral, emotional, and developmental challenges in children.
Autonomic Nervous System Function in Children With Sensory Modulation Disorders (2018)
This study found that children with sensory modulation disorders display atypical autonomic nervous system activity, including lower parasympathetic (vagal) tone and heightened sympathetic activation. This supports the idea that therapies influencing nervous system balance may affect sensory processing.
Effects of Manual Therapy and Touch on Autonomic Nervous System Regulation: Systematic Review (2010)
A meta-analysis showing that gentle manual therapy and therapeutic touch techniques can reduce cortisol levels, decrease sympathetic arousal, and improve parasympathetic activity. While not SPD specific, these physiologic shifts are highly relevant for children with sensory overload or dysregulation.
Chiropractic Care for Children With Sensory Processing Challenges: Case Report (2011)
A documented case report of a child with SPD and related behavioral challenges who experienced improved adaptive behavior, focus, and sensory tolerance after chiropractic adjustments. Although not generalizable, it demonstrates real-world examples of parents seeking chiropractic for sensory support.
Our Approach at Vita Nova Chiropractic
Comprehensive Consultation
We begin by listening carefully to your story — your symptoms, daily challenges, health history, and goals. Many adults with sensory processing disorder in Plano, Murphy, and Richardson have seen multiple providers before, so we take the time to understand what you’ve already tried and what has or hasn’t helped.
Neurological & Spinal Assessment
Next, we perform a thorough examination to evaluate your spine, posture, movement patterns, and nervous system function. This may include orthopedic and neurological tests, postural analysis, and other assessments to identify subluxations and areas of stress that may be contributing to your sensory processing difficulties.
Gentle, Targeted Adjustments
Based on your findings, we create a personalized care plan using gentle chiropractic techniques tailored to your comfort level and needs. Our neurologically based chiropractic approach, including options like the Zone Technique, aims to restore proper spinal alignment and support balanced nervous system function for more efficient sensory processing.
Ongoing Support & Progress Tracking
As care progresses, we regularly reassess your spine, nervous system, and how you’re feeling day to day. We’ll discuss improvements in sensitivity, focus, mood, and physical comfort, adjusting your plan as needed. Our goal is not just short-term relief, but long-term resilience and better quality of life.
Why Choose Vita Nova Chiropractic?
- Focused on neurologically based chiropractic care for complex sensory and stress-related concerns
- Gentle, patient-centered approach — ideal for those sensitive to touch or noise
- Experience working with adults seeking natural relief for sensory processing disorder
- Thorough assessments to identify underlying spinal and neurological contributors
- Personalized care plans rather than one-size-fits-all adjusting
- Convenient location serving Plano, Murphy, and Richardson, TX
- Education and guidance to help you understand your body and nervous system better
- Collaborative mindset — care that can complement occupational therapy, counseling, and other supports
- Warm, supportive environment designed to be as calming and low-stress as possible
Frequently Asked Questions — Sensory Processing Disorder & Chiropractic Care
Does chiropractic care treat or cure Sensory Processing Disorder?
No. Chiropractic does not diagnose, treat, or cure sensory processing disorder. Our role is to locate and correct spinal subluxations that may be interfering with nervous system function. By improving brain-body communication, many patients notice changes in how they experience and respond to sensory input, but this is a result of better nervous system function, not a direct treatment of SPD.
Is chiropractic safe for adults with sensory sensitivities?
Yes, chiropractic care is generally very safe when performed by a licensed chiropractor. At Vita Nova Chiropractic, we use gentle, low-force techniques and always move at your pace. We discuss your sensitivities ahead of time and modify our approach — including lighting, sound, and physical contact — to help you feel as comfortable as possible.
How many visits will it take to notice changes in my sensory symptoms?
Every person is different. Some patients notice changes in tension, sleep, or sensory overload within the first few visits, while others experience more gradual shifts over weeks or months. The duration and severity of your symptoms, your history, and your lifestyle all play a role. We’ll review your progress regularly and adjust your plan as your body adapts.
Can I receive chiropractic care alongside occupational therapy or counseling?
Absolutely. Many people with sensory processing disorder benefit from a team-based approach. Chiropractic can complement occupational therapy, counseling, and other interventions by supporting the underlying nervous system that those therapies depend on. We’re happy to coordinate with other providers when appropriate.
Do you work with patients from Murphy and Richardson, or only Plano?
We proudly serve patients seeking sensory processing disorder treatment from Plano, Murphy, Richardson, and surrounding North Texas communities. Whether you’re looking for a sensory processing disorder chiropractor close to home or are willing to drive for specialized neurologically focused care, our office is here to support you.
Ready to Get Relief From Your Sensory Processing Disorder?
If you’re tired of feeling overwhelmed by everyday sensations, there is a natural way to support your nervous system and function with greater ease. Our team at Vita Nova Chiropractic is here to listen, assess, and create a personalized plan designed to help your brain and body work together more smoothly.
Call us today at (214) 380-5387 to schedule your consultation and learn how neurologically based chiropractic care may support you or a loved one living with sensory processing disorder in Plano, Murphy, or Richardson, TX.
Disclaimer
We do not diagnose or treat conditions, diseases, or symptoms. Our care is centered on improving the neuromusculoskeletal system by addressing spinal subluxations and the subluxation complex. Any improvement in overall health or function is the natural result of restoring proper spinal alignment and supporting the body’s innate ability to heal itself. For medical diagnosis or treatment, please consult a licensed medical professional.
