Home
Blog

Addressing Motor Tics in Children

No items found.
December 14, 2023

If you’re a parent who is deeply concerned about your child who is grappling with the challenges of uncontrollable motor tics, rest assured, you’re not alone.  Watching your child struggle with these involuntary movements can be an emotionally draining and perplexing experience. However, knowledge is power, and understanding the root causes of motor tics can be the first step towards empowering yourself as a parent to take proactive, drug-free measures that can make a profound difference in your child’s overall well-being.

Understanding Motor Tics

Motor tics, at their core, are involuntary movements that arise from built-up neurological tension. They are a common feature of a neurological condition called Tourette syndrome, although they can occur in other disorders like chronic motor tic disorder and transient tic disorder. These movements can take various forms, from subtle facial twitches and shoulder shrugs to more complex actions that might include neck bending, mouth opening, clenching, and even vocal tics accompanied by sounds, grunting, and more. 

Recognizing symptoms of motor tics is important. They can manifest in a wide range of ways, from seemingly inconspicuous eye blinks to more pronounced and complex movements. These movements, at times, can become noticeable to the extent that they affect your child’s daily life.

The Root Causes of Motor Tics

A key piece of the puzzle is understanding the root causes of your child’s motor tics. Subluxation, a term referring to misalignment, tension, and dysfunction within the neuromuscular system, is often a significant contributor to the development of motor tics. 

Imagine your child’s nervous system as a complex network of communication pathways, like a web of electrical wires. When subluxation occurs, it’s akin to a kink in one of those wires, which disrupts the flow of communication within the nervous system. This disruption can result in heightened stress and tension within the nervous system. The accumulation of this stress and tension can, in turn, manifest in your child as motor tics. Similar to a pressure cooker, where the internal tension builds up and eventually finds an outlet through involuntary muscle movements. 

Understanding the connection between subluxation and motor tics can be pivotal because it can shed light on potential solutions. By addressing and alleviating subluxation, you can help relieve underlying stress and tension on the nervous system, which is often the core of motor tic development.

What Makes Motor Tics Worsen?

Motor tics tend to exacerbate when external stressors come into play. Factors like growth spurts, seasonal changes, immune challenges, or emotional distress in your child’s life can intensify motor tics. These events can act as triggers, amplifying the underlying stress and tension (subluxation) in the nervous system.

The Connection with Other Conditions

Motor tics frequently co-occur with other conditions such as ADHD, Autism, and anxiety. Interestingly, all these conditions share a common thread - they are rooted in excessive stress and tension in the nervous system. The correlation highlights the importance of addressing the core issues.

Conventional medical treatment options for motor tics often involve prescription medications like Clonidine and Guanfacine. Unfortunately, these medications can bring a host of side effects with them, including sleepiness, fatigue, mood changes, headaches, and gut issues, leaving many parents searching for alternative solutions. 

If you are a parent who seeks natural solutions and wants to explore options beyond medications, consider delving deeper into the role of subluxation and neurological tension in motor tics. Neurologically-Focused Chiropractic may hold the answers you’ve been searching for. It empowers you with drug-free action steps to help your child regain control over their health and well-being.  

To learn more about subluxation, neurological tension, and how Neurologically-Focused Chiropractic may be the natural solution you’ve been looking for, reach out to us at Pinnacle Chiropractic today. It is a vital step in your journey towards helping your child overcome the challenges of motor tics and nurturing their overall health and happiness. If you are not local to us, check out the PX Docs directory to find an office near you!

Stay Connected

Subscribe to receive the latest blog posts and health insights to your inbox.

By subscribing, you agree to our Privacy Policy and Terms.
Thank you! Your submission has been received!
Oops! Something went wrong. Please try again later.
Reviews

Patient Stories: Discover Reviews by Satisfied Chiropractic Patients

Hear what our patients have to say about their experience at Pinnacle.

Please if you are concern about your child’s overall well-being please go to Pinnacle Chiropractor, you won’t regret it, they have changed our lives.
We are so thankful with Dr. Matt, Dr. Jordan and all the staff. My son is a completely different kid. We contacted Dr. Matt because my son was getting sick all the time (he had the flu twice, strep, pneumonia, and tonsilitis this year) had a really hard time sleeping and was a picky eater. His pediatrician said that he would grow out of it, just to give him time, but I felt this was not enough. I wanted my son to thrive, to be a happy, healthy kid. So I talked to my pediatrician about Dr. Matt and she said to go a head and try it, that she goes to a chiropractor as well and that it has helped her a lot. So we made the decision to go, we paid for the whole treatment (people may say is “expensive”, but it is totally worth it, I would do it all over again) and the results are just amazing. My son is happier than ever, he is sleeping better, his appetite has increased, and the most important part he is healthy. He has gotten a cold here and there but he is fighting it off so much quicker and no high fevers like he used to get.
They have been there for my first pregnancy, my miscarriage, and thankfully another pregnancy.
Pinnacle has truly been such a blessing in mine and my daughter life. All their staff care so much about you as an individual and of course your health. They have been there for my first pregnancy, my miscarriage, and thankfully another pregnancy. They have such a wealth of knowledge to share and help you along your journey. Pinnacle cares for you like family and we are so grateful for that.
Insights + Tips

Discover the Natural Benefits of Chiropractic Care

Learn about the benefits and get latest in chiropractic care.

PaleoCleanse Plus Detox supplement supporting liver health and male fertility

How a Liver Detox Can Naturally Boost Men’s Sperm Quality

Discover how improving liver health can naturally boost sperm quality, hormone balance, and fertility. Learn about the benefits of PaleoCleanse Plus for detox support.
Read Article
A high-quality collagen supplement container

The Ultimate Guide to Collagen: How It Supports Joints, Gut Health, Skin, Hair & Postpartum Recovery

Collagen supports joint health, digestion, skin, hair, and postpartum recovery. Learn how to choose the best supplement and how to use it daily for maximum benefits.
Read Article
A happy, well adjusted baby at a nervous system based chiropractic office.

Gut Health for Kids: How Chiropractic Care and Nutrition Work Together

March is National Nutrition Month! Discover how chiropractic care and whole-food nutrition support gut health for kids struggling with reflux, constipation, colic, or other digestive issues.
Read Article
A mother comforting her child with a fever, illustrating immune support and natural health approaches.

Vitamin A and Measles: What Every Parent Needs to Know

Learn how vitamin A supports immune function and measles recovery. Discover the best food sources, supplementation guidelines, and how to keep your child healthy.
Read Article
Contact Us

Visit Our Office

Contact us for expert chiropractic care in Lakewood Ranch, Sarasota, and Bradenton, FL.

A woman holding a baby with a pink flower on her shirt.
A woman with long hair and a polka dot shirt.
A man is holding a young boy on his shoulders.
Google LogoFive Star Rating
130+Reviews

Address

Pinnacle Chiropractic
7984 Cooper Creek Blvd., Suite #104
University Park, FL 34201
Open in Google Maps