Let me guess… your child doesn’t just have one speed.
One moment, they’re bouncing off the walls — shouting, spinning, climbing on furniture, and melting down when something doesn’t go their way. The next? They’re completely zoned out and disconnected. Blank stare. Can’t follow instructions. It’s like they’re physically there, but not mentally present.
You’ve read the parenting books. Tried behavior and reward charts. Maybe even explored medications — and yet you’re still left wondering: Why is my child like this? And more importantly: How can I truly help them?
Looking Beyond the Labels to Find Real Answers
Here’s what most traditional approaches miss: ADHD and ADD are often just surface-level labels. What’s underneath is far more telling — and far more correctable. What we find is that kids typically fall into one of two neurological patterns we call the “Raging Bull” and the “Drunken Bull.”
Understanding which one fits your child can completely change how you approach their struggles and begin healing from the inside out.
The “Raging Bull” vs. “Drunken Bull” ADHD Types
The “Raging Bull”
This child is in constant overdrive. Their nervous system is stuck in “go, go, go” mode. They’re impulsive, loud, aggressive, and constantly moving. Everything feels like too much — and they don’t know how to slow down. Traditional treatments focus on managing these behaviors without addressing why they exist.
The “Drunken Bull”
This child is slow to respond, disconnected, sluggish, and often overwhelmed. They may seem unmotivated or distracted — but they’re actually stuck in a fog. Formerly called ADD, this presentation is now labeled inattentive-type ADHD.
Interestingly, many children switch between these patterns. Hyperactivity from early childhood can evolve into attention struggles as stress builds. And the reverse is also true — inattentive kids can become more reactive and anxious when overwhelmed.
Why the Conventional Approach Falls Short
According to the CDC, nearly 7 million kids in the U.S. have been diagnosed with ADHD. More than 3.5 million are currently on medications. And while meds may help in some cases, they come with a list of potential side effects, such as:
- Sleep struggles
- Appetite loss
- Emotional instability
- Increased anxiety
- Tics or tremors
- Headaches and nausea
- High blood pressure
- “Zombie-like” behavior
The biggest problem? These medications don’t address the root cause — the stressed and dysregulated nervous system. So families end up chasing symptoms, adjusting doses, and layering more medications to counteract side effects.
The Neurological Root of ADHD
Through our work at Generations Chiropractic, we’ve identified three core elements that frequently show up in kids with ADHD:
- Subluxation + Sympathetic Dominance: When spinal tension or misalignment disrupts communication between the brain and body — especially in the upper neck and brainstem — it can send the nervous system into constant fight-or-flight.
- Dysautonomia: This is a fancy term for nervous system imbalance. Kids in this state are often overwhelmed by sensory input, unable to calm themselves, and easily dysregulated emotionally and behaviorally.
- Vagus Nerve Dysfunction: The vagus nerve is the switch that activates rest, regulation, and emotional balance. When it’s not working well, the brain and body stay stuck in stress mode.
How We Measure the Root Cause
The best part? We can see all of this happening in real time — with our advanced INSiGHT Scanning Technology. These neurological scans allow us to:
- Measure stress stuck in the nervous system
- Identify patterns of dysregulation
- Understand whether your child is operating more like a Raging Bull or Drunken Bull
This isn’t guesswork. It’s real data — and it gives us the roadmap to create a personalized, drug-free plan to help your child begin healing and thriving.
From Struggle to Superpower
Here’s the truth: your child isn’t broken.
They don’t need more labels. They need clarity. And they need a care plan that’s actually aligned with how their brain and nervous system work.
When we rebalance the nervous system, we see incredible changes:
- Focus and attention improve
- Sleep becomes more consistent
- Emotional meltdowns become manageable
- Confidence and calm take the place of chaos
What once looked like a disorder begins to reveal itself as a superpower — when supported in the right way.
Taking the Next Step
If you’re tired of trying everything with little progress… if you’re ready to finally find the missing link… we’re here to help.
At Generations Chiropractic, we take the time to uncover what’s really going on inside your child’s nervous system — and create a path to help them thrive without guesswork, endless meds, or more overwhelm.
If you’re not local to us, visit the PX Docs directory to find a trained, neurologically-focused pediatric chiropractor near you.
Understanding which “bull” is charging through your child’s nervous system could be the game-changing insight you’ve been missing. With the right approach, your child’s biggest struggle can become their greatest strength.