Chiroblog

In its early stages as an infant, the human brain consists of a network of approximately 100 billion neurons. As we grow and develop, this network undergoes a process referred to as “synaptic pruning”, where excess neurons and synaptic connections are eliminated to enhance the efficiency of the more necessary neural circuits. Essentially, this process is the brain’s way of fine-tuning itself and ensuring that the most frequently used connections are strengthened which creates a more efficient and adaptable nerve system. It is the ultimate ‘use-it-or-lose-it’ process that the brain uses to create the best version of itself.  

Synaptic pruning in some cases can be disrupted. For instance, over-pruning and under-pruning have been linked to various neurological conditions such as autism, schizophrenia, and Alzheimer’s disease. Any sort of intervention that helps the brain learn and grow, from exercising to having new experiences and even chiropractic care, can improve neuroplasticity, which may help with pruning. 

Synaptic Pruning & Neural Wiring During Development

https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC7368197/

Early signs of motor delays in infants can sometimes be very subtle. Infants who show signs of head tilt (where the head leans to one side) or head lag (where the head falls backward when pulled to sit) may be experiencing delays in neurological coordination. These signs can be early indicators of conditions like torticollis (tight neck muscles) or hypotonia (low muscle tone), which can affect how a baby moves, develops, and feels. Normally, by around 3 months of age, babies should begin holding their heads up steadily. If they continue to struggle with head control, it may signal the need for further evaluation.

More and more parents are turning to chiropractic care as a gentle, non-invasive option to support their baby’s development. Chiropractors specially trained in pediatrics use very gentle adjustments to help improve spinal alignment and reduce tension in the muscles and nervous system.

That’s why early detection is so important. A baby’s brain is most adaptable in the first few years of life. With early support, many children with low tone can make great progress. That is why pediatric chiropractors check for these signs. When detected early, chiropractic care and the appropriate home exercises can help strengthen muscles, improve coordination, and support healthy brain development—giving your child the best chance to reach their full potential.

One of our favorite advanced tummy time exercises is doing tummy time with head rotation. After placing the baby on their tummy, the parent holds their favorite noise-making toy to encourage the child to first lift their head, then turn it to one side and then the other. Tummy time is important not only for helping infants lift their heads but also for promoting side-to-side eye movement. [2]. Practicing these small movements consistently can influence improvements to early motor skills and future milestones.

References

[1] Motor Delays: Early Identification and Evaluation | Pediatrics ...

[2] Tummy Time Progress, Pathways.org

Autism, ADHD, Allergies, and Asthma, otherwise known as the 4 A’s, are rapidly becoming more prevalent among children. Each of these conditions have skyrocketed over the past twenty years, with Autism rates alone seeing an tremendous increase, from 1 in 10,000 in the 1970’s to 1 in 31 today [1].  Leading medical professionals have found that factors such as toxins, nutritional deficiencies, genetics, and metabolic imbalances contribute significantly to the development and progression of these conditions. Robert F. Kennedy, Jr stated in his MAHA report that there are several possible reasons for such a rise in these issues: poor diet, environmental chemicals, lack of physical activity, chronic stress and over-medication [2].

Dr. Kenneth Bock, an integrative medicine doctor, dives into this topic in his book Healing the New Childhood Epidemics. Through case studies and evidence-based research, Dr Bock explains how finding the root cause of each of these disorders is crucial in providing the most effective care for the younger generation. His book outlines how individualized nutritional therapy, supplementation, detoxification, and other holistic interventions can help in managing the 4 A’s. 

His approach challenges the typical medical perspectives in advocating for care beyond symptom management and using only traditional health care providers. Factors such as toxins and metabolic imbalances can manifest in each child differently, resulting in a broad span of symptoms that often lead to misdiagnosis and improper treatments. Dr. Bock's book emphasizes the interconnectedness of the 4 A’s and the importance of addressing their root causes rather than just managing symptoms. 

By understanding the underlying issues, parents and health care providers can better support children, offering hope for improved health and quality of life. This book can serve as a guide for parents seeking answers and alternative solutions for their child.  And chiropractic fits right in as an alternative health care practitioner who will address more of the root causes of issues rather than cover up symptoms.  Just today, we explained to a new patient that we are brain-based chiropractors who focus on evaluating the brain and nerve system and her comment was, “that is exactly what I am looking for with my child!”

1. Prevalence and Early Identification of Autism Spectrum Disorder

2. The MAHA Report

3.  Healing the New Childhood Epidemics: Autism, ADHD, Asthma, and ...

Physical activity is essential for children's healthy growth and development. We know that it helps build strong bones and muscles, maximizes the potential for a healthy weight, and improves heart health. But beyond the physical benefits, regular movement is just as important for brain development. Studies show that children who are physically active tend to have better focus, memory, and ease of learning [1]. This is because exercise boosts blood flow to the brain, which helps deliver oxygen and nutrients that support brain cell growth and communication. This is especially important during childhood, when the brain is rapidly developing.

When children don’t get enough physical activity, it can affect more than just their energy levels. Research has found that a lack of movement is linked to changes in brain structure and function, particularly in areas related to mood, focus, and learning [2]. Inactive kids may be more prone to anxiety, depression, and difficulty focusing in school. This is because physical activity helps regulate important brain chemicals like dopamine and serotonin, which play a big role in how kids feel and how they focus. Getting your child moving — whether it’s through play, sports, and outdoor adventures, family fun time, or just plain old ‘taking a walk outside’ — doesn’t just help their bodies grow strong. It’s vital for their mental and neurological health too!

We are always encouraging our practice members to get outside no matter what the age. One author called what is happening now with our children “Nature Deficit Disorder’ [3].  When we were kids, how did our parents find us?  They opened a window and yelled our names.  Now how do they find their kids?  They text, FB or Instant message them, and mostly they are in the rooms or in the basement, playing games like Minecraft, Fortnite, or Roblox.  Playing these games also increase dopamine, but not the same as going outside!  Put down the phones and iPads and get in the sun!

References

[1] National Center for Biotechnology Information

[2] PubMed Central (PMC)

[3] Nature Deficit Disorder

Birth is a profound and transformative experience for many, however, it can also be a source of significant physical or psychological trauma. Physically, trauma to the newborn can occur due to labor and delivery complications particularly those involving excessive force, prolonged labor, or the use of instruments such as forceps or vacuum extractors. Injuries may include brachial plexus injuries, clavicle fractures, or cephalohematomas (a large bruise on the head). While many of these resolve with appropriate care, some may lead to longer-term developmental concerns.

Pediatric chiropractic care has been recognized as a gentle, complementary alternative that may support infants recovering from the physical impacts of birth trauma. Neurologically, the birthing process, especially those that are prolonged, assisted, or surgical, can place significant strain on an infant’s developing spine and nervous system.  Chiropractors trained in pediatric care utilize extremely light-touch techniques to assess and address spinal misalignments and cranial distortions correlated with the mechanical stress of birth. By supporting the developing nervous system, adjustments may contribute to smoother neurodevelopmental progress. Parents often report improvements in milestones such as head control, motor coordination, and digestive comfort.

In terms of psychological trauma, the birth mother may perceive childbirth as overwhelming. Approximately 10% of women report post-partum depression in the US, with an estimated 4% developing post-traumatic stress disorder. Factors such as emergency Cesarean sections, inadequate support from family members, or a perceived loss of control can heighten the risk.

While chiropractic does not treat post-partum depression directly, it can play a supportive, adjunctive role in calming the nervous system. Gentle adjustments can help to reduce musculoskeletal tension related to labor, promoting better autonomic balance, and improve energy levels.  

So whether it is a newborn who has had a tough entry into this world, or a mom who went through a difficult labor and delivery, specialized chiropractic care might be very helpful for the infant-mom dyad.  We have seen it time after time, adjusting 1000's of baby's and mom's over the course of our 36 years in practice, helping them be happier and healthier!

https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC6193358/ 

https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S1871519223003098

https://jamanetwork.com/journals/jamanetworkopen/fullarticle/2826508

Breastfeeding offers profound health and wellness benefits for both mother and baby, supporting optimal nutrition, immune system function, and emotional bonding through skin-to-skin contact. While some infants have no issues with latching, others may experience difficulties that make the process more difficult. Chiropractic has emerged as a complementary, non-invasive approach for addressing musculoskeletal and neurological factors that may contribute to breastfeeding difficulties.

To effectively support mom and baby, it is essential to understand the underlying issues that can interfere with breastfeeding. Challenges that are commonly seen range from oral restrictions, such as lip and tongue ties, to spinal misalignments and muscle tension in the cervical and cranial region. In instances of musculoskeletal tension, the infant’s range of motion becomes limited, making it a challenge to turn the head and maintain a proper latch. This leads to the baby not being able to nurse efficiently and/or effectively. 

Given that chiropractic care focuses on the function of the spine, muscles, and nervous system, it can be a helpful tool for resolving feeding issues. Chiropractors trained in pediatric care utilize gentle techniques and a specific analysis to locate where the dysfunction is stemming from. Correction of cervical and cranial malposition aids in restoring proper range of motion, relaxation of the jaw and neck muscles, better coordination, and eliminates nerve interference. The upper cervical region and cranial region is an especially important area to examine in these cases given that they house critical neural structures that help the suck-swallow-breathe reflex work at its best.

Studies have shown positive outcomes with chiropractic care and breastfeeding. For instance, a case series involving 114 infants reported that 78% were able to improve breastfeeding after 2 to 5 chiropractic treatments over a two-week timeframe.  Chiropractic care not only helps the infant, but can also play a significant role in supporting the mother’s experience as well. Adjustments can help alleviate the neck, shoulder, and back discomfort associated with prolonged time while nursing. By correcting the associated misalignments, chiropractic adjustments may also have a role in regulating the mother’s hormones, stress levels, and milk production. We have seen literally thousands of infants and their moms over 35 + years that we have been in practice and watched the improvement of breastfeeding which literally changed the health of the mom and the baby!

https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC3259991/

https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S1550830715001494

The expansion of neuroscience research is changing our understanding of how the brain is wired. Traditionally, it was believed that the brain functions as a reactive organ, processing and responding to sensory input from the external environment. In other words, you see things with your eyes and hear things with your ears, which send signals to the brain to tell you what’s happening ‘out there.’

However, more recent studies suggest that the brain operates as a predictive machine, constantly generating guesses about incoming sensory information and refining those guesses by comparing them to what actually happens in real-time. This process is referred to as predictive processing.  Predictive processing works by creating these guesses utilizing what information it already knows from previous events. For example, when you walk through your house with all the lights off, your brain helps you navigate through the space based on memory. If you bump into a wall or piece of furniture, your brain generates what is referred to as a “prediction error”. This “prediction error” helps your brain subconsciously adjust and rewire your perception for future situations. This model helps explain how we perceive the world quickly and efficiently, even when sensory information is unclear or incomplete.

This new model of the brain reverses the old concept...maybe we predict what's going on 'out there' based on prior experiences.  Have you ever avoided an accident by using a split second maneuver while driving?  There is no way in a half second you could have processed all that information to create the avoidance movement you used!  That comes from the brain's enormous processing capacity, much of which is predictive based.  

This prediction-based model can help to understand how children learn, develop, and adapt to the world around them. During early development, the brain has heightened neuroplasticity, allowing for external stimuli to shape their perception of the world. When their predictions align with reality, their brains reinforce those pathways. Over time, these reinforced pathways grow stronger and help to build the framework of their reality. Conversely, if mismatches occur, the brain uses the error to adapt and improve. This process is not only key to cognitive development, but it also contributes to the development of emotional regulation and social skills. Viewing the brain as a prediction machine helps explain why early life experiences, both positive and negative, can have such a lasting impact on a child’s development. 

People with Autism may have problems processing predictions and their errors.  This is one way that chiropractic adjustments may benefit people with Autism…gentle adjustments help the body’s ability to understand itself (interoception) and understand where that person is ‘in space’ (proprioception) which leads to overall better outcomes.

References

[1] A map of neural signals and circuits traces the logic of brain ... - Nature

[2] The mind expanding ideas of Andy Clark

[3] Autism and the Predictive Brain

Neuroplasticity is the brain's amazing ability to develop, change and adapt throughout life, especially during your childhood years. Dr. Norman Doidge mentions in his book, The Brain That Changes Itself, that children's brains are particularly flexible, allowing them to learn new skills and have a faster recovery from injuries than adults [1]. This flexibility is due to the rapid formation and pruning of neural connections in response to lived experiences and learning. For example, when a kid learns how to ride a bike, their brain develops stronger neural pathways involved in balance and coordination. This process helps children develop cognitive and motor skills as they grow.

There is a process, first mentioned by Dr. Donald Hebb in 1949, that states that “nerves that fire together, wire together.” This is how learning takes place…the more you fire a particular nerve pattern, the more it sticks and creates nerve ‘superhighways.’ [2]

Dr. Doidge also emphasizes that neuroplasticity is influenced by the environment and activities children engage in [1].  Positive experiences, such as playing, reading, and social interactions, can enhance brain development by creating and supporting beneficial neural connections. On the other hand, negative experiences or lack of stimulation can inhibit this process.  In other words, ‘nerves that don’t fire together won’t together.’  Understanding this helps bring neuroplasticity into an important place; since what the child sees and does will help create their future brains and nerve systems.  The concept of neuroplasticity helps us appreciate the importance of providing enriching environments for children to support their brain development and overall well-being.

References

[1] The Brain that Changes Itself - Norman Doidge, MD

[2] How neurons that fire together wire together

The Activator is becoming an increasingly popular tool for adjusting, especially with children! It delivers a gentle, controlled force to one specific area of the spine at a time, making it a great tool for adjusting all populations. At Rubin Family Chiropractic, we often use the Activator because it is less intimidating and more comfortable for children compared to different manual chiropractic adjustments. 

Studies have shown that the Activator method is effective in managing conditions like spinal pain and joint stiffness in children [1]. Additionally, the versatility and specificity of the Activator makes it perfect for adjusting kids of all ages. Many people are unaware that children can get adjusted and in most cases should get adjusted to improve their health and nerve system function. Research actually indicates that the Activator tool is commonly used for children under five years old, as well as for older children [2]. 

Here at Rubin Family Chiropractic, we know that adjustments not only improve joint function and reduce pain but also influence and reconnect the body to the nervous system, enhancing a child's overall well-being. We often use an Activator to accomplish that. Lots of parents prefer this method of chiropractic for their children because it’s gentle and has good research to prove its safety [3]. The Activator adjusting tool can even be used effectively and safely with a pregnant momma [4].  Activator is a great tool used to correct subluxation in a specific, gentle way for all populations and ages! 

References

[1] Clinical effectiveness of the activator adjusting ... - Chiropractic

[2] Forces of Commonly Used Chiropractic Techniques for Children: A Review ...

[3] Chiropractic Care for Children | Pediatrics - JAMA Network

[4] Journal of Pediatric, Family and Maternal Health

Dyslexia is a learning disorder that impacts an individual’s reading and writing abilities. It is not caused by issues regarding needed glasses or lack of education, but rather persistent issues in processing written information. According to recent studies, it is more common than was once thought, accounting for roughly 80% of all learning disorders. In primary school children alone, about 7.1% have dyslexia. While the exact cause of dyslexia is not fully known, factors contributing to the rise in dyslexia include genetic predispositions and environmental influences. Many studies reveal that dyslexia is almost twice as common in boys than it is in girls. [1]

Dyslexia can significantly impact a child's academic performance and self-esteem, making early diagnosis and intervention crucial. The disorder can cause a high level of frustration in school, which can ultimately lead to negative experiences associated with learning and taking part in classroom activities [1].

In addition to the previous mentions of genetic and environmental influcences, there is growing evidence that dyslexia is neurologically related. Studies using EEG and fMRI have shown differences in both brain activity and brain structure between children with dyslexia compared to those without. According to one study, even at rest, children with dyslexia exhibit different measurements in brain frequencies compared to those without. The differences in brain activity are mainly found in what is known as the left temporoparietal area, otherwise known as Wernicke’s area, which plays a major role in language comprehension and processing. Any interference to this area of the brain can cause difficulty with understanding language and sensory integration. [2,3]

Some studies suggest that chiropractic adjustments can help improve cognitive functioning in dyslexic children. Adjustments address misalignments in the spine, ultimately helping to reduce nervous system interference. Swiss chiropractor and president of the Swiss Chiropractic Pediatric Association Dr. Yannick Pauli states that neurodevelopmental disorders often involve dysfunction in the cerebellum, which helps to coordinate and integrate sensory information. In addition, the cerebellum also helps to regulate the speed in which the brain is able to process that information. Dr. Pauli makes the point of if stress causes misalignments in the spine, the brain cannot be properly stimulated, therefore leading to further dysfunction and dysregulation. [4]

While chiropractic care does not replace traditional help for dyslexia, it can serve as a form of complementary care to improve the brain function with these children. Many parents have reported improvements in their children's reading abilities and overall well-being after receiving chiropractic care in conjunction with educational interventions.  We have seen children actually jump reading levels and even grade levels after starting chiropractic care coupled with dietary modification and neurological exercises!

References

[1] Prevalence of Developmental Dyslexia in Primary School Children: A ...

[2] EEG correlates of developmental dyslexia: a systematic review

[3] Neural Basis of Dyslexia: A Comparison between Dyslexic and Nondyslexic ...

[4] The Effects of Chiropractic Care on Individuals Suffering from Learning ...