Chiroblog

When you think about your spine, you probably picture it as the backbone of your body—literally. But did you know that this incredible structure has been evolving for hundreds of millions of years? The story begins with simple aquatic creatures that had nothing more than a flexible rod called a notochord. Over time, that rod transformed into segmented vertebrae, giving rise to the first vertebrates. These early innovations allowed animals to move more efficiently and protect their nervous systems, setting the stage for everything from fish to mammals—and eventually, us. The spine allows for greater flexibility and protection for the spinal cord, but it also is very vulnerable to injury (which is why chiropractic was eventually created in 1895!).

As life moved from water to land, the spine had to adapt to new challenges. Early reptiles and synapsids (our distant ancestors) developed specialized regions in their spines, like thoracic and lumbar sections, to handle twisting, bending, and weight-bearing. This was a game-changer for locomotion. Later, mammals refined these features even further, creating a spine that could support running, climbing, and eventually walking upright. Researchers using advanced imaging and computer modeling have shown how these changes weren’t just about strength—they were about flexibility and balance too. And as the spine evolved, so did our brains…to adapt to walking on 2 feet, we had to create more complicated brains to allow us to use our hands for more complex things and our feet and back for support. 

Fast forward to humans, and the spine takes on its most unique role yet: supporting bipedalism. Standing on two legs required new curves in the spine to keep us balanced and upright. But here’s the catch—those adaptations came with trade-offs. Studies show that our vertebrae are more vulnerable to issues like lower back pain and osteoporosis compared to our primate cousins. Plus childbirth had to change, since the human pelvis is much smaller than most mammals…hence our baby’s come into the world with brains that aren’t completely grown, to make birthing a human baby somewhat easier.  However, that makes our spine, brain and nerve system even more vulnerable.

Hopefully this is a fascinating reminder that evolution isn’t about perfection; it’s about making do with what works best for survival. So next time your back aches, you can thank millions of years of evolutionary engineering for getting you here!  And thank your chiropractor for helping keep your spine, brain and nerve system as healthy as possible!

Further Reading

• Journal of Human Evolution – The evolution of spinal morphology in hominins
• Nature Reviews Rheumatology – Spinal disorders and evolutionary trade-offs in humans
• Evolution & Development – Origin and diversification of vertebral elements in vertebrates
• Proceedings of the Royal Society B – Functional evolution of the mammalian axial skeleton
• Journal of Anatomy – Comparative morphology of lumbar vertebrae in primates and early mammals
• Science Advances – Synapsid trunk evolution and the origins of mammalian flexibility
• The 4 billion year path to human evolution:  https://www.visualcapitalist.com/path-of-human-evolution/

The human brain doesn’t mature all at once—it develops in a very organized way. According to Dr. Robert Melillo, this process starts from the bottom and works its way up. Early in life, the brainstem and lower regions control basic survival functions (like eating, swallowing and breathing) and reflexes. These primitive reflexes, like grasping or rooting, are essential for newborns but should fade as higher brain areas develop. As the cortex matures, it begins to exert “top-down” control, calming these reflexes and allowing more voluntary, purposeful movements.

Another fascinating aspect of brain development is how each hemisphere takes turns leading the way. In the first two years (from birth until age 2), the right side of the brain grows more rapidly, supporting sensory processing, emotional regulation, and spatial awareness. The goal in the first 2 years of brain development is more ‘big picture’; having the child learn who they are and what they are doing here.  Then, during the next two years, the left hemisphere takes the spotlight, driving language skills and analytical thinking. The goal in the 2^nd two years is gathering and expanding detailed information on all the stuff that was processed in the first 2 years.  This balanced progression is crucial for healthy cognitive and motor development.

Recent research adds even more insight. A study called Sensing Echoes by Torres shows that a simple newborn hearing test—the Auditory Brainstem Response (ABR)—can reveal subtle delays in brain signal timing. These delays may predict which children are at risk for autism, making ABR a powerful early screening tool. Similarly, Leisman and Melillo’s work on primitive reflexes suggests that if these reflexes linger beyond infancy, they could signal developmental challenges like ADHD or autism. Identifying these markers early gives parents and clinicians a chance to intervene sooner, supporting better outcomes for children.

We are pediatric specialist chiropractic office and looking for retained primitive reflexes (RPRs) is foundational in what we examine in children.  We have found that children with more RPRs generally have more challenges, and between chiropractic adjustments and home-based neurological exercises, children can gain focus, improve calmness, have less outbursts, and generally become happier and healthier kiddos!

References: 

https://academic.oup.com/pnasnexus/article/2/2/pgac315/7035935 

https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1111/jpc.70053

A recent study looked at how eating habits differ between children with autism and those who are typically developing, as well as how much parents know about nutrition. Researchers found that children with autism tend to eat fewer snacks but have more emotional eating behaviors, like overeating when upset. They are also more likely to have strong reactions—such as tantrums—when they can’t get their favorite foods. Compared to other children, kids with autism eat core food groups less often and consume more packaged foods and sugary drinks.  Dealing with kids with Autism like we have for many years, I agree with this part of the article.  However, it doesn’t really go into the fact that many of the favorite foods of kids with Autism are due to texture vs purely ‘like or dislike.’  The same muscles that are used to chew and swallow food are used to some degree to speak, which explains why children with more severe levels of Autism may not eat a balanced diet as well as have difficulty in speech. 

The study also showed that parents of children with autism generally have less nutrition knowledge than parents of typically developing children. This I find not completely accurate. As stated above, I find the reason that children with Autism tend to eat more processed & packaged foods is not because of a lack of parental education (many of the parents I work with who have kids with Autism are very highly educated)…rather there are certain foods kids with Autism are drawn to (mac and cheese, pizza, chicken nuggets, French fries, for example) due to texture, taste (sweet/salty) and look (all are yellowish).

Reference: https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S3050656525002081

A 2023 study focuses on finding ways to identify neurodevelopmental challenges, such as autism, much earlier than current methods allow. Today, autism is usually diagnosed between ages 2-4, when social and communication delays become noticeable. However, the building blocks for these skills—like sensory processing—are present at birth. The researchers discovered that a routine newborn hearing test, called the Auditory Brainstem Response (ABR), contains hidden clues about how the brain processes sound. By doing advanced analysis on these ABR signals, they found clear differences between babies who later received an autism diagnosis and those who developed typically. This means that, in some children, certain developmental concerns can be detected soon after birth.

Early detection is critical because the sooner interventions begin, the better the long-term outcomes for a child’s growth and learning. The new approach doesn’t require extra procedures—just smarter analysis of data already collected during standard newborn hearing screenings. By turning these tests into a universal screening tool, doctors could identify potential developmental delays months or even years earlier than current practices. This breakthrough offers hope for personalized care plans that support healthy brain development from the very start of life. 

This is so many newborns, toddlers and preschoolers that we see can have complete trajectory changes by simply identifying weaknesses at birth or during their early years and then strengthening them, so that as each child ages, their brain-nerve system-body connections are working at optimal level.  If an ABR test can reveal clues about how the brain processes information in a young child, so can testing primitive reflexes, looking at early eye movements, and other simple tests that a certified pediatric chiropractor can perform. 

Reference: 

https://academic.oup.com/pnasnexus/article/2/2/pgac315/7035935

Some babies show signs that might indicate their body needs a little help moving or functioning more comfortably. For example, if your baby always turns the head to the same side or has trouble looking towards one side; if they prefer to breastfeed only on one breast or become irritated when breastfed; if they cry frequently without a clear cause (sometimes called “colic”); or seems to sleep restlessly or arches a lot, an evaluation by a specialized professional, such as a pediatric chiropractor, may be helpful.

Some studies have observed that many babies with feeding difficulties have minor tension in their neck, jaw, or back. Gently working on these areas has shown improvements in sucking and feeding comfort. There are also reports of babies with torticollis (a stiff or tilted neck) whose mobility improved after receiving gentle care such as muscle release, stretching, and chiropractic spinal adjustments.

If you notice these signs in your baby, it may be a good idea to seek an evaluation from a pediatric chiropractor. The goal is to understand how your baby's body is moving and functioning, and if anything is affecting their comfort or development, it may be corrected through gentle adjustments.

En Espanol:

Signos de que tu bebé podría beneficiarse del cuidado quiropráctico

Algunos bebés muestran señales que podrían indicar que su cuerpo necesita un poco de ayuda para moverse o funcionar con más comodidad. Por ejemplo, si tu bebé siempre gira la cabeza hacia un mismo lado o le cuesta mirar al otro; si prefiere tomar el pecho solo de un lado o se irrita al ser amamantado; si llora con frecuencia sin una causa clara (lo que a veces se llama “cólico”); o si parece dormir de manera inquieta o se arquea mucho, puede ser útil una evaluación por un profesional especializado, como un quiropráctico pediátrico.

Algunos estudios han observado que muchos bebés con dificultades para alimentarse presentan pequeñas tensiones o limitaciones en el cuello, la mandíbula o la espalda. Al trabajar de manera gentil esas áreas, se ha demostrado mejoría en la succión y la comodidad del bebé al alimentarse. También hay reportes de bebés con tortícolis (cuello torcido o rígido) que mejoraron su movilidad tras recibir cuidados suaves como la liberación muscular, estiramientos y ajustes espinales.

En resumen, si notas estas señales en tu bebé, puede ser una buena idea buscar una evaluación de un quiropráctico pediátrico. El objetivo es entender cómo se está moviendo y funcionando el cuerpo del bebé y si hay algo que esté afectando su comodidad o desarrollo corregirlo lo antes posible mediante ajustes gentiles.

Referencias/References

1. Wiberg, J. M., Nordsteen, J., & Nilsson, N. (2009). Contribution of chiropractic therapy to resolving suboptimal breastfeeding: a case series of 114 infants. Journal of Manipulative and Physiological Therapeutics.
2. Mork, A. R., et al. (2017). Conservative care of pediatric acquired torticollis: a report of two cases. Journal of Chiropractic Medicine.
3. Ernst, E. (2009). Chiropractic spinal manipulation for infant colic: a systematic review of randomized clinical trials. International Journal of Clinical Practice.
4. Miller, J. E., et al. (2021). The effect of chiropractic care on infantile colic: results from a single-blind randomized controlled trial. Chiropractic & Manual Therapies.

A recent report by UNICEF, published on September 10th, reveals a startling global shift: for the first time, the number of school-aged children who are obese has surpassed those who are severely undernourished. This marks a significant turning point in global child health, highlighting how modern environments—filled with ultra-processed foods, sedentary lifestyles, increased use of phones and tablets, and limited access to safe play spaces—are contributing to rising obesity rates. The report emphasizes that childhood obesity is a complex condition influenced by biological, psychological, and social factors, and not simply a matter of poor food choices [1].

For parents seeking alternative and holistic support, gentle pediatric chiropractic care can play a meaningful role in reversing this trend. Chiropractic adjustments help improve nervous system function, reduce physical discomfort, and enhance mobility—making movement more enjoyable for children…and more desired. When kids feel better physically, they’re more likely to engage in active play and exercise, which are essential for maintaining a healthy weight and building confidence. By supporting the body’s natural alignment and function, gentle pediatric chiropractic care can help children rediscover the joy of movement, laying the foundation for healthier habits and a more active lifestyle.

We have had many cases in both adults and children who are far more sedentary because they are either in pain or are stuck in what we call ‘inertia.’  Newton’s Law states, “a body in motion tends to stay in motion, and a body at rest tends to stay at rest, unless acted on by a force [2].” A person who doesn’t move much will tend to not move much unless something creates a change, and what we have seen is chiropractic adjustments are that change agent!  Suddenly kids and adults whose nerve systems are working better tend to want to move more!

References

1. https://www.economist.com/graphic-detail/2025/09/10/a-world-map-of-childhood-obesity

2. https://www1.grc.nasa.gov/beginners-guide-to-aeronautics/newtons-laws-of-motion/   

The human body's ability to maintain balance, spatial awareness, and coordinated movement relies on three interconnected sensory systems: vestibular, visual, and proprioceptive. These systems are anatomically and functionally linked through structures that form a sort of ring around the head—specifically the eyes, ears, and occiput. The vestibular system, located in the inner ear, detects motion and orientation; the visual system, centered in the eyes, provides spatial and depth perception and visual stimuli; and proprioception, which involves feedback from muscles and joints, is processed in part by the brainstem and cerebellum near the occipital region (the fancy term for the base of the skull). Together, these systems create a “GPS” for the body, allowing us to move confidently through space[1].

When Integration Breaks Down

Disruption in any part of this sensory ring can lead to challenges such as dizziness, poor coordination, and sensory processing difficulties. Research shows that the brain integrates visual and vestibular cues to maintain accurate perception of motion [2]. When these cues conflict—due to developmental delays, neurological dysfunction, or retained primitive reflexes—children may experience disorientation, behavioral issues, or difficulty with motor planning [3].

How Gentle Pediatric Chiropractic Can Help

Pediatric chiropractic care offers a gentle, non-invasive approach to supporting children with these sorts of challenges. By gently adjusting spinal misalignments—particularly in the cervical and occipital regions—chiropractic adjustments may help restore proper nervous system communication and improve sensory processing. Case studies and clinical reviews have shown promising outcomes in children with developmental delays, autism, and sensory processing disorders following chiropractic care [4]. Techniques often involve light touch and targeted neurological exercises, making them suitable even for sensory-sensitive children. That is why we have created special sensory sensitive rooms in our practice, to reduce the potential for overstimulation while receiving chiropractic care. These rooms also have sensory toys that the children can play with to keep them calm before and even during an adjustment as well as HEPA air filters that double as white noise sound machines to keep kids calm and less distractable.  

References

[1] www.nvcofny.com

[2] www.mdpi.com

[3] link.springer.com

[4] chiropractic.prosepoint.net

A recent article that a patient shared with me called, ADHD as a System Disorder: A Narrative Review of Genetic, Nutritional, Psychological and Environmental Interactions, explores ADHD not just as a behavioral or neurological condition, but as a complex system disorder influenced by genetics, nutrition, psychology, and environmental factors. It highlights how certain gene variants can affect brain development and function, and that these genetic predispositions can be influenced by diet, especially nutrients like folate, zinc, iron, and omega-3 fatty acids. The review also introduces the concept of “pseudo-ADHD,” where symptoms may arise from lifestyle factors rather than true neurodevelopmental issues.

Environmental stressors like poor sleep, excessive screen time, and processed foods can mimic or worsen ADHD symptoms. The findings in this article suggest that addressing nutritional deficiencies and lifestyle habits may help manage or even reduce these behaviors. Pediatric chiropractors like ourselves, who emphasize brain-body wellness, can see remarkable changes in kids with ADHD through gentle chiropractic adjustments, functional neurological exercises and changes in dietary intake, helping mitigate the affects of the typical American lifestyle. 

Reference

https://verjournal.com/index.php/ver/article/view/129/113  

Did you know that chiropractic care can be beneficial for children suffering from anxiety or depression? More research is showing that regulating the nervous system using chiropractic adjustments can decrease feelings of anxiety, depression, and more in pediatric populations. For example, a study conducted using 881 children between the ages of 8 and 17 undergoing wellness chiropractic care showed that within 38 days, children were less likely to report any feelings of anxiety, depression, pain, or fatigue. 

Here at Rubin Family Chiropractic, we use gentle, low-force adjustments to help connect the brain to the body, eliminating any interferences that may be causing a multitude of symptoms in your children. Having proper alignment of the spine directly influences the ability of the nervous system to perform everyday tasks and regulate body functions.  Getting adjusted during critical periods of brain development can potentially help your child grow healthy, strong, and connected, both physically and emotionally.

Reference:

https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/n29260883/

Recent chiropractic research is shedding light on how chiropractic adjustments may do more than just relieve pain—they might actually help the brain and immune system work better. In The Contemporary Model of Vertebral Subluxation by Dr. Haavik (2021), the spine is described as a key player in how the brain controls muscles. When spinal joints aren’t moving properly, it can disrupt the brain’s ability to coordinate movement. This dysfunction is called a “central segmental motor control problem.” The good news? Chiropractic adjustments can help restore normal function, improving muscle strength and reducing fatigue.

Another paper by Dr. Haavik in 2021, The Potential Mechanisms of HVLA Controlled Vertebral Thrusts on Neuroimmune Function, explores how chiropractic care might influence the immune system. The authors reviewed 23 studies and found that chiropractic adjustments could affect immune-related chemicals like neuropeptides and stress hormones. The theory is that spinal adjustments change how the brain, especially the prefrontal cortex, processes signals from the body. Since the brain helps regulate stress and immune responses, chiropractic care might offer indirect support for immune health—especially during times of physical or emotional stress.

Together, these studies suggest that chiropractic adjustments may have broader health benefits than previously thought. Chiropractic care is a valuable tool not just for pain relief, but also for enhancing neuromuscular performance and supporting immune resilience. That is why chiropractic is and has been the largest non-medical health care system in the US and has growing popularity around the world. And journal articles like these and many others show why so many kids benefit from chiropractic care, especially focusing on gentle initial care for children whose brain and nerve system are dysregulated.

Want more info? Check out our website here: https://www.theadjustment.com/, or listen to the Chirocast podcast here: https://open.spotify.com/show/6MAvSFIDSgfi1MFZacbx8D?si=AM6usc5ES82kJvDZC8jcFQ&dl_branch=1&nd=1&dlsi=0f3fb96aeac94ef3

References: 

https://www.researchgate.net/publication/351905099_The_Potential_Mechanisms_of_High-Velocity_Low-Amplitude_Controlled_Vertebral_Thrusts_on_Neuroimmune_Function_A_Narrative_Review

https://vbn.aau.dk/ws/portalfiles/portal/449174597/Haavik2021_Article_TheContemporaryModelOfVertebra.pdf