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