Chiroblog

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