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

The developing pediatric brain relies heavily on prediction to make sense of the world. According to theories like those presented in Andy Clark’s The Experience Machine, the brain doesn’t simply react to sensory input; it constantly generates predictions about what will happen next, comparing them to incoming signals. Prediction is something that builds over time, with an infant having a relatively clean predictive ‘slate.’ As the child ages, through the use of observation and repetition, prediction becomes more engaged in how the child responds and reacts to the outside world.

A mismatch between predictions and actual experiences—what’s known as a “prediction error”—can create stress, confusion, or overwhelm. In typically developing children, the nervous system refines its predictions through repeated, accurate feedback, helping them adapt to sensory, social, and motor experiences.

However, in children with Autism, especially those with more severe issues, this predictive network doesn’t form as well.  This may occur because some children with Autism are hyper-aware of certain outside stimuli but less aware of their own internal senses (for example, they are very jumpy with low or high pitched noises but cannot tell when they are hungry or tired).  This can lead to sensory overload, heightened stress responses, and difficulty adapting to new environments or social cues.

Pediatric chiropractic care, by focusing on optimizing spinal and nervous system function, may support the brain’s ability to process sensory information more efficiently. Gentle adjustments may help reduce “neural noise” and improve the clarity of communication between the body and brain, potentially easing the burden of prediction errors. Enhancing the nervous system’s adaptability may create a more regulated foundation for learning, sensory integration, and resilience in all children but especially in kids on the Autism spectrum.  Creating a predictable environment is one way to help work with kids with Autism. Get more information here: https://www.theadjustment.com/.  Listen to Dr Rubin discuss prediction on his podcast of the same title, Chirocast Episode 633

References:

https://www.penguinrandomhouse.com/books/608016/the-experience-machine-by-andy-clark/

https://www.routledge.com/Autism-and-The-Predictive-Brain-Absolute-Thinking-in-a-Relative-World/Vermeulen/p/book/9781032358970?srsltid=AfmBOor61Iiaq0qM7DSAwcOM3uLy02zF3zyGVdiFbz3N-YWlZ6sHDU9L

ADHD 2.0: New Science and Essential Strategies for Thriving with Distraction—from Childhood Through Adulthood, by Drs. Edward Hallowell and John Ratey, presents a neuroscience-informed approach to understanding and managing ADHD. The book explores how ADHD is a different brain wiring that can be harnessed for creativity, resilience, and success. Central to their explanation is the interaction between two brain networks—the Default Mode Network (DMN), responsible for imagination and internal thought, and the Task Positive Network (TPN), which governs focus and task execution. In ADHD brains, these networks struggle to work together efficiently, leading to distractibility and mental "glitchiness." The authors also highlight the cerebellum’s role in attention and emotional regulation (a relatively new finding), suggesting that targeted physical activities—like balance exercises—can strengthen this brain region and improve ADHD symptoms. Neuroplasticity, the brain’s ability to adapt and rewire, is a recurring theme, offering hope that with the right interventions, individuals with ADHD can thrive.

Pediatric chiropractic involves gentle spinal adjustments and exercises aimed at improving nervous system function and balance—areas closely tied to cerebellar and brain health. By enhancing proprioception and reducing neurological interference, chiropractic care can support structured movement and sensory integration. Additionally, chiropractic’s holistic philosophy aligns with the book’s call for personalized, multi-modal strategies that include physical activity, nutrition, emotional support, and environmental structure. Though more clinical research is needed to establish firm connections, the neurological insights in ADHD 2.0 provide a compelling framework for exploring how pediatric chiropractic might contribute to ADHD management.

Everyday in our office we see children (and adults) with ADHD and our version of chiropractic care helps calm the nerve system down so that they can do better in school and at home. ADHD is also commonly seen in kids who are also diagnosed with Autism, so helping kids with this dual diagnosis can be very beneficial. Check out https://www.theadjustment.com/ for more information. 

References

[1] ADHD 2.0 Summary and Study Guide | SuperSummary

[2] https://www.penguinrandomhouse.com/books/550868/adhd-20-by-edward-m-hallowell-md-and-john-j-ratey-md/

Children with behavior issues usually suffer from sensory overload, where typical stimuli, like noise, crowds, texture, or lights, are abnormally intense. This is an indication of an over-burdened nervous system that under-filters sensory information. Spinal misalignments, particularly in the upper part of the neck, also disrupt the brain's reception of sensory information, exacerbating behavioral dysregulation and leading to meltdowns or withdrawal. The upper neck is one of the most important parts of the sensory system especially since it is involved in a something called proprioception, which is the sense of where a person is in space.

Gentle and precise chiropractic adjustments return proper vertebral position and reduce nerve interference, which can enhance sensory integration, improve proprioception and allow for better emotional regulation. As the nervous system re-regulates, children can present with greater levels of concentration, calmer responses, and improved adaptation to the environment. This provides the foundation for greater success in social interactions, academics, and daily functioning.

Reference: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/22051563/ 

If your child has been diagnosed with ADHD, you might be searching for answers beyond medication. While chiropractic care doesn’t treat ADHD directly, many parents report improvements in their child’s focus, mood, sleep, and overall behavior after chiropractic care begins. ADHD is more than hyperactivity, it’s a neurodevelopmental condition that affects attention, emotional regulation, and executive function. According to Dr. Robert Melillo, author of Disconnected Kids, many children with ADHD experience what he calls Functional Disconnection Syndrome, where the two hemispheres of the brain are not communicating efficiently. “It’s not that the brain is damaged. It’s out of sync. One hemisphere is delayed in development,” he explains. Melillo’s work shows that with the right sensory input and stimulation, the brain can often be “rebalanced,” helping children function better at home, in school, and socially.

Chiropractic care may support that rebalancing process by improving the way the nervous system functions. Gentle adjustments, like the Activator Technique, help reduce stress on the spine and calm “fight or flight” responses that are often heightened in kids with ADHD. This is especially important being that the spine can directly impact brain signaling; “The spine is the gateway to the brain. Every adjustment is a chance to regulate the nervous system,” notes neurophysiologist Dr. Heidi Haavik. Chiropractic can also support better proprioception (the body’s awareness of itself), which is crucial in sensory integration, another challenge for many children with ADHD. Chiropractors who are trained in pediatric and neurological care often incorporate exercises and reflex work alongside adjustments, mirroring the brain-balancing principles outlined in Melillo’s programs. Together, these approaches create a safe, natural way to support your child’s development from the inside out.

https://www.frontiersin.org/journals/neuroanatomy/articles/10.3389/fnana.2022.936025/full

https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S1360859225000762

Chronic stress is an ever-present thread in Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD), and among the primary players is the vagus nerve; charged with vital tasks including mood regulation, digestion, and stress response. Experiments have shown that vagus nerve stimulation helps regulate the neuroimmune systems and positively affects kids with issues such as Autism, epilepsy, and depression, and other behavioral symptoms. These findings show how chiropractic care through improving vagal tone can reduce global body tension, and assist in establishing a better internal environment for self-regulation.

Early research into chiropractic suggests that spinal adjustment may influence sensorimotor integration, how the body combines touch and motion, through measurable changes. This would be especially relevant to children with Autism, who have sensory processing problems that drive these behaviors of overload, meltdowns, or distraction. By decreasing stress within the body and possibly increasing neural input/output efficiency, adjustments help toward a more regulated nerve system.  What does that really mean?  When a dysregulated vagus nerve becomes more regulated, then the child will be calmer, have less tantrums and meltdowns, digest food better, and overall be a happier child. 

References:

https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/22051563/

https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC5496407/