http://www.theadjustment.com/blogchiroblog.html Pediatric chiropractic mixed with a blend of life philosophy and healthy living thoughts. en-us NYK RSS Feeder http://www.theadjustment.com/blog/chiroblog/2026/09/21/from-dysregulation-to-regulation-a-remarkable-4month-transformation/ Mon, 21 Sep 2026 10:29:04 -0400 <p>Brief case history: When a child with Autism Level 3 (minimally speaking) first began care, we did a full brain-based neurological and chiropractic exam. One test we used was heart rate variability (HRV) using HeartMath, to test his vagus nerve, which is the major control center for regulation (and if the vagus is not working well, we see dysregulation). ÂHeartMath testing revealed a nervous system seriously struggling to self-regulate. At the initial assessment, average coherence was just <strong>0.5</strong>, with <strong>50% of the session spent in low coherence and 0% in high coherence</strong> (see below picture with all personal data removed).<strong>ÂÂ</strong>This pattern often reflects a nervous system that is stuck in a state of stress, overwhelm, and poor adaptability. After just one month of brain-based chiropractic care, the child&#39;s average coherence more than doubled to <strong>1.2</strong>, with <strong>60% of the session now spent in high coherence</strong>. By the second re-exam four months later, the transformation was even more impressive: average coherence reached <strong>2.0</strong>, with <strong>100% of the session occurring in high coherence and 0% in low coherence</strong>. At the same time, average heart rate decreased from <strong>97 BPM to 87 BPM</strong>, suggesting a shift toward a calmer, more efficient state of autonomic regulation. These are not isolated results. We see this time and again with our kids with Autism, especially those that are dysregulated.Â</p> <p>Brain-based chiropractic care is designed to help improve communication between the brain and body by supporting healthy nervous system function. As interference and stress patterns are reduced, the brain is often better able to interpret and respond to the world appropriately rather than remaining in a constant state of defense. For this child, the objective HRV measurements demonstrated a clear progression from dysregulation toward regulation, reflected by an impressive increase in coherence over four months. While every child responds differently, improvements in nervous system regulation are often associated with better adaptability, attention, emotional resilience, sleep, social engagement, and overall quality of life. Stories like this remind us that when we focus on improving nervous system function, we are not simply chasing symptoms, we are helping children build a stronger foundation for growth, development, and connection. This child now has less meltdowns, when they do have a meltdown they calm faster, has better communication, and has started to play with other children rather than 100% by themselvesâall signs of a better âtunedâ vagus nerve.Â</p> <p><img src="https://theadjustment.com/uploads/image.png" style="width: 600px; height: 138px;" /></p> <p>  HRVÂscores: ÂApril 2026                  May 2026                       ÂSeptember 2026</p> <p>Reference:</p> <p><a href="https://www.heartmath.com/">https://www.heartmath.com/Â</a></p> http://www.theadjustment.com/blog/chiroblog/2026/09/15/4-gentle-styles-to-pediatric-chiropractic-care-part-1/ Tue, 15 Sep 2026 21:20:42 -0400 <p>When parents bring their child to a pediatric chiropractor, one of the most common questions they ask is, "How do you adjust a baby or child?" The answer may surprise them. Pediatric chiropractic care is very different from the types of adjustments often seen in adults. Chiropractors who care for infants and children use age-appropriate techniques that are gentle, specific, and tailored to the child&#39;s size, development, and unique needs. Four of the most common approaches include gentle manual adjusting, fingertip sustained contact adjusting, instrument adjusting, and tonal or non-force adjusting.</p> <p><strong>Gentle manual adjusting</strong> uses light, controlled pressure applied by the chiropractor&#39;s hands to specific areas of the spine or body. The force used with infants is often compared to the amount of pressure needed to check the ripeness of a tomato. <strong>Fingertip sustained contact adjusting</strong> involves placing a gentle contact with one or more fingertips and holding that position for a several seconds while the child&#39;s body responds and relaxes. <strong>Instrument adjusting</strong> utilizes specialized handheld instruments such as the Activator adjusting tool that deliver a very precise and low-force impulse to a targeted area. The fourth category, <strong>tonal or non-force adjusting</strong>, emphasizes working with the body&#39;s natural tension patterns, neurological reflexes, and self-regulating mechanisms. Chiropractors using tonal approaches may apply a very light touch, hold specific points on the body, or use gentle positioning to encourage the nervous system to organize and adapt more effectively.</p> <p>While each of these four techniques differs in its application, they share a common goal: supporting healthy nervous system function and helping children achieve their best potential for growth, development, movement, and overall well-being. Pediatric chiropractors, especially those trained by the International Chiropractic Pediatric Association (ICPA), can become certified by completing a 200-hour program with rigorous tests after each 12-hour training. ÂICPA certified pediatric chiropractors are trained to select the technique that best fits each child&#39;s age, comfort level, health goals, and individual needs. I have been an ICPA certified chiropractor since 2006 and taken an additional 200 hours to become what is known as a board-certified diplomate in pediatrics, the highest postgraduate degree that can be obtained in pediatrics, which was awarded to me in 2008. There are only approximately 100 diplomates in the entire US! Make sure when taking your kids to a chiropractor that they are either certified in pediatrics or a diplomate in pediatrics!</p> <p>References:Â</p> <p><a href="https://icpa4kids.com/training/pediatric-certification/">https://icpa4kids.com/training/pediatric-certification/Â</a></p> http://www.theadjustment.com/blog/chiroblog/2026/09/02/what-do-newtons-laws-have-to-do-with-chiropractic-care/ Wed, 02 Sep 2026 16:27:10 -0400 <p>Most of us learned Isaac Newton&#39;s Laws of Motion in school, but they also offer an interesting way to think about chiropractic care. Newton&#39;s First Law states that an object in motion tends to stay in motion, while an object at rest tends to stay at rest unless acted upon by an outside force. In a similar way, kids can become stuck in patterns. Whether it&#39;s poor posture, chronic stress, repetitive movement habits, or nervous system challenges, the body often continues doing what it has been doing. This can be especially noticeable in children who struggle with sensory processing, communication, or developmental issues. Chiropractic adjustments serve as a gentle, specific influence that can help restore proper movement and improve communication between the brain and body, giving the nervous system an opportunity to adapt and respond in new ways.</p> <p>Newton&#39;s Second and Third Laws remind us that change requires the right amount of force and that every action produces a reaction. Effective chiropractic care is about using the appropriate force for that specific person. ÂA child with a sensitive nervous system, a pregnant mother in discomfort, or a newborn baby with colic all need very different types of adjustments. Just as a skilled trainer gradually increases exercise intensity to build strength safely, chiropractors carefully tailor adjustments to a person&#39;s needs and nervous system capacity. Over time, as healthier patterns develop and the body becomes more adaptable, positive changes are often easier to maintain, reflecting Newton&#39;s idea that a body in motion tends to stay in motion.</p> <p>Donât let inertia keep your brain and nerve system, or your childâs brain and nerve system, stuck in a pattern that they canât get out of. Time and again we see patients who have grown used to certain patterns of illness, pain or behaviors that can be altered if we alter what is going into the body on a regular basis, such as gentle chiropractic adjustments.</p> http://www.theadjustment.com/blog/chiroblog/2026/08/25/flat-head-syndrome-part-1-why-early-recognition-matters/ Tue, 25 Aug 2026 07:11:37 -0400 <p>Babies are born soft, squishy and incredibly adaptable! There are plenty of reasons for that. A babyâs cranium, which encases the brain, is made up of multiple bones that have not fully fused yet. This adaptation allows for the babyâs head to be flexible as momma and baby dance through birth. This adaptation also allows for providing the space for the rapid growth and development that occurs in the first few years of the infantâs life.</p> <p>Â</p> <p>During those early newborn weeks, you might notice that your little one naturally turns their head to one side, snuggling into the same cozy spot, or preferring one direction while they sleep or play or sit in their car seat. This might be due to a what Dr. Heiner Biedermann calls KISS syndrome, or âKinematic Imbalance Due to Suboccipital Strainâ. That âstrainâ can also be accelerated by a slight flatness on one side of the babyâs head, which over the course of a few weeks can worsen into what is known as positional plagiocephaly, commonly referred to as flat head syndrome. This is a relatively common occurrence (studies show 25% of newborns develop some form of head malposition). The good news? Early recognition provides opportunities to support healthy movement and head shape development from the beginning.</p> <p>Â</p> <p>Certified pediatric chiropractors focus on assessing the babyâs overall movement pattern, strength, musculoskeletal tension, and total nervous system functioning. Gentle chiropractic care, including working with the cranial bones (the bones of the head), along with individualized home exercises, can help improve range of motion and help balance movement patterns. The goal of care is not to force anything, but rather support the babyâs optimal ability to grow, develop, and thrive. And ultimately, the goal is not just how well the baby turns its head but how well the newborn interacts with its environment. Children with a flatter head usually have less fluid movement of their neck, which can affect their eyes, their reflexes, and many other seemingly unrelated parts. When a child can move better they mature better and their brain and nerve system are stronger because of it!</p> <p>References:</p> <p>Pastor-Pons, I., Hidalgo-Garc&iacute;a, C., Lucha-L&oacute;pez, M.O. et al. Effectiveness of pediatric integrative manual therapy in cervical movement limitation in infants with positional plagiocephaly: a randomized controlled trial. Ital J Pediatr</p> <p>Ellwood, J., Draper-Rodi, J. & Carnes, D. The effectiveness and safety of conservative interventions for positional plagiocephaly and congenital muscular torticollis: a synthesis of systematic reviews and guidance. Chiropr Man Therap</p> <p>Biedermann H. Manual therapy in children: proposals for an etiologic model. J Manipulative Physiol Ther.</p> http://www.theadjustment.com/blog/chiroblog/2026/08/13/before-the-first-flutter-what-your-baby-is-doing-before-you-can-feel-it/ Thu, 13 Aug 2026 14:04:17 -0400 <p>There is something absolutely incredible happening long before you can feel that first little flutter. Before you can feel a kick, see a tiny foot pressing against your belly, feel a hiccup, or recognize your babyâs movements as their own. Your baby is already developing their intricate systems that will make movement possible. In the earliest weeks of pregnancy, the foundations of the brain and nervous system are rapidly taking shape, while the developing spinal cord is forming alongside them. Even though your baby is still incredibly small, their body is already laying the groundwork for the dazzling amount of brain and nerve growth.</p> <p>As development continues, something begins to happen; your baby begins to move. Long before those movements become something you can recognize, your baby is already making small movements as the nervous system and body continue to grow. As things progress, these movements take on different forms, reflecting the incredible coordination taking shape between your babyâs developing brain, spinal cord and body. What may seem like a tiny movement is part of a much bigger story; the developing nervous system is learning to communicate with and coordinate a changing body.</p> <p>Finally, comes the moment mama gets to experience what her baby has been doing all along: the first flutter. It may feel like a tiny flicker, a little bubble, or a gentle âdid I just feel something?â Behind that little sensation there is something much biggerâthey have been swimming around the placenta for weeks. What you feel at first is simply the beautiful moment when you finally get to experience a small piece of what has been happening all along.</p> <p>As a chiropractor who cares deeply about the perinatal journey, we believe that mamaâs nervous system deserves just as much attention during this incredible season as the growing little one. ÂSupporting nervous system function may help the body communicate, adapt, and respond to the many changes of pregnancy. Creating space for mama and baby to grow together as their remarkable relationship between their two developing systems begins its own beautiful dance.</p> <p>One of the most common side-benefits of momâs getting adjusted during their pregnancy is not only better birth outcomes but an overall healthier baby. Weâve seen this hundreds of times over our 37+ years in practiceâeven yesterday we saw a 4-week-old newborn whose mom was adjusted during pregnancy and the resilience and adaptability of her and the baby was remarkable. Happy healthy moms create happier healthier babies!</p> <p>Â</p> <p>References:</p> <p>-Ohmura Y, Morokuma S, Kato K, Kuniyoshi Y. Species-specific Posture of Human Foetus in Late First Trimester.</p> <p>-Santos C, Marshall AR, Murray A, Metcalfe K. Spinal neural tube formation and tail development in human embryos.</p> <p>-Vasung L, Abaci Turk E, Ferradal SL. Exploring early human brain development with structural and physiological neuroimaging.</p> <p>-Zeng B, Liu Z, Lu Y, Zhong S. The single-cell and spatial transcriptional landscape ofÂearly brain development.</p> http://www.theadjustment.com/blog/chiroblog/2026/07/24/your-babys-movement-tells-a-story-understanding-early-movement-patterns/ Fri, 24 Jul 2026 14:46:13 -0400 <p>Have you noticed your baby has a preference to look to one side? Maybe they have a favorite direction during tummy time, like looking over one shoulder, or they might even become fussy when they look the other way. While we develop movement patterns and preferences, a constant head preference could indicate that there is a muscular imbalance or limited neck range of motion. Movement is one of the primary ways babies learn about and interact with the world. As they turn their heads, reach for toys, roll, crawl, and explore their surroundings, they are developing important motor skills while their nervous system coordinates growth, adaptation, function, and movement. Because of this, movement patterns can provide valuable insight into how a baby is functioning both physically and neurologically.</p> <p>When there is interference and the brain and body cannot communicate clearly, the body may begin to adapt by creating protective patterns, such as favoring one position or limiting certain movements. A baby&#39;s movement tells a story. While pediatric chiropractic care certainly may help improve mobility and range of motion, our true focus extends beyond the neck itself. We look at how the nervous system is helping the body coordinate movement, respond to its environment, and adapt as a baby grows. Every stage of development, from lifting the head and rolling over to reaching and crawling, depends on the body&#39;s ability to move and adapt efficiently. By supporting healthy function, our goal is not simply to improve movement, but to help create an environment where babies can interact with the world around them with greater ease and confidence.</p> <p>Several weeks ago, a 2-month-old child came to us with colic/reflux and latching/nursing challenges, red flags already that something isnât working right. When we observed the baby head down (tummy time), the child could not lift its head up off the examining bench, keeping her head down and turned to the right. After the mom flipped her gently over on her back, she continued to keep her head turned to the right.ÂWe just completed her re-exam after 6 adjustments and now her neck range of motion is almost completely normal. Look what gentle pediatric, brain-based chiropractic adjustments plus some gentle neurological exercises can do!</p> <p>References:</p> <p>Congenital Muscular Torticollis: Bridging the Gap Between Research and Clinical Practice. Pediatrics. 2019 Aug;144(2):e20190582. <a href="doi:%2010.1542/peds.2019-0582">doi: 10.1542/peds.2019-0582</a>.</p> <p>The effectiveness and safety of conservative interventions for positional plagiocephaly and congenital muscular torticollis: a synthesis of systematic reviews and guidance. Chiropractic & manual therapies, 28(1), 31. <a href="https://doi.org/10.1186/s12998-020-00321-w">https://doi.org/10.1186/s12998-020-00321-w</a></p> http://www.theadjustment.com/blog/chiroblog/2026/07/09/how-the-vagus-nerve-relates-to-the-postpartum-mom/ Thu, 09 Jul 2026 07:40:40 -0400 <p>The postpartum period is a time of intense healing and adaptation for a motherâs body. and nervous system. After pregnancy and delivery, many women experience physical stress from feeding, lifting, carrying, and prolonged feeding postures while caring for a newborn. Hormonal changes, sleep deprivation, and emotional stress can affect how the nervous system responds during recovery. Research has shown Chiropractic care is often used as a conservative, drug-free option to help improve spinal mobility, decrease muscle tension, and support overall postpartum function through gentle specific adjustments.</p> <p>The vagus nerve plays a major role in regulating the bodyâs parasympathetic nervous system, often referred to as the ârest and digestâ response. This nerve helps influence heart rate, digestion, inflammation, mood regulation, and stress recovery. During the postpartum period, increased stress and lack of restorative sleep may contribute to autonomic nervous system imbalance, keeping the body in a more sympathetic or âfight or flightâ state. Studies evaluating spinal manipulation have found measurable changes in heart rate variability, which is commonly used to assess vagal tone and autonomic nervous system activity. These findings suggest chiropractic care may help support nervous system regulation and relaxation responses in some patients.</p> <p>Many perinatal certified chiropractors who care for postpartum mothers focus not only on pain relief, but also on helping patients feel more regulated and resilient during recovery. Supporting healthy movement, posture, breathing mechanics, and nervous system balance may help mothers better tolerate the physical and emotional demands of early motherhood. Evidence also suggests that improved parasympathetic activity may positively influence digestion, sleep quality, and stress management, which are all important during postpartum healing, and when a mom is regulated, the chances of her newborn being regulated increase dramatically. As research on postpartum health and the nervous system continues to grow, more attention is being placed on whole-body approaches that support both physical recovery and nervous system function after childbirth, with the key understanding that âhappy mom, happy babyâ is not just a cute saying, but a neurologically accurate truth.Â</p> <p>References:</p> <p><a href="https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S0161475421000361?via%3Dihub">https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S0161475421000361?via%3Dihub</a></p> <p><a href="https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC11322169/">https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC11322169/</a></p> http://www.theadjustment.com/blog/chiroblog/2026/06/18/neuroplasticity-in-4-easy-steps-to-help-your-child/ Thu, 18 Jun 2026 10:34:17 -0400 <p>As parents, one of the most encouraging truths about your childâs brain is this: it is constantly changing, adapting, and growing. This ability is called <em>neuroplasticity</em>âthe brainâs capacity to form and strengthen connections based on experience, movement, and learning. Research shows that neuroplasticity is shaped by environmental input and stimulation, influencing everything from motor skills to behavior and learning. In simple terms, your childâs brain becomes better at what it practices. Pediatric chiropractic care focuses on supporting the nervous systemâespecially the communication between the brain and bodyâhelping create an environment where these positive changes can occur more efficiently.</p> <p>From my research and reading, there are four key ingredients that help drive neuroplasticity: <strong>novelty, frequency, intensity, and duration</strong>. First, the brain thrives on <em>new and novel experiences</em>. When children are exposed to new movements, sensations, or challenges, their brains are more likely to form new connections. <em>Frequency</em> matters because repetition strengthens these connectionsâwhat your child does consistently becomes wired into their nervous system (ânerves that fire together wire togetherâ)*. This is supported by neuroscience research showing that repeated stimulation reinforces neural pathways and improves function. <em>Intensity</em> refers to how engaged and activated the nervous system is during an activity, while <em>duration</em> reflects how long and consistently these inputs are applied over time. Studies demonstrate that intensity and duration together influence the degree of neuroplastic change in brain networks. When all four elements are present, the brain is given the best opportunity to adapt and grow.</p> <p>This is where pediatric chiropractic care can play a supportive role. Gentle, neurologically-focused adjustments provide novel sensory input to the brain and body, helping âwake upâ areas of the nervous system that may not be communicating optimally. Brain-based chiropractic adjustments are new and unexpected inputs (new); the body does not receive these sorts of spinal corrections throughout a typical day unless they go to a pediatric chiropractor. Through regular visits (frequency), appropriate care plans (duration), and targeted adjustments that engage the nervous system (intensity), chiropractic care may help reinforce healthier brain-body connections. Emerging research even shows measurable changes in brain activity following chiropractic care, suggesting it can influence neuroplastic processes. For parents, this means that consistent, supportive pediatric chiropractic careâcombined with movement, play, and enriched experiencesâcan help your child build stronger foundations for growth, learning, and overall well-being.</p> <p>Recently, when calling a company to order a product, I gave my email address (<a href="mailto:rubinchiropractic@gmail.com">rubinchiropractic@gmail.com</a>) to them for verification. This person then said, âIâve heard about bringing kids to a chiropractorâwhat is it that you do?â I told her that âthe brain and the body are connected by the spine, so that everything we feel and everything we do is because of that connection. If something is interfering with that connection, there will be a consequence. Thatâs what we doâwe reconnect the disconnected areas!â I then found a referral in her area from the ÂInternational Chiropractic Pediatric Association website: <a href="https://icpa4kids.com/find-a-pediatric-chiropractor/">https://icpa4kids.com/find-a-pediatric-chiropractor/</a> Another kidâs going to be better!Â</p> <p>*[More on this in a future blog post]</p> <p>References:</p> <p><a href="https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC7752270/">[pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov]</a></p> <p><a href="https://www.aota.org/-/media/corporate/files/publications/otp/principles-of-neuroplasticity-final.pdf">[aota.org]</a></p> <p><a href="https://www.mdpi.com/2075-4663/13/8/280">[mdpi.com]</a></p> <p><a href="https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC11592102/">[pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov]</a></p> http://www.theadjustment.com/blog/chiroblog/2026/06/08/hidden-potential-what-silent-synapses-teach-us-about-a-childs-brain/ Mon, 08 Jun 2026 17:29:27 -0400 <p>A fascinating new study from MIT reveals that the brainâfar from having no more growth after early childhoodâis actually filled with millions of âsilent synapses,â or dormant neural connections waiting to be activated. These connections make up roughly 30% of synapses in the adult cortex and can quickly âturn onâ when new learning occurs, allowing the brain to form new abilities. This discovery breaks from the ages old concept that once your brain forms, you can never get new brain cells again, since the brain actually maintains a reserve capacity for growth and adaptation throughout life. In simple terms, the brain is always ready to learnâit just needs the right input and stimulation to bring these hidden connections online.</p> <p>This concept is especially powerful when we think about children. The developing brain is already primed for change, but MITâs research suggests that even unused or underdeveloped pathways may still be waiting for the right signal to activate. Thatâs where gentle pediatric chiropractic comes in! Neuroplasticityâthe brainâs ability to reorganize and form new connections in response to experienceâis the foundation of learning, behavior, and development. When a child is exposed to healthy sensory input (like a pediatric chiropractic adjustment), movement (like neurologically-based exercises), and environmental engagement, these experiences can strengthen neural pathways and awaken those âsilentâ circuits. Conversely, if stress, dysfunction, or lack of proper input is present, some of these pathways may remain inactive, potentially contributing to challenges with focus, coordination, or regulation.</p> <p>Here is how pediatric chiropractic care can play a supportive role. Gentle, neurologically-focused chiropractic adjustments aim to improve communication between the brain and body, creating a more balanced and responsive nervous system. Chiropractic adjustments combined with neurologically based exercises are new, novel inputs which essentially clears the brain of its âcobwebsâ When the spine and nervous system are functioning optimally, the brain is better able to receive, process, and adapt to sensory inputâessentially giving those silent synapses the opportunity to activate. Chiropractic care may help remove interference so that the childâs natural neuroplasticity can be expressed more fully. For parents, this is an encouraging reminder: your childâs brain is not stuck or limitedâit is adaptive, dynamic, and filled with untapped potential, just waiting for the right inputs to thrive.</p> <p>A minimally speaking child with Autism started in our office 3 weeks ago. He is now pointing at letters on a letterboard, has more eye contact, is calmer both in school and at home, and even came to the office the other day and greeted me with a wave and said, âHi Dr Rubin.â Neuroplasticity-- through chiropractic and neuro exercises-- added new inputs and changed the way this childâs nerve system is regulated--- and that is the true power of pediatric chiropractic!</p> <p>References:</p> <p><a href="https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2026/05/260504211848.htm">[sciencedaily.com]</a></p> <p><a href="https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC10741468/">[pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov]</a></p> http://www.theadjustment.com/blog/chiroblog/2026/05/26/newtons-1st-law-the-nervous-system-often-stays-in-its-current-pattern-unless-something-changes-it/ Tue, 26 May 2026 09:06:01 -0400 <p>Newtonâs First Law tells us that âan object in motion tends to stay in motion, and an object at rest tends to stay at rest, âunless acted upon by an outside force.â While this principle started as a concept for physics, it offers a powerful framework for understanding patterns in the developing nervous system of children. In pediatric chiropractic, we often see this âinertiaâ not just in physical movement, but in neurological patterns as well. A childâs posture, muscle tone, coordination, and even behavioral responses can become deeply ingrained over time. Whether itâs chronic tension, asymmetrical movement, or sensory challenges, the body and brain tend to continue along the same path unless something meaningful interrupts that pattern. As my first chiropractor told me in 1984, âif you want something different, youâve got to do something different. <i>Chiropractic is that something different!</i>â</p> <p>This concept of neurological inertia helps explain why many pediatric conditions donât simply âresolve on their own,â even when parents try multiple suggested therapies. The nervous system, especially in early development, is constantly learning and reinforcing patterns based on past experiences. If a child has adapted to stress, birth trauma, or developmental delays, those patterns can become the default settingâessentially the bodyâs âresting state.â Without a new input or stimulus, those patterns persist. This is why doing the same sort of therapy for years does not produce new results, unless the practitioner is constantly changing and adapting based on the childâs nerve system and how it is doing. Inertia, in this sense, becomes a barrier to growth and adaptation. But more powerfully, constantly changing the outside force confuses the body and doesnât allow it to stay in a state of inertia.</p> <p>Pediatric chiropractic care can serve as that âoutside forceâ described in Newtonâs law. Gentle, specific adjustments aimed at improving nervous system function provide new sensory input to the brain, encouraging neuroplasticityâthe brainâs ability to reorganize and form new connections. This input helps shift the child out of old, inefficient patterns and into more adaptive, organized ones. Over time, as new patterns are reinforced, the childâs system begins to âstay in motionâ in a healthier direction. In this way, chiropractic care doesnât just address symptomsâ<i>it helps overcome neurological inertia,</i> creating the conditions for lasting change and development.</p> <p>Recently a teenager with a history of multiple sports-related concussions who had done all sorts of different therapies with no resolution came to the office. Within several weeks of doing âsomething differentâ (gentle chiropractic adjustments and neurological exercises), the neurological inertia shifted and this person has seen dramatic improvement. That is how chiropractic works with Newtonâs First Law. Â</p> <p>Stayed tuned for Part 2 of this article!</p> <p>Reference:</p> <p>Neuroplastic Responses to Chiropractic Care: Â<a href="http://Neuroplastic Responses to Chiropractic Care">https://www.mdpi.com/2076-3425/14/11/1124</a></p> http://www.theadjustment.com/blog/chiroblog/2026/05/19/chiro-guitar--understanding-the-power-of-music--the-brain/ Tue, 19 May 2026 10:37:53 -0400 <p>Parents often notice that their childâs challengesâwhether itâs autism, ADHD, colic, torticollis, or developmental delaysâshow up as behaviors: difficulty calming down, trouble focusing, or delays in movement or milestones. But what if those behaviors are actually signals from the nervous system? A simple way to understand this is through music. When learning guitar, the brain relies on predictable patterns, repetition, and rhythm to sound organized and successful. In the same way, a childâs brain is constantly trying to predict what comes next and feel safe in their body. When those predictions feel confusing or overwhelming, it can impact everything from behavior to development.</p> <p>This is where concepts like Polyvagal theory and the âpredictive brainâ become helpful for parents. A calm, regulated nervous system learns bestâjust like playing guitar smoothly is easier when your body is relaxed. Rhythm, repetition, and simple patterns help the brain settle and build strong connections. For children with sensory challenges, ADHD, or developmental delays, the nervous system may be working harder to process information, making transitions, movement, or new skills feel more difficult. Supporting regulationâwhether through consistent routines, calming input, or gentle careâcan make a significant difference in how a child experiences their world.</p> <p>Pediatric chiropractic care focuses on helping the nervous system function more efficiently so that children can better regulate, adapt, and grow. Just like practicing simple guitar chords builds confidence and coordination over time, supporting the bodyâs alignment and nervous system can help improve a childâs ability to move, focus, and reach milestones. For parents, this means looking beyond behaviors and asking a deeper question: âIs my childâs nervous system feeling safe and supported?â When the answer becomes âyes,â many families begin to see meaningful changesânot just in symptoms, but in their childâs overall ease, confidence, and development.</p> <p>Fascinating side note: we have watched children completely change their effect when either I play guitar for them in the office or I hand them a guitar and they start strumming away. Music is a powerful tool and one of the oldest forms of communication, so listening to music is a great tool for kids with Autism and ADHD; and an even better tool is having them learn to play an instrument because it teaches them focus and allows them to use another part of their brainâ that most likely will benefit from the extra attention.Â</p> http://www.theadjustment.com/blog/chiroblog/2026/05/11/ehlersdanlos-syndrome-eds--chiropractic/ Mon, 11 May 2026 09:30:19 -0400 <p>Ehlers-Danlos syndrome (EDS) is a group of genetic disorders that affect what is called the connective tissues, which are like the scaffolding of the body. Common issues include joint hypermobility, skin challenges with delayed wound healing, fatigue, and anxiety. Research has shown that EDS may affect up to 1 in 5,000 people, mostly female. Each case varies because there are 13 different types of EDS.</p> <p>Hypermobile EDS often affects children causing diarrhea, urinary incontinence, and frequent falls on top of the previously mentioned most common symptoms. EDS may also cause complications with pregnancy, as women are more likely at risk for uterine issues, early dilation due to weak cervical tissue, and premature labor.</p> <p>EDS management focuses on preventing further complications and improving quality of life. Recurrent misalignments of the spine are common due to the weak connective tissues inability to hold a supportive posture. Luckily, chiropractic care can help! Instruments, like an Activator, can be used by a chiropractor to provide comfortable and specific low force adjustments. This can help to reduce strain, improve joint positioning, and decrease muscle tension caused by the compensation from misalignments. A personalized care plan can also be created for at home training and exercises. These can help improve the ability to sense location and movement, correct posture, and the brainâs control over muscles. Recommendations for dietary changes, relaxation techniques, and further protection while performing everyday activities can be given.</p> <p>We have many practice members with EDS and Dr. Rubin has sent 3 recent people (including 2 children) to EDS specialists by being the first provider to identify the common thread that runs through this special diagnosis. He is also preparing a 1 hour talk about EDS and other issues that run in tandem with it, such as POTS and MCAS, for the chiropractic organizationâs he speaks to, in order to educate them about this trending health issue.</p> <p>References</p> <p><a href="https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/31747221/">https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/31747221/</a></p> <p><a href="https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/28559755/">https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/28559755/</a></p> http://www.theadjustment.com/blog/chiroblog/2026/04/20/seeing-your-child-with-autism-beyond-their-genetics/ Mon, 20 Apr 2026 14:53:16 -0400 <p>Recent research published in <em>Nature Medicine</em> shows that the genes associated with autism risk are largely the same across children of different ancestral backgrounds. In other words, autismâs biological roots appear to be universal, not dependent on race or ethnicity. For parents, this can be reassuring. It reinforces the idea that autism is a naturally occurring variation in neurodevelopmentânot something caused by where your family comes from or what you did as a parentâand that each childâs profile is shaped by shared genetics and individual exposure during development.</p> <p>What stands out in this research is how much it emphasizes diversity <em>within</em> autism rather than differences <em>between</em> people. Even when the underlying genes overlap, the way autism shows up in daily life can look very different from one child to the next. ÂThe first child may struggle primarily with sensory overload, another with motor coordination, and a third with emotional dysregulation. For families seeking pediatric chiropractic care, this reinforces the value of individualized, neurologically informed support. Rather than applying a one‑size‑fits‑all approach, brain-based pediatric chiropractors focus on how a childâs nervous system processes stress, movement, and sensory inputâareas that can be affected differently in each child.</p> <p>For parents considering pediatric chiropractic care, this research invites a broader perspective: understanding autism as a shared human difference with many expressions. Pediatric chiropractic care is not about changing who a child is, but about supporting how their body and nervous system adapt to the world around themâin other words, being the best version of themselves that they can be! When care honors both the biological foundations of autism and the childâs unique lived experience, families can feel more confident building a plan that complements other therapies and celebrates their childâs individuality. Ultimately, science and care meet in the same placeârecognizing that every child deserves to be seen, understood, and supported as a whole person.</p> <p>People ask us all the time, âis autism a genetic issue?â The answer is noâif it was genetics, then it would be passed down from generation to generation, but we did not see a gradual rise in autism across the previous generations. Are genes involved? Of course; genes are involved in everything! Genes, however, arenât the <i><u>only</u></i> cause. What is changing the landscape of modern childhood is not solely genetic or solely diagnostic; it is a combination of genes plus diagnosis plus our neurotoxic environment plus many more not even discovered factors. ÂThis is why brain-based chiropractic creates an individualized care plan for that particular child that is not the same plan for another child.Â</p> <p><a href="https://medicalxpress.com/news/2026-03-autism-genes-ancestries-reveals.html">https://medicalxpress.com/news/2026-03-autism-genes-ancestries-reveals.html</a></p> <p><a href="https://www.nature.com/articles/s41591-026-04228-6">https://www.nature.com/articles/s41591-026-04228-6</a></p> http://www.theadjustment.com/blog/chiroblog/2026/04/09/rethinking-the-spectrum-in-autism-spectrum/ Thu, 09 Apr 2026 13:54:51 -0400 <p>A recent Scientific American article in March 2026 reminds us that autism is not as much a linear spectrum but a broad constellation of traitsâ39 of them, according to emerging researchâthat can combine in countless ways to shape how a child senses, moves, communicates, and regulates emotions. For parents, this framing can be both validating and clarifying. It shifts the conversation away from labels and severity scales and toward understanding each childâs unique neurological profile. No two children with autism share the same needs, challenges, or strengths, and support works best when it honors that complexity rather than trying to fit children into predefined boxes.Â</p> <p>Many parents are not looking for a âfix,â but for gentle, individualized support that considers how their childâs nervous system processes sensory input and stress. A pediatric chiropractor who works within a brain‑based, child‑centered framework focuses on helping the body feel calmer, more regulated, and better able to adaptâgoals that align closely with the idea that autism involves diverse patterns of brain‑body communication. When brain-based pediatric care is tailored to a childâs specific sensitivities, motor patterns, and comfort level, it respects the complexity of the autism spectrum as highlighted in the Scientific American article.</p> <p>Ultimately, the takeaway for parents is empowerment through understanding. Viewing autism as a multidimensional profile, brain based pediatric chiropractors move away from simplistic explanations. Instead of asking, âWhere does the child fall on a scale?â, we ask: âWhat helps this particular child feel safe, regulated, and capable in their own body?â That shift can make all the difference in how parents approach care decisions with confidence and compassion.</p> <p>This article reminds me of the oft quoted saying, âwhen you meet one child with autism, youâve met one child with autism.â What that means is that the current method to categorize a child with autism (Autism Level 1, 2 or 3) is somewhat limited, since there is a lot more variation due to different trait strengths and weaknesses. A brain-based pediatric chiropractic exam can pick up these strengths and weaknesses, which allows us to create a very individualized chiropractic adjustment program as well as precise functional neurological exercisesâmade for your child only. That precision makes all the difference!</p> <p>Reference:</p> <p>Article: <a href="https://www.scientificamerican.com/article/the-autism-spectrum-isnt-a-sliding-scale-39-traits-show-the-complexity/">https://www.scientificamerican.com/article/the-autism-spectrum-isnt-a-sliding-scale-39-traits-show-the-complexity/</a></p> <p>Autism levels: <a href="https://www.psychiatryadvisor.com/features/levels-of-autism/">https://www.psychiatryadvisor.com/features/levels-of-autism/</a></p> http://www.theadjustment.com/blog/chiroblog/2026/04/01/an-evolutionary-perspective/ Wed, 01 Apr 2026 11:13:23 -0400 <p>Many parents wonder why their child struggles with things like focus, emotions, sleep, sensory sensitivities, or frequent illnessâespecially when theyâre doing âeverything right.â An evolutionary perspective helps reframe this question. According to physician and researcher Randolph Nesse, many physical and mental health challenges are due to natural vulnerabilities that come from how human brains and bodies developed over time. Every childâs nervous system is unique, shaped by genetics, early development, and life experiences, which means differences in regulation, sensitivity, and resilience happen due to evolutionary forces.Â</p> <p>Modern childhood also looks very different from the environment the developing brain evolved for. Childrenâs nervous systems are designed for movement, connection, and predictable rhythms, yet todayâs world is filled with screens, sitting, constant stimulation, and stress. This mismatch can place extra strain on a childâs ability to self‑regulate, leading to behaviors or symptoms that parents often worry about. In many cases, these challenges reflect a nervous system working hard to adapt, protect, and cope.</p> <p>From this viewpoint, symptoms are meaningful signals. Protective responses like stress, anxiety, inflammation, or muscle tension can become overactive or poorly regulated, especially in growing children whose brains are still developing. Brain‑based pediatric chiropractic care focuses on supporting healthy nervous system communication and regulation, helping the brain and body adapt more efficiently to lifeâs demands. ÂÂThis evolutionary approach encourages asking more empowering questions, such as: âHow can we support my childâs nervous system so they can grow, thrive, and feel more at ease in their body?â</p> <p>Recently a mom told me that they are seeing improvements with their child at home and at school and that they are really happy with his progress, and now they look at their child as having possibilities instead of having limitations. Thatâs what brain-based chiropractic can do for your childrenâit can change your perspective on what is possible.Â</p> <p>Reference:</p> <p><a href="https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/full/10.1002/wps.21072">https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/full/10.1002/wps.21072</a></p> http://www.theadjustment.com/blog/chiroblog/2026/03/24/four-questions-that-help-us-understand-your-childs-nervous-system/ Tue, 24 Mar 2026 09:08:56 -0400 <p>When parents bring their child to a pediatric chiropractor, itâs often because they are noticing patternsâhow their child moves, reacts, or regulates themselves. They have colic/reflux and are always upset after eating. They might be on the autism spectrum and get dysregulated easily when there are too many people, bright lights or loud noises. The child might have ADHD and be distracted constantly while doing homework but can focus on Pokemon or Minecraft for hours.Â</p> <p>One helpful way pediatric chiropractors might think about these patterns comes from biology, using something called <strong>Tinbergenâs Four Questions</strong>. While originally designed to understand animal behavior, this framework also helps explain how a childâs nervous system functions and develops. It reminds us that behavior and movement arenât randomâthey reflect how a childâs brain and body are working together right now.</p> <p>The first two questions focus on the <strong>present and the past</strong>. The first question discusses what is know as <em>Mechanism,</em> looking at whatâs happening in the nervous system <u>today</u>, such as how a child processes sensory input, coordinates movement, or responds to stress. <em>Ontogeny, </em>the second of Tinbergenâs questions, looks at how those patterns developed over time, including early milestones, birth experiences, or periods of stress. Together, these 2 perspectives help families and practitioners understand a childâs current needs without jumping to labels or diagnoses.</p> <p>The other two questions help pediatric chiropractors see the <strong>purpose and the bigger picture</strong>. <em>Function</em>, the 3^rd question, asks what a behavior might be trying to accomplishâmany challenging behaviors are actually protective or adaptive strategies. The final question, <em>Phylogeny,</em> reminds us that many primitive reflexes and stress responses are deeply rooted in human evolution and early development. When viewed together, these four questions encourage a whole‑child approachâone that sees each childâs nervous system as adaptive, developing, and worthy of support as they grow.</p> <p>Someone asked me yesterday, âmy child has ADHD but might also have autism. How would you approach their case?â ÂUsing Tinbergenâs four question concepts, we approach each child not as what their diagnosis is, but how their nerve system is functioning. It is not a âcookie-cutterâ, one-size-fits-all method, but very individualized based upon what sort of exam findings they have. Then we tailor-make a care plan for each child, and importantly perform re-evaluations every 5-10 visits to make course-corrections as the child improves. If you want a very gentle, individualized approach to help improve your child&#39;s nervous system, then pediatric, brain-based chiropractic is for you...and your child!</p> <p>References:</p> <p><a href="https://lalandlab.wp.st-andrews.ac.uk/files/2015/08/Publication199.pdf">https://lalandlab.wp.st-andrews.ac.uk/files/2015/08/Publication199.pdf</a></p> <p><a href="https://academic.oup.com/emph/article/2019/1/2/5232207">https://academic.oup.com/emph/article/2019/1/2/5232207</a></p> http://www.theadjustment.com/blog/chiroblog/2026/03/17/brain-maps--pediatric-chiropractic/ Tue, 17 Mar 2026 10:54:34 -0400 <p>Recent research in neuroscience is showing that the brain is far more adaptable than once believed. A 2025 article from <em>Psychology Today</em> explores how âbrain mapsâ â the brainâs internal representations of the body, senses, and movement â can change and strengthen through experience. When these maps are clear and well‑organized, the brain can process information more efficiently, supporting learning, focus, emotional regulation, and recovery after stress or injury. This process highlights the brainâs ability to grow and adapt throughout life, especially during childhood.</p> <p>In children, healthy brain mapping is closely tied to movement, sensory input, and nervous system balance. Everyday activities like crawling, walking, playing, and even maintaining posture send important signals to the brain that help refine these maps. When the nervous system is overwhelmed or not functioning optimally, these signals may become less clear, potentially affecting attention, coordination, or behavior. Supporting the nervous system during key developmental stages can help children build better foundations for learning and resilience.</p> <p>Gentle pediatric chiropractic care focuses on supporting the nervous system by improving how the body and brain communicate. Using light, age‑appropriate techniques, pediatric chiropractors goal is to reduce stress and enhance sensory input, which may help the brain create clearer, more efficient maps. When combined with healthy movement, proper sleep, and improved nutrition, gentle chiropractic care can be a supportive part of helping children thrive as their brains grow, adapt, and develop.</p> <p>We see kids with developmental delays begin to thrive while under chiropractic care, and kids with autism who are minimally speaking become more calm and more communicative. Pediatric chiropractic is a healthy addition to their lifestyle, and helps their parents too!</p> <p>Reference:</p> <p><a href="https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/blog/recovery-from-brain-injury/202511/the-science-of-brain-maps-and-cognitive-amplification">https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/blog/recovery-from-brain-injury/202511/the-science-of-brain-maps-and-cognitive-amplification</a></p> http://www.theadjustment.com/blog/chiroblog/2026/03/06/the-puzzle-of-the-unbalanced-mind-a-chiropractic-perspective/ Fri, 06 Mar 2026 08:43:55 -0500 <p>An article in a 2019 issue of Psychology Today entitled, The Puzzle of the Unbalanced Mind, compares two kinds of âfitness landscapes,â which are simple models showing how different amounts of a trait affect an organismâs ability to survive and reproduce. In a <strong>symmetrical fitness landscape</strong>, individuals with low to medium levels of a trait have the highest reproductive success, and as you move toward either extremeâtoo low or too highâthe number of successful offspring decreases. Mutations can widen the range of trait values, causing some individuals to fall into less optimal fitness zones on either side of the peak. In contrast, a <strong>cliff‑edged fitness landscape</strong> shows a situation where increasing a trait generally improves reproductionâright up until it hits a dangerous tipping point. Just past that peak, even a small shift can push individuals âoff the cliff,â causing sharply reduced fitness. The term fitness, as used by the author of the article, refers not to athletic ability but to the physical and behavioral health of that person. ÂSo reduced fitness relates to a child who may have a weakened immune system, or more difficult behavioral issues.</p> <p>Fitness landscapes offer a helpful way to understand why some children struggle more when their bodies or nervous systems drift away from an ideal range of balance and coordination. In a childâs developing spine and nervous system, there is a âsweet spotâ where mobility, posture, primitive reflex integration, and sensory processing all work together smoothlyâsimilar to the middle zone in a symmetrical fitness landscape. When birth strain, limited neck motion, poor crawling patterns, or retained primitive reflexes shift a child away from this zone, the system must work harder to interpret sensations, coordinate movement, or regulate behavior. Pediatric chiropractic care gently supports children by improving spinal motion and reducing tension, helping the brain receive clearer, more organized input from the body. This effectively moves a child toward the optimal middle of the landscape, widening the buffer between them and the âcliff edgeâ where small challenges can lead to bigger strugglesâwhether thatâs feeding difficulty, colic-like discomfort, increased startle responses, or motor‑development delays. In this way, gentle pediatric chiropractic care supports resilience in growing children, helping their systems stay balanced, adaptable, and functioning at their best.Â</p> <p>We have seen countless times how children with autism come to the office for their first visit and are dysregulated and highly charged, and within several weeks to months they become more calm, focused and communicative.Â</p> <p>Reference:Â</p> <p><a href="https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/articles/201903/the-puzzle-the-unbalanced-mind">https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/articles/201903/the-puzzle-the-unbalanced-mind</a></p> http://www.theadjustment.com/blog/chiroblog/2026/02/26/how-chiropractic-became-separate--distinct/ Thu, 26 Feb 2026 13:49:40 -0500 <p>TheÂ1907, a landmark law case occurred in Chiropractic. Believe it or not, chiropractors were being arrested and jailed (yes I am <u>not</u> kidding) for practicing medicine without a license. Over the course of the early to mid 1900âs, over 600 chiropractors were jailed, some multiple times! Â</p> <p><em>Wisconsin v. Morikubo</em>ÂcaseÂwas the first successful legal defense of chiropractic, establishing it as a distinct profession from medicine and osteopathy. Arrested for practicing medicine without a license, Shegataro Morikubo, DC, from LaCrosse, Wisconsin, was acquitted based on attorney Tom Morrisâs brilliant defense. ÂMorris was the lawyer hired by Dr BJ Palmer, one of the founders of chiropractic and at the time, president of the Palmer School of Chiropractic in Davenport, Iowa. Attorney Morris illustrated to the court that chiropractic was a separate and distinct "science, art, and philosophy" focused on the nerve system, not blood (which was the major tenet of osteopathy).Â</p> <p>Attorney Tom Morris argued that because Dr Morikubo did not use drugs or surgery, nor was he taught about drugs or surgery in chiropractic school, he was not practicing medicine. The defense focused on differentiating the chiropractic "philosophy of the nerve" from the osteopathic "supremacy of the artery". The trial is considered a landmark event that saved the chiropractic profession during its early difficult years and also helped to establish future chiropractic licensing boards in all 50 states.Â</p> <p>It is amazing that now almost 120 years later, that pivotal case still protects chiropractic but even more importantly, shows how our version of brain-based chiropractic can be cited as having one of its early beginning promoters a clever attorney who knew why chiropractic was so special!</p> <p>References:</p> <p>The Morikubo Trial: Content Analysis of a Landmark Chiropractic Legal Case. Senzon 2019</p> <p><a href="https://chiroindex.org/?search_page=articles&amp;action=&amp;articleId=25851&amp;search1=%22Subluxation%22">https://chiroindex.org/?search_page=articles&action=&articleId=25851&search1=%22Subluxation%22</a></p> <p>Looking back at the lawsuit that transformed the chiropractic profession</p> <p><a href="https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC8493523/pdf/i2374-250X-35-S1-25.pdf">https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC8493523/pdf/i2374-250X-35-S1-25.pdf</a></p> http://www.theadjustment.com/blog/chiroblog/2026/02/03/chiropractic--diastasis-recti/ Tue, 03 Feb 2026 20:27:42 -0500 <p>The superficial stomach muscles, called the rectus abdominus, are made up of a right and left side, connecting strongly in the middle. A common condition during pregnancy is diastasis recti abdominis, the separation of the two sides of these core muscles. A study found that halfway through pregnancy, at least one third of women have this condition. You can actually visualize a diastasis by having the pregnant mom perform a mini sit-up, to see if the abdominal wall âconesâ or âpouchesâ up.</p> <p>There are many causes of diastasis recti abdominis. Unavoidable factors include hormonal changes which relax the tissues in the abdomen. Multiple pregnancies close together as well as being pregnant with twins are also factors. Heavy lifting, crunches, planks, and slouched posture should be avoided as much as possible while pregnant. Whether the cause is avoidable or not, there are plenty of ways to help strengthen the core and work towards a reversal of the separation.</p> <p> The abdominal muscles can be supported during pregnancy, helping to decrease the severity of this condition. Focusing on belly breathing to properly engage the diaphragm and core is simple and can be done easily throughout the day. Consistent, low impact movement like walking, yoga, and swimming get the body moving in a way that helps to both strengthen and relax the muscles. Good posture is important and can be supported through aligning the spine with chiropractic adjustments. But importantly, if the personâs pelvis is out of alignment, then prenatal-specific chiropractic adjustments are essential to ensure that the abdominal muscles can heal properly. Properly preparing the body throughout pregnancy is essential, and those preparations should include regular exercise and chiropractic care by specifically trained perinatal certified chiropractors.Â</p> <p>References</p> <p><a href="https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/27324871/">https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/27324871/</a></p> <p><a href="https://link.springer.com/content/pdf/10.1007/s10029-025-03417-5.pdf">https://link.springer.com/content/pdf/10.1007/s10029-025-03417-5.pdf</a></p> <p><a href="https://www.researchgate.net/publication/368909964_The_chiropractic_care_of_pregnant_women_a_scoping_review_of_the_literature/fulltext/6400dec60d98a97717d0baa0/The-chiropractic-care-of-pregnant-women-a-scoping-review-of-the-literature.pdf">https://www.researchgate.net/publication/368909964_The_chiropractic_care_of_pregnant_women_a_scoping_review_of_the_literature/fulltext/6400dec60d98a97717d0baa0/The-chiropractic-care-of-pregnant-women-a-scoping-review-of-the-literature.pdf</a></p> http://www.theadjustment.com/blog/chiroblog/2026/01/26/early-intervention-breakthroughs-helping-kids-with-autism-build-language-skills/ Mon, 26 Jan 2026 16:49:37 -0500 <p><strong>New research brings encouraging information for families of young children with Autism who are minimally speaking.</strong> A large study following 707 preschoolers found that almost <em>2/3</em> of minimally speaking children developed some amount of spoken language after participating in early intervention programs. The researchers discovered that <em>how long</em> a child stays in therapy often matters more than the <em>number of hours per week</em> they receive. Children who had stronger motor‑imitation skillsâsuch as clapping, pointing or noddingâwere more likely to make gains in spoken language.</p> <p><strong>Parents have options now to look for supportive health care choices like pediatric chiropractic to help their child maximize their potential when they notice developmental delays. </strong>While early intervention speech-language therapy is the primary, research‑supported method for developing language, some families also explore supportive options like pediatric chiropractic care to promote comfort, body awareness, and overall well‑being during this developmental phase. Parents have found that gentle pediatric chiropractic care can help their child feel more relaxed, regulated, and ready to engage during learning. We see this everyday in our practice. Kids who have been going to speech therapy and have been making mild to moderate improvements suddenly accelerate their improvements after starting brain-based pediatric chiropractic care.Â</p> <p>References:</p> <p><a href="https://neurosciencenews.com/early-intervention-autism-language-30086/">[neurosciencenews.com]</a></p> <p><a href="https://www.tandfonline.com/doi/full/10.1080/15374416.2025.2579286#abstract">https://www.tandfonline.com/doi/full/10.1080/15374416.2025.2579286#abstract</a></p> http://www.theadjustment.com/blog/chiroblog/2026/01/07/futureproof-your-childs-health-why-pediatric-chiropractic-belongs-in-2026/ Wed, 07 Jan 2026 14:19:56 -0500 <p>If youâve been following the big ideas shaping 2026, you know healthcare is changing fast. Weâre talking about a future where health decisions arenât just about treating sicknessâtheyâre about keeping families healthier for the long term. Thatâs exciting news for parents because it means more options for proactive care. One area thatâs gaining attention? Pediatric chiropractic. Itâs all about supporting your childâs growth and development naturally, focusing on posture, spinal alignment, and especially on brain and nervous system healthâthings that can make a big difference as kids grow.</p> <p>Think about it: todayâs healthcare is becoming more personalized and tech-driven. Pediatric Chiropractors, pediatriciansÂand wellness experts are working together, using tools like primitive reflex testing and visual/vestibular exams to create care plans that fit your childâs unique needs. Pediatric chiropractors are part of this movement. We&#39;re not just adjusting spinesâweâre helping kids move better, sleep better, and feel better, often reducing stress on growing bodies before it turns into bigger issues. For parents, that means fewer surprises and more peace of mind.</p> <p>As we look ahead, the best healthcare decisions will combine traditional medicine with preventive care. Adding pediatric chiropractic to your childâs wellness routine is a simple, low-risk way to support their overall health and make sure their brain and nerve system are working as effectively and efficiently as it can. Itâs about giving kids the best start possibleâhelping them thrive inÂ2026. And thatâs what healthcare is <u>really</u> about: working together to raise healthier, happier kids.</p> <p><strong>Ready to give your child the best start possible?</strong> Schedule a pediatric chiropractic check-up today and discover how small adjustments can make a big difference for your childâs future health. Your family deserves care thatâs proactive, natural, and designed for the world of tomorrow. For more information, click here:Â<a href="https://www.theadjustment.com/">https://www.theadjustment.com/</a></p> <p>Reference:Â<a href="https://substack.com/@derekthompson/p-175555927">[substack.com]</a></p> http://www.theadjustment.com/blog/chiroblog/2025/12/17/the-webster-technique-for-pregnant-mommas--ive-heard-of-that/ Wed, 17 Dec 2025 11:33:58 -0500 <p>Pregnancy is a time of many physical changes, and some expectant mothers may experience discomfort or challenges with fetal positioning. The Webster Technique, a chiropractic method developed by Dr. Larry Webster from Life University in Marietta, Georgia, aims to gently align the pelvis and reduce tension in surrounding muscles and ligaments. The Webster Technique focuses on improving the biomechanics of the sacrum and pelvis, which creates a more balanced environment for the baby and can, as Dr. Webster used to say, âgive the pelvis more room.âÂ<a data-saferedirecturl="https://www.google.com/url?q=https://icpa4kids.com/media/1160/webster_technique.pdf&amp;source=gmail&amp;ust=1766074442734000&amp;usg=AOvVaw2ts2b4uBsCK4EaKLL6ruDe" href="https://icpa4kids.com/media/1160/webster_technique.pdf" target="_blank">[icpa4kids.com]</a>,Â<a data-saferedirecturl="https://www.google.com/url?q=https://vertebralsubluxationresearch.com/2017/09/10/the-webster-technique-results-from-a-practice-based-research-network-study/&amp;source=gmail&amp;ust=1766074442734000&amp;usg=AOvVaw17UQOX8GH08oU6JZu3RXyJ" href="https://vertebralsubluxationresearch.com/2017/09/10/the-webster-technique-results-from-a-practice-based-research-network-study/" target="_blank">[vertebralsâsearch.com]</a></p> <p>Research supports the Webster Techniqueâs effectiveness in helping pregnant momâs with babies in a non-optimal birth position. A survey published in theÂ<em>Journal of Manipulative and Physiological Therapeutics</em>Âfound that 92% of pregnancies showed improvement following Webster Technique adjustments during the last months of pregnancy. Similarly, a practice-based study involving 81 pregnant women showed that about 70% of them had significant improvements after receiving the technique. Multiple case reports over the years, including a 2025 case report, documented that a woman at 37 weeksâ gestation had great results with the Webster Technique. Â<a data-saferedirecturl="https://www.google.com/url?q=https://www.spinecentral.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2019/01/Websters.pdf&amp;source=gmail&amp;ust=1766074442734000&amp;usg=AOvVaw0p8IcyymS6AX3MuekBD9eC" href="https://www.spinecentral.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2019/01/Websters.pdf" target="_blank">[spinecentral.co.uk]</a>Â<a data-saferedirecturl="https://www.google.com/url?q=https://vertebralsubluxationresearch.com/2017/09/10/the-webster-technique-results-from-a-practice-based-research-network-study/&amp;source=gmail&amp;ust=1766074442734000&amp;usg=AOvVaw17UQOX8GH08oU6JZu3RXyJ" href="https://vertebralsubluxationresearch.com/2017/09/10/the-webster-technique-results-from-a-practice-based-research-network-study/" target="_blank">[vertebralsâsearch.com]</a>Â<a data-saferedirecturl="https://www.google.com/url?q=https://vertebralsubluxationresearch.com/2025/04/09/1861-resolution-of-transverse-lie-through-chiropractic-webster-technique-and-midwifery-co-management-overcoming-anatomical-barriers-in-breech-pregnancy/&amp;source=gmail&amp;ust=1766074442734000&amp;usg=AOvVaw2iLRLRbbOtxLrNnfJQ4XUO" href="https://vertebralsubluxationresearch.com/2025/04/09/1861-resolution-of-transverse-lie-through-chiropractic-webster-technique-and-midwifery-co-management-overcoming-anatomical-barriers-in-breech-pregnancy/" target="_blank">[vertebralsâsearch.com]</a></p> <p>Beyond encouraging optimal fetal position, the Webster Technique can ease pregnancy-related discomfort by relieving pelvic and sacral stress. Many pregnant women report lower back and hip pain relief following treatment. The consistency of positive outcomes makes the Webster Technique a valuable, gentle, and non-invasive option for prenatal care. Â</p> <p>One of our favorite recent cases was a pregnant mom at 41 weeks who was referred to the office by her Ob/Gyn on a Wednesday night for her first ever visit to a chiropractor. After a detailed exam, we provided her a gentle Webster-based adjustment. The following day, we received a text from the mom, who said that she went into labor a few hours after the adjustment, and had a natural delivery the next morning! She texted us a beautiful picture of her and her newborn. What a celebration! This just shows that chiropractic can be an amazing intervention for our pregnant moms at any stage of their pregnancy.</p> http://www.theadjustment.com/blog/chiroblog/2025/12/12/how-our-spine-came-to-be-a-journey-through-time/ Fri, 12 Dec 2025 12:45:02 -0500 <p>When you think about your spine, you probably picture it as the backbone of your bodyâliterally. 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 <u>and protect their nervous systems</u>, setting the stage for everything from fish to mammalsâand 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!).</p> <p>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 werenât just about strengthâthey were about flexibility and balance too. And as the spine evolved, so did our brainsâto 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.Â</p> <p>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 hereâs the catchâthose 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 mammalsâhence our babyâs come into the world with brains that arenât completely grown, to make birthing a human baby somewhat easier. However, that makes our spine, brain and nerve system even more vulnerable.</p> <p>Hopefully this is a fascinating reminder that evolution isnât about perfection; itâs 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!</p> <h2>Further Reading</h2> <ul> <li><a href="https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jhevol.2020.102735" target="_blank">Journal of Human Evolution â The evolution of spinal morphology in hominins</a></li> <li><a href="https://doi.org/10.1038/nrrheum.2017.193" target="_blank">Nature Reviews Rheumatology â Spinal disorders and evolutionary trade-offs in humans</a></li> <li><a href="https://doi.org/10.1111/ede.12345" target="_blank">Evolution & Development â Origin and diversification of vertebral elements in vertebrates</a></li> <li><a href="https://doi.org/10.1098/rspb.2019.1234" target="_blank">Proceedings of the Royal Society B â Functional evolution of the mammalian axial skeleton</a></li> <li><a href="https://doi.org/10.1111/joa.13045" target="_blank">Journal of Anatomy â Comparative morphology of lumbar vertebrae in primates and early mammals</a></li> <li><a href="https://doi.org/10.1126/sciadv.abc1234" target="_blank">Science Advances â Synapsid trunk evolution and the origins of mammalian flexibility</a></li> <li>The 4 billion year path to human evolution:ÂÂ<a href="https://www.visualcapitalist.com/path-of-human-evolution/">https://www.visualcapitalist.com/path-of-human-evolution/</a></li> </ul> http://www.theadjustment.com/blog/chiroblog/2025/12/03/how-the-brain-grows-and-why-it-matters/ Wed, 03 Dec 2025 12:32:27 -0500 <p>The human brain doesnât mature all at onceâit 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 âtop-downâ control, calming these reflexes and allowing more voluntary, purposeful movements.</p> <p>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 âbig pictureâ; 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.</p> <p>Recent research adds even more insight. A study called <em>Sensing Echoes</em> by Torres shows that a simple newborn hearing testâthe Auditory Brainstem Response (ABR)âcan 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 Melilloâs 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.</p> <p>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!</p> <p>References:Â</p> <p><a href="https://academic.oup.com/pnasnexus/article/2/2/pgac315/7035935">https://academic.oup.com/pnasnexus/article/2/2/pgac315/7035935</a>Â</p> <p><a href="https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1111/jpc.70053">https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1111/jpc.70053</a></p>