The Neurological Foundation: Why Chiropractic Care is Vital for Neurodevelopment
For many parents navigating the complexities of Autism, ADHD, Speech Delays, and Learning Difficulties, the spine might seem like an unlikely place to look for answers. However, in the world of Neurologically Focused Pediatric Chiropractic, we recognize that the spine is the “switchboard” for the entire nervous system.
At Maive Brain, we utilize the PXDoc Protocol, a specialized approach that focuses on the relationship between the spine, the nervous system, and the brain’s ability to process
information.
The "Root Cause": What is a Subluxation?
In the context of neurodevelopment, a Subluxation is more than just a bone out of place; it is a neurological “short circuit.” When the vertebrae in the spine—particularly in the upper neck(the Atlas and Axis)—become misaligned or lose their proper motion, it creates physical stress on the spinal cord and the surrounding nerves. This stress triggers a state of Dysautonomia: an imbalance in the Autonomic Nervous System.
- The Result: The brain gets stuck in a “Sympathetic Dominance” (Fight or Flight) state.
- The Impact: When a child’s nervous system is constantly stuck in survival mode, higher-level functions like speech, social interaction, and logic are deprioritized by the brain.
How Chiropractic Care Rebuilds the Connection
Neurologically focused adjustments are designed to “reboot” the system. By applying gentle, precise input to the spine, we achieve three critical goals:
- Removing Interference: We clear the “noise” in the nervous system caused by subluxation, allowing for clearer communication between the body and the brain.
- Activating the Parasympathetic Nervous System: We stimulate the “Rest, Digest, and Heal” side of the nervous system (the Vagus Nerve). This is where growth, social engagement, and learning happen.
- Restoring Hemispheric Balance: By improving the sensory input coming from the body, we help the left and right hemispheres of the brain communicate more effectively, reducing the symptoms of Dyslexia and ADHD.
A Clinical Example: Speech Delay & The Upper Cervical Spine
Consider a child with a Speech Delay. The nerves that control the muscles of the tongue, throat, and palette originate near the top of the neck (the Brainstem area).
● The Problem: If there was birth trauma or early physical stress leading to a subluxation in the upper neck, those “speech” signals may be muffled.
● The Solution: A gentle adjustment to the upper cervical spine removes that physical pressure, allowing the brain to finally “send the signal” to the vocal muscles, often leading to a breakthrough in verbal communication.
How Chiropractic Care Supports Specific Challenges
- ADHD & ADD: By calming the “Fight or Flight” response, we help the brain filter out distractions and improve focus.
- Autism: Reducing sensory “overload” by balancing the nervous system, making the world feel less overwhelming for the child.
- Learning Difficulties & Dyslexia: Improving the “Brain-Body Loop” so that visual and auditory information is processed accurately.
A Message of Hope for Parents
We understand that you have likely tried many therapies—OT, PT, Speech, and dietary changes. These are wonderful, but if the nervous system is stuck in stress, it is like trying to
upload new software into a computer with a broken motherboard.
Neurologically Focused Chiropractic Care fixes the motherboard. We are here to help your child’s nervous system feel safe, so they can finally begin to heal and grow.