primitive reflexes and chiropractic care

In practice I have the honour of working with a number of babies and kids. When they first come into the practice we look at a number of things from how their body is moving to how their brain and nervous system are functioning and how this is supporting or hindering their development. One thing I look at are primitive reflexes. Primitive reflexes are normal in the first year of life however if retained past infancy can create obstacles to learning and expressing health optimally.

Have you ever wondered why babies have those adorable reflexes, like gripping your finger or turning their heads when you touch their cheeks? These are called primitive reflexes, and they are crucial for a baby’s early development. But what happens if these reflexes don't go away as they should? This is where chiropractic care can make a big difference.

What Are Primitive Reflexes?

Primitive reflexes are automatic movements that babies are born with. They help with survival and development during the first few months of life. These reflexes should disappear as the baby's brain matures, typically by six to twelve months of age. If they don’t, it can be a sign of developmental issues.

Why Do Primitive Reflexes Persist?

Sometimes, primitive reflexes don’t integrate into the brain properly. This can happen due to various reasons, such as birth trauma or caesarean birth, lack of movement, or developmental delays. When these reflexes persist, they can lead to problems like poor coordination, difficulty in school, and behavioural issues.

1. Moro Reflex

Typical Integration Age: 4-6 months

Expression if Retained:

• Startle Response: Hypersensitivity to sensory stimuli, causing frequent startle reactions.

• Emotional Regulation: Increased anxiety and emotional outbursts.

• Balance and Coordination: Poor balance and coordination, clumsiness.

• Focus and Attention: Difficulty with focus and attention, often seen in ADHD-like behaviors.

2. Rooting Reflex

Typical Integration Age: 3-4 months

Expression if Retained:

• Eating and Speech: Difficulty with chewing and swallowing, speech articulation issues.

• Manual Dexterity: Challenges with fine motor skills, like writing.

• Facial Sensitivity: Hypersensitivity around the mouth and face.

3. Palmar Grasp Reflex

Typical Integration Age: 5-6 months

Expression if Retained:

• Fine Motor Skills: Difficulty with tasks that require precise finger movements, such as writing or buttoning clothes.

• Handwriting: Poor handwriting due to inadequate pencil grip and hand control.

• Hand Strength: Weak hand muscles and grip strength.

4. Asymmetrical Tonic Neck Reflex (ATNR)

Typical Integration Age: 6-7 months

Expression if Retained:

• Hand-Eye Coordination: Challenges with hand-eye coordination, affecting activities like writing, drawing, or playing sports.

• Cross-Body Movements: Difficulty with movements that cross the midline of the body.

• Reading and Writing: Struggles with reading and writing, often due to poor visual tracking and hand-eye coordination.

5. Spinal Galant Reflex

Typical Integration Age: 3-9 months

Expression if Retained:

• Posture and Movement: Poor posture, fidgeting, and inability to sit still.

• Bedwetting: Bedwetting beyond the typical age due to lack of bladder control.

• Clothing Sensitivity: Sensitivity to clothing and tactile input along the spine.

6. Tonic Labyrinthine Reflex (TLR)

Typical Integration Age: 3.5 years

Expression if Retained:

• Balance and Coordination: Poor balance and coordination, difficulty judging space and distance.

• Muscle Tone: Abnormal muscle tone, either too stiff or too floppy.

• Movement: Challenges with activities requiring the head to move independently of the body, such as rolling over or getting up from the floor.

How Chiropractic Care Can Help

Chiropractors specialise in the nervous system and spine, and they can play a vital role in helping integrate primitive reflexes. Here’s how:

1. Spinal Adjustments: Gentle adjustments can help improve nervous system function. This can lead to better communication between the brain and body, which may help in integrating these reflexes.

2. Movement-Based Exercises: Chiropractors often use exercises that stimulate specific movements to help retrain the brain and body. These exercises can mimic the natural movements that babies do, promoting the integration of primitive reflexes.

3. Sensory Stimulation: Techniques that involve different types of sensory input (like touch, balance, and movement) can also support the brain's development and help integrate these reflexes.

Benefits of Chiropractic Care for Primitive Reflexes

- Improved Coordination and Balance: By helping the brain integrate these reflexes, children can develop better coordination and balance.

- Enhanced Learning Abilities: Proper integration can reduce issues with focus and learning, making it easier for children to succeed in school.

- Behavioural Improvements: Children might show better emotional regulation and fewer behavioral issues as their nervous system functions more smoothly.

Primitive reflexes are essential for early development, but they need to be integrated into the brain as a child grows. If these reflexes persist, chiropractic care can offer a gentle, non-invasive approach to help. By using spinal adjustments, movement-based exercises, and sensory stimulation, chiropractors can support your child’s development, leading to better coordination, learning abilities, and behaviour.

If this resonates or you would like to find out how Chiropractic may help you or your child feel free to book your appointment here.

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References

1. Melillo, R. (2012). **Disconnected Kids: The Groundbreaking Brain Balance Program for Children with Autism, ADHD, Dyslexia, and Other Neurological Disorders**. Penguin Group.

2. Bell, L. (2010). **Primitive Reflexes and Their Role in Development**. Journal of Child Neurology, 25(1), 44-48.

3. American Chiropractic Association. (2023). **Chiropractic Care for Children**. Retrieved from [acatoday.org](https://www.acatoday.org).

4. Brain Balance Achievement Centers. (2023). **Understanding Primitive Reflexes and Developmental Delays**. Retrieved from [brainbalancecenters.com](https://www.brainbalancecenters.com).