Won't somebody think of the children? - The Importance of Primitive Reflexes in Childhood Development

So if you haven’t heard of “Primitive Reflexes” before, and you’re still reading this blog post, then you’re probably wondering what they are. Well here you go:

Primitive reflexes are automatic, involuntary responses PRESENT AT BIRTH and elicited by sensory stimuli

In fact, one primitive reflex is already present in utero! These are sometimes called newborn reflexes and can be noticed at birth even though many people may not know what exactly is happening. If you’ve ever put your finger on a baby’s palm and then see them wrap their own fingers around it, then you’ve just witnessed a primitive reflex in action. That baby isn’t thinking that they want to grasp your finger, it’s completely automatic.
 
Primitive reflexes are a set of reflexes that we’re all born with that are essential for survival and early development. Obviously, involuntarily grabbing at anything that touches our palm isn’t so useful as we grow which is why these primitive reflexes are supposed to integrate (slowly become suppressed/disappear) within the first few years of our life.

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So what happens if primitive reflexes stay retained and do not integrate normally?

Retained reflexes impact a child’s development in a variety of ways. They can interfere with the development of more advanced motor skills and higher-level brain functions. Retained reflexes can be associated with difficulties in areas like motor coordination, balance, sensory and emotional processing, attention and learning at all levels. Some conditions like ADHD, sensory processing disorder and learning disabilities have been linked to retained primitive reflexes.

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Behavioural problems and difficulty processing and expressing emotions may be related to retained primitive reflexes

Difficulty reaching across the mid-line of the body may also be linked to retained primitive reflexes

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How can Paediatric Chiropractic care help?

To answer that question, let’s take a quickly explore the anatomy behind primitive reflexes!
 
Primitive reflexes are controlled by the BRAINSTEM. Part of the brainstem is actually closely associated to the first two vertebra in your neck (Atlas C1 + Axis C2). Chiropractors can gently and safely adjust the entire spine, including these areas, to improve nerve flow and function to promote normal and healthy development and to help integrate any retained primitive reflexes.

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Neuroanatomy... simplified!

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Anatomy and Neurology behind Primitive Reflexes

Alright, let’s dig a little deeper into the anatomy and neurology to really understand what can be impacted when your nervous system isn’t doing the best job that it can. (If neuroanatomy isn’t your jam, then skip ahead to the TL;DR for a quick summary!)
 
You already know that primitive reflexes are contained in the brainstem, and that the brainstem descends into the top of the neck. But did you know that the brainstem itself is made up of other parts of your brain?

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Brain Stem

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Your brainstem contains the Medulla Oblongata, Pons and Midbrain!

Medulla Oblongata

• regulates breathing, heart rate and blood pressure
• key role in swallowing, vomiting, sneezing and coughing
• it's the bridge that transmits motor and sensory information between the brain and spinal cord

Pons

• affects eye movements, facial expression, hearing, posture/balance
• regulates breathing and swallowing
• has a role in regulating sleep and wake states
• regulates behavioural responses to emotions such as stress or fear
• relay station between planning and execution of movements
• babies born premature may show impaired growth/development of this part of the brain

Midbrain

• ​has a role in eye tracking, hearing and sound localization (so not just hearing sounds, but also being able to recognize and respond)
• affects reaching, grasping, walking
• regulation of body temperature

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Too Long; Didn't Read

Okay... neuroanatomy isn't for everybody - fair enough! Here's a summary:

Primitive reflexes are controlled by the brainstem. The brainstem also contains parts of the brain that controls, regulates and coordinates a HUGE amount of functions that are incredibly important for normal development. These include:

• vital functions (such as breathing, swallowing, vomiting, body temperature, sleep/wake states)
• motor and sensory information
• behavioural and emotional responses

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Gentle, safe and effective chiropractic care for kids!

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Raising a healthy child is easier than fixing a broken adult!

Being born is an ENORMOUS job and there can be many stressors affecting baby throughout the process. When it comes to their bodies, then kids (and infants especially), aren't always able to communicate if something doesn't feel right or isn't working properly. Some symptoms of stress on the child's nervous system may go completely unnoticed if not checked and examined for specifically.

At Thrive Chiropractic, we assess the presence and strength of primitive reflexes to determine which ones are retained. We also assess the nervous system for interference which can affect reflex integration and overall development. Chiropractic adjustments are used to address any spinal misalignments or restrictions that may be interfering with your child's nervous system. We have various strategies including specific targeted exercises, movement patterns and activities that help children integrate primitive reflexes, thereby improving their overall function and well-being. 

Childhood isn’t a race to see how quickly a child can walk, talk or read, it’s a window of time in which they learn and develop. Paediatric chiropractic care helps to ensure that their brains and bodies are able to develop properly during this most important time of growth in their lives. We believe it's important to identify retained reflexes and use targeted interventions to help children develop to their full potential!

If you'd like to get your cherished little one off to a great and healthy start, then click HERE to schedule an Initial Visit for them! We'd love to help their developing brains and bodies Thrive!

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Book ONline Now

Thrive Chiropractic
214 Wellington Street
Kingston, ON
K7K 2Y7
(613) 217-1560