Why Early Spinal Care Matters For Your Child’s Development
January 2026
Recent groundbreaking research published in the European Journal of Applied Physiology (2021) has revealed fascinating insights into how spinal function directly impacts brain development and motor control - findings that are particularly significant for growing children.
What chiropractors call "subluxations" or what the research terms "Central Segmental Motor Control (CSMC) problems" are areas where:
Reference: Haavik et al. (2021). European Journal of Applied Physiology, 121:2675–2720
The comprehensive study by Haavik and colleagues demonstrates that spinal adjustments create measurable changes in how the brain and body communicate. These adjustments can increase cortical drive to muscles, improving strength and coordination, whilst enhancing sensorimotor integration - the process that helps the brain better understand movement and position. The research also shows improvements in proprioception (the body's awareness of where it is in space) and feedforward postural control, which prepares the body for movement before it happens.
During infancy and childhood, the nervous system undergoes extraordinary periods of growth and organisation. The first 1000 days of life represent a time of remarkable neural plasticity - the brain's ability to form new connections and adapt. Research by Tierney & Nelson (2009) in Developmental Review highlights how experiences during these windows shape lifelong neurological function and development.
Children's nervous systems demonstrate greater neuroplasticity than adults, meaning both positive interventions and negative influences have more profound effects. When spinal dysfunction occurs during these critical periods, it can create what researchers call "maladaptive neural plastic changes" - essentially, the nervous system learns inefficient or problematic patterns that can affect movement, coordination, and development.
Balanced development isn't just about appearance - it's fundamental to how children's nervous systems mature. Research shows that primitive reflexes, which are automatic movements present from birth, must integrate symmetrically for proper development. When retained due to asymmetrical development, these reflexes can affect learning, behaviour, and coordination well into childhood. (Goddard Blythe, 2005, Developmental Medicine & Child Neurology)
Cross-lateral movement patterns - like crawling where opposite arm and leg move together - require balanced spinal function. These movements are essential for developing the corpus callosum, the bridge between brain hemispheres that allows for coordinated thinking and movement. (Hannaford, 2005)
The developing nervous system follows predictable patterns that build upon each other:
Each stage depends on the successful completion of the previous one. Spinal dysfunction can disrupt these sequences, potentially affecting everything from crawling patterns to reading readiness. (Shumway-Cook & Woollacott, 2017; Bornstein et al., 2021)
Whilst every child develops at their own pace, certain signs might indicate that a spinal assessment could be beneficial:
It's important to note that these signs don't automatically indicate a problem requiring treatment - they're simply observations that might warrant professional assessment.
Short-term benefits observed in research include improved reaction times and coordination, enhanced balance and stability, and reduced fatigue during physical activities. Over time, maintaining optimal spinal function may support better motor skill development, from fundamental movements like crawling and walking to complex sports skills. It may also contribute to improved posture and movement patterns, potentially reducing injury risk as children grow.
Today's children face unique challenges to spinal health that previous generations didn't encounter:
Birth-Related Factors: Modern birthing interventions, whilst often necessary and life-saving, can sometimes create mechanical stress on infant spines. This doesn't mean intervention is always needed, but awareness helps parents make informed decisions.
Digital Age Postures: The "tech neck" phenomenon from device use is increasingly affecting younger children. Heavy school bags, often carried incorrectly, compound these postural stresses.
Activity Patterns: The combination of reduced free play and intense organised sports can create imbalances. Children may go from sedentary screen time to high-impact activities without adequate preparation. Children also don’t spend enough time playing outside and climbing trees and swinging on monkey bars to build upper body strength, balance and coordination.
The neuroplastic changes documented in research can occur rapidly - sometimes within minutes of appropriate intervention. For developing nervous systems, this responsiveness offers both opportunity and responsibility.
Regular spinal check-ups during growth spurts and after falls or injuries can help identify issues before they become established patterns. Early intervention, when needed, tends to be gentler and more effective than addressing long-standing compensations. However, it's equally important to recognise that not every child needs ongoing care - the goal is optimal function, not dependency on treatment.
A thorough paediatric spinal assessment typically involves observing your child's posture, movement patterns, and developmental milestones. The practitioner should take a comprehensive history including birth details, developmental progression, and any concerns. Gentle, age-appropriate testing evaluates spinal mobility, muscle balance, and neurological function.
If care is recommended, paediatric techniques are notably different from adult treatments - they're gentle, often using no more pressure than you'd use to test a tomato's ripeness or pressure your eyeball would tolerate when touched. Many children find the experience enjoyable, and practitioners experienced with children know how to make assessments and treatments child-friendly.
Spinal care represents one component of supporting your child's development, alongside good nutrition, adequate sleep, appropriate physical activity, and emotional wellbeing. It's not a magic solution, but rather a tool that may help some children reach their developmental potential more easily.
The decision to seek assessment should be based on your observations, concerns, and comfort level. Some children benefit from regular check-ups, particularly during rapid growth phases or if participating in high-impact activities. Others may only need assessment if specific concerns arise.
Whilst spinal care can address mechanical and neurological aspects of development, it's important to recognise when other professionals should be involved. Persistent developmental delays, regression in milestones, severe pain or systemic symptoms, and behavioural or learning concerns often require multidisciplinary approaches.
The best outcomes often come from healthcare providers working together - your GP, paediatrician, and other specialists each bring valuable perspectives to your child's health.
The research referenced (Haavik, H., Kumari, N., Holt, K. et al. 2021) represents one of the most comprehensive reviews of spinal manipulation research to date, involving multiple universities and published in a leading peer-reviewed journal. This study bridges the gap between clinical chiropractic practice and modern neuroscience research.
Every child deserves the opportunity to develop optimally. If you're curious about how spinal care might benefit your child's development, we're here to provide evidence-informed answers and gentle, age-appropriate care.