Recent research reporting on improvement in a young old boy undergoing chiropractic care reveals that chiropractic may play an important role in managing children with sensory processing disorders and related issues. The research, reported in the Journal of Pediatric, Maternal & Family Health – Chiropractic, includes a review of the literature supporting the role of chiropractic in children experiencing challenges from a number of disorders that share their origin with sensory processing.

CLICK HERE to review the research 

“Research is revealing that there is a relationship between abnormalities in the spine, the nervous system and brain” stated Dr. Matthew McCoy, a chiropractor, public health researcher and editor of the journal that published the study. “Basic science research shows that the proper development and function of the brain relies on proper structure and movement of the spine from an early age.”

Research has shown not only that the developing brain relies on normal structural integrity and joint movement, but that complex neurochemical communication and pathways involved in helping humans to develop normally are tied into spinal biomechanics and their related neurological pathways.

“It makes perfect sense when you think about it” stated Dr. McCoy. “And now we are seeing more and more basic science and clinical research showing the relationship between abnormal spinal structure and the diagnosis of conditions such as sensory processing, speech, learning and other developmental “disorders”.

According to McCoy, “Researchers believe that the increase in the diagnosis of sensory processing and other neurodevelopmental disorders, have their root in a ‘perfect storm’ of abnormal spinal development coupled with cultural changes.

In the case reported on in the study a 3½-year-old boy presented to the chiropractic clinic with a diagnosis of sensory processing disorder, difficulty sleeping and speech delay. He had a history of respiratory tract infections, 5-6 ear infections, frequent colds, colic, and night terrors. He woke up 1-3 times per night screaming and crying. The patient’s mother reports that he had experienced these complaints since birth.

The chiropractor examined the child and found structural spinal shifts in his upper neck mid and lower back. These structural shifts can lead to obstruction of the nerves and it is this obstruction, called vertebral subluxations, that chiropractors correct. Nerve testing revealed that the structural shifts were obstructing his nervous system.

Following chiropractic care the mother reported a dramatic improvement in sensory processing, sleep, and speech. He was less emotional, his speech improved and his sleep was now normal.

The authors of the study call for more research on the role of chiropractic care in these types of health challenges.

This is a perfect study showing what we see everyday in our office.  Sleep is a vital component of our healing and repair.  Please pass this to others that have children with health challenges.