New Research on Toe Walking in Children Published
CLICK HERE to review the study
“Research is revealing that there is a relationship between abnormalities in the spine, the nervous system and the 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 locomotor system 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 adapt to their environment and even to “feel good” are tied into spinal biomechanics and their related neurological pathways.
“It makes perfect sense when you think about it” stated McCoy “The brain constantly needs and wants to know where our body is in space. If there is interference with the neurological communication between the spine and the brain all sorts of malfunctions can occur due to abnormal sensory processing and this can lead to walking, feeding and other common childhood disturbances.”
Researchers believe that the increase in the diagnosis of sensory processing disorders have their root in a “perfect storm” of abnormal, structural spinal shifts and spinal development.
According to McCoy “People’s nervous systems need the constant stimulation of movement in order to develop and function properly. Abnormal position or movement of the spinal vertebra can develop from structural shifts. These structural shifts can lead to obstruction of the nerves and it is this obstruction, called vertebral subluxations, that chiropractors correct.”
The child reported on in this study was 15-month-old girl who was toe walking and not nursing, bottle feeding or eating regularly. According to the child’s mother, she never walked normally and had a history of difficulty eating which began when she was three months old. She refused to nurse or bottle-feed, so her mother spent hours each day spoon-feeding her pumped milk. Once she began eating solids, she would only eat with her mother distracting her with toys or books and sneaking food in between playing.
The child was examined by the chiropractor who found abnormal toe walking, postural abnormalities and structural spinal shifts in the neck and low back. Abnormal position or movement of the spinal vertebra can develop from structural spinal shifts. These structural shifts can lead to obstruction of the nerves and it is this obstruction, called vertebral subluxations, that chiropractors correct.”
After five chiropractic adjustments the child began to walk and eat normally. The authors of the study called for more research on the role of chiropractic care in these types of childhood challenges.
Contact Information:
Matthew McCoy DC, MPH
Journal of Pediatric, Maternal & Family Health – Chiropractic
http://www.chiropracticpediatricresearch.com
support@vertebralsubluxationresearch.com
