Childhood represents a critical period of time when a young child’s nervous system is developing and learning to assimilate and differentiate internal and external stimuli. The nervous system learns postural and movement patterns and acquires future habits by reacting to the repetitive stimuli. Because the nervous system is not always able to distinguish between proper and improper stimuli this can cause problems. This process of neurological learning or programming of the central nervous system with respect to locomotion, posture, proprioception and body kinetics begins within a few short months of birth.

When a subluxation occurs at birth or shortly thereafter, then there is a pathological or abnormal development of the nervous and neuromuscular systems. These subluxations encroach and interfere with the neurological integrity of the spinal nerve roots through the misalignment of the spinal column. This subluxation leads to localized excitement of the nerves, causing abnormal muscular and organ function. Because of the development of the nervous system, this abnormal neurology has a far reaching effect on the health and development of the child.

Whereas 65% of the child’s nervous system develops within the first year of life, this is the most important time to have your children checked for subluxations. More on this subject next week.