As we grow from newborn through to adult and senior this reflex directly impacts how we move through gravity and life every singe day.
This reflex is crucial. It is also crucial that we honour the sequence of growth from newborn being in our parents arms to walking upright. Reflexes can take over if stimulated before the body or physiology is ready.
If you place your baby in say a bumbo or jolly jumper before their neurology and musculature are ready to support them – the righting reflex can skip milestones such as rolling, to sitting, to rocking hands and knees to crawling on hands and knees with opposite arms and legs before being upright. These stages are crucial for brain development and layering the nervous system to support a healthy brain and body. These various stages also grow and develop the curves in our spine through the sequence mentioned above.
Don’t rush growth. It will happen – when it is not – then interventions are there. There is so many videos on Instagram and You Tube showing parents how to get your kids moving, hanging and doing all the things. Let’s play – let your baby and toddler guide the way. Try not to compare to others. Everyone has their own speed and timing – the sequence is what matters.
One the same token – as we change age categories or age it is crucial that we support healthy spines with daily movement, strengthening to stimulate the righting reflex in healthy ways. If the spine, or neck or even skull is holding tension and not moving correctly our posture changes to accommodate the righting reflex to keep our eyes level on the horizon.
Get checked by a chiropractor – ensure your spine is healthy to support your body upright against gravity throughout life. The health of your spine is a reflection of your overall health and your health is a reflection of the overall health of your spine.
For any questions or insight please reach out.
Dr. Wendy Coburn
Photo unknown @bodyscientific.com
