Sacro-Occipital Technique

Sacro-occipital technique is so named because of the relationship between the sacrum(base of the spine) and the occiput(base of the skull). These two areas are the anchor points for the dural membrane which surrounds the brain and spinal cord. This membrane allows the spinal cord and brain to be bathed in cerebro-spinal fluid. The circulation of the fluid is essential for a well functioning brain and nervous system and ultimately for good health.

This chiropractic work is essential for every child who is experiencing behavioural or learning difficulties, these behaviours etc are often signs that here are problems with the way their brain and nervous system are functioning. In most cases it is a multi-disciplinary approach that is required including: Chiropractic, A movement program, Dietary Intervention and sound therapy

Many parents will ask: why does my child need to see a chiropractor?  They haven’t got any pain.

There does not need to be pain present to tell us that the spine and the nervous system are under pressure. A chiropractor is the only professional qualified to detect these underlying causes of spinal subluxations(spinal misalignments which cause interference to the nervous system).

How could these problems have developed in the first place?

Trauma during  pregnancy or the birth process itself has been found to be one of the biggest factors associated with spinal misalignment causing nerve interference. One of the most common effects of this early interference is the retention of primitive reflexes (see below). Other illnesses or stresses over the first few months may also contribute to this altered neurological function.

Some people are worried by taking their child to a chiropractor.

As parents we only want what is best for our children , and as a parent I can certainly understand that. The techniques used are very gentle, Sacro-occipital Technique is a low force technique, and parents and children are always very welcome to ask questions, and any concerns will be addressed. Most of the children love to jump up on the table for their adjustment.

What are Primitive Reflexes?

When the foetus is in utero they develop reflexes that enhance its chance of survival. These are called primitive reflexes. They exist to protect the foetus during development, and also to aid in the birth process.

During the first years of life as the baby grows, these primitive reflexes are no longer required and should be integrated in the mature thinking part of the brain. When this process is interfered with due to Spinal subluxations then we can have retained primitive reflexes, and these will interfere with the normal maturation process of the nervous system and eventually manifest as learning and or behavioural problems.

The chiropractic work is like getting the hardware sorted out so that the new information going in can then be

processed. This is why it is so important to do the structural (chiropractic) work first.