04/19/2025
“Just like the rest of the cranial nerves, the accessory nerve innervating the upper back and neck responds to a specific kind of emotional distress, and this is a feeling of being ‘unable to turn the body, head or neck sufficiently.’ If we have difficulty moving our head or neck, and if this causes acute emotional distress, then the accessory nerve immediately responds to adapt the muscles of the neck and back. Along with this response, there occurs a partial paralysis of the smooth musculature that lines the outer wall of the trapezius.
Because they are embryologically linked, this unique distress affecting the accessory nerve can simultaneously activate the vagus nerve to signal a peristaltic immobility in the intestines. In other words, the unique emotional distress of ‘not being able to move the head or neck sufficiently,’ can lead to a simultaneous peristaltic constipation in the intestines!” –John Ohm
By understanding the connection between the nervous system, our emotions and infant digestion, we can gain new insight into why infants experience constipation and indigestion.
Pediatric chiropractic care’s ability to provide specific adjustments to the head and neck, along with recognizing specific forms of infant distress, illuminates how we can foster better digestion for our infants’ and support their nervous system’s functioning.
Keep reading “The Cranial Nerves and Infant Digestion: A New Lens for Understanding Constipation” by John Ohm from the latest issue of Pathways: https://pathwaystofamilywellness.org/breastfeeding/the-cranial-nerves-and-infant-digestion-a-new-lens-for-understanding-constipation.html
