Tongue Tie and Brainstem Overwhelm in Children: Implications for Chiropractic Care

Exploreing the intricate connection between poor methylation, structural development challenges with the tongue and the resulting brainstem overwhelm in infants, this seminar provides chiropractors with the foundational knowledge and practical skills to recognize and address these interconnected issues in clinical practice.

Attendees will gain a deeper understanding of how poor methylation during fetal development can impair connective tissue formation, contributing to issues with the tongue (including tongue tie and tongue tightness), and how this restriction creates mechanical and neurological strain on the brainstem.

Through this seminar, chiropractors will develop increased confidence in adjusting infants while learning actionable strategies to mitigate brainstem stress and promote optimal nervous system function.

Topics Covered:

1. Introduction to Tongue-Tie and Brainstem Overwhelm

Definition and prevalence of tongue-tie in infants and the short and long-term impact if left undressed.
Embryological refresher on neural tube development.
Brainstem’s role in regulating autonomic and reflexive functions.

2. Methylation and Fetal Development

Overview of the methylation process and its impact on DNA repair and tissue formation.
How methylation deficiencies contribute to tongue-tie and brainstem dysregulation.
Connection between poor methylation and connective tissue defects.
Genetic and environmental factors affecting methylation (e.g., MTHFR mutations, other SNP’s, homocysteine regulation, nutritional deficiencies).

3. Neurological Implications of Tongue-Tie

Impact of tongue-tie on oral and cranial tension, vagal nerve strain, and brainstem function.
Signs of brainstem overwhelm in infants, including feeding difficulties, sleep dysregulation, and autonomic imbalances.

4. Clinical Identification and Assessment

• Recognizing soft signs of brainstem overwhelm in infants with tongue-tie.

Practical evaluation techniques: cranial nerve assessments, oral structure evaluation, and parental history.

5. Chiropractic Care for Tongue-Tie and Brainstem Overwhelm

Gentle adjustment techniques to relieve tension and support cranial nerve function.
Strategies to enhance vagal tone and balance the autonomic nervous system.
Collaborative care approaches with lactation consultants and pediatric specialists.

6. Take-Home Strategies for Supporting Infant Neurodevelopment

Educating parents about methylation support through prenatal nutrition and supplementation.
Techniques to optimize infant feeding, digestion, and stress regulation.
Monitoring progress through functional assessments and follow-ups.

Learning Objectives:

Understand the role of methylation in fetal development and its impact on conditions like tongue-tie.
Identify clinical signs of brainstem overwhelm in infants and link them to structural and neurological dysfunctions.
Gain confidence in using chiropractic adjustments to support cranial nerve function and nervous system regulation in infants.

By the end of the lecture, attendees will:

Be able to describe the connection between poor methylation, tongue-tie, and brainstem overwhelm.
Confidently assess and identify symptoms of brainstem dysregulation in infants.
Apply practical chiropractic techniques to address tongue-tie-related challenges and support nervous system health.

This seminar equips chiropractors with the knowledge and tools to expand their expertise in infant care, enhancing their clinical practice and the outcomes for their youngest patients.

Dr’s Jennifer and Simon bio coming soon…