Spinal Galant Reflex
What is the Spinal Galant and What does it do?
The Spinal Galant is an infantile movement reflex – an involuntary movement pattern that develops at approximately 20 weeks in utero. Every human is born with this reflex and this one typically integrates between 3-9 months of age. The Spinal Galant is believed to play an important role in the birthing process. During labor, contractions stimulate the lumbar region (the lower back), which causes movement in the hips to help the infant move through the birthing canal. After birth, this reflex contributes to the development of the hips to facilitate crawling and walking. The Spinal Galant also helps to develop the vestibular system and is connected to the Asymmetrical Tonic Neck Reflex (ATNR), which is also connected to the birthing process. Problems with urination are also associated with an integrated (retained) Spinal Galant Reflex, an should be evaluated in children after 4 years of age if they still have issues with bedwetting.
Typical behaviors that we see when dealing with an unintegrated (retained) Spinal Galant:
· Fidgeting
· Poor Concentration
· Poor short-term memory
· Bed wetting / poor bladder control
· ADHD Symptoms
· Irritable Bowel Syndrome
· Dislike of clothing that is too tight around the waist
· Bothered by tags on clothing
· Hip Rotation to one side / Scoliosis