The Autonomic Nervous system (ANS) is a network of nerves that controls unconscious processes in the body(3). This means it controls functions of your body such as breathing and your heart rate without you thinking about it and is crucial to your survival. The ANS controls your ‘fight or flight’ response as below:
Imagine the ANS is like a see-saw, as one side fires up, the other side comes down. When our body is exposed to stress, the sympathetic side of the see-saw is increased, down-regulating the parasympathetic side.
From a survival perspective, our body would remain in a parasympathetic state for most of the day and only go into a sympathetic state for a short period of time if there was a threat of a ‘Sabre-Toothed Tiger(3).’ This is healthy survival response and after the Tiger was avoided or killed, life would have returned to a calm response again.
When we are living in ‘fight or flight’ survival mode, everything feels urgent. It’s like we are in a state of EMERGENCY.

When we are exposed to stress or a ‘threat’ our parasympathetic (rest and digest) system is down-regulated. This means we are not digesting food properly and have a lack of sexual function, as our body is too concerned about running away from the ‘Tiger’ – digestion and making children is not its priority.
Mental fogginess, inability to maintain weight, poor digestion, poor liver function and inability to sleep all lead to feelings of depression of anxiety(2). You are mentally and physically exhausted but can’t sleep. Why? Because all we do is run.

In infants, some of the symptoms you may notice is irritability, poor sleep and digestive issues. Children may present with processing problems, developmental delays and emotional outbursts. Teenagers may show signs of anxiety, issues with their self-esteem and may have trouble sleeping.
Adults may be fatigued, gain weight and have a loss of vitality. Seniors may notice a loss of balance and increase in falls.
Unfortunately, in our modern world today, once we have avoided one stress (Tiger) there is always another one. This may be things like work stress, family stress, financial stress, relationships etc. If our body is in a constant state of fight or flight we call this sympathetic dominance. This continual response now leads to the development of disease and we have become an incredibly sick nation, spending billions of dollars each year on health care(2).
Looking for relief from the symptoms of sympathetic dominance? Look no further than Carlin Chiropractic! Our expert team of Chiropractors have years of experience in diagnosing and treating a range of conditions related to the nervous system, including sympathetic dominance. Through gentle, non-invasive adjustments, we can help to rebalance your body’s autonomic nervous system, reducing stress and promoting overall wellbeing. Don’t suffer in a constant state of ‘fight or flight’ – book in with Carlin Chiropractic today and take the first step towards a happier, healthier you!
1 Todd, W. (2016). SD protocol: Achieve greater health by learning to balance your physical, chemical and emotional wellbeing. United States: BookBaby.
2 Pingel, T. (2014). Total health turnaround: The all-natural plan to reverse adrenal fatigue, lose weight, and feel better fast. Emmaus, PA: Rodale.
3 Factor 1: Primal threat, the fight-or-flight response • Harper West. (2017, December 26). Retrieved February 09, 2023, from http://www.harperwest.co/self-acceptance/five-factors/1-primal-threat/
There’s nothing quite like a good massage to melt away the stress and tension of daily life. And if you’re looking for the best massage therapy in Perth, look no further than Carlin Chiropractic in Cottesloe. With its beautiful beaches and laid-back atmosphere, Cottesloe is the perfect place to relax and rejuvenate. Our first-class massage therapist will match a massage style to suit your needs.
One of the most popular types of massage therapy in Cottesloe is Shiatsu massage. This classic massage technique uses long strokes, kneading, and circular movements to relieve muscle tension, and improve circulation. It’s a great option for those looking to unwind after a long day or week, and is particularly effective for reducing stress and anxiety.
Another popular option at Carlin Chiropractic in Cottesloe is deep tissue myofascial release massage. As the name suggests, this type of massage focuses on the deeper layers of muscle tissue, addressing specific areas of pain and tension. It’s a great choice for those suffering from chronic pain or injuries, and can help to improve flexibility and range of motion. Deep tissue massage is often used in conjunction with other therapies, such as chiropractic care, to achieve optimal results.
Of course, massage therapy isn’t just about relaxation and stress relief. It also has a number of health benefits, including reducing pain and inflammation, improving sleep, and boosting the immune system. If you’re looking to improve your overall health and well-being, consider incorporating regular massage therapy into your self-care routine.
When it comes to finding the right massage therapist in Cottesloe, it’s important to do your research. Look for practitioners with a good reputation and plenty of experience, and be sure to read reviews from previous clients. And don’t be afraid to ask questions – a good massage therapist will be happy to answer any queries you may have.
Look no further than our massage therapist, Marina. Our soft tissue expert is available for you on Saturdays and Sundays as well as mid-week mornings.
In conclusion, massage therapy is a powerful tool for promoting relaxation, reducing stress and tension, and improving overall health and well-being. With its beautiful beaches and laid-back atmosphere, Cottesloe is the perfect place to experience the benefits of massage therapy in Perth. So whether you’re looking for a relaxing treatment or a more therapeutic massage, Calin Chiropractic in Cottesloe has something for everyone. And don’t forget that regular massage therapy can be a great way to improve your overall health and well-being.
Carlin Chiropractic is a healthcare practice that focuses on the diagnosis and treatment of neuromuscular disorders, with an emphasis on manual adjustments to the spine. Chiropractors at Carlin Chiropractic use a combination of techniques to alleviate pain, improve function and mobility, and help patients achieve optimal health. The practice also offers additional services such as physical therapy, massage therapy, and nutritional counseling. The goal of the Carlin Chiropractic team is to help patients achieve optimal health through natural, non-invasive methods. They take a holistic approach to care, and strive to treat the underlying cause of a patient’s symptoms, rather than just masking the pain.
In last month’s blog, we discussed our three-brain pyramid model and how our brain develops. If you haven’t already read that blog post please check it out here. In October 2022, an article was published called ‘Improved Brain Development in 27 Children Undergoing Chiropractic Care for Correction of Vertebral Subluxation: A retrospective Analysis of Health Outcomes’ by Dr Sarah Hock and Dr Amy Spoelstra. This article describes the outcomes of subluxation based chiropractic care for children with Neuro-deflective Disorders associated with development.
Neuro-deflective disorders are changes in processing, engaging, learning and connecting with one’s environment inefficiently because of the stress response impacting development(1). Traditional care of children with neuro-deflective disorders consists of medication, dietary changes, behaviour and communication approached and alternative care.
Chiropractic is based on the assessment and correction of interference in the communication between the brain and the body – this is termed vertebral subluxation. A subluxation is a dysfunction in a joint where movement and physiological function is changed. These are caused by physical, emotional or chemical stressors on the body. This alters the input being sent to the brain and output to the body which changes the trajectory a child moves through their hierarchy of development. The stress response creates a fight/flight response (sympathetic dominance). A cell cannot be in both survival (sympathetic) and growth at the same time(1).
In the article, a subluxation was determined by neurological, functional and structural assessments. The average care plan length was over a 12-month period. All children in this study had already participated in traditional therapies with minimal improvements.

The results of this study showed:
Many children struggle with behavioural and learning challenges. As the results have showed above, when interference in the nervous system was removed there were improvements in each of these categories as unaltered input was delivered to the brain, processed more effectively and created more neurological integration. This allows the body to better process, engage, learn and communicate with surroundings. Children can then more effectively and efficiently move through their developmental paths and improved quality of life.
If you haven’t already booked an appointment for your child to be assessed by Carlin Chiropractic, please book them in today! Our expert team are ready to assist your child with getting the best out of life! Simply fill out our contact form or call now on 08 9385 2388.

1 Hock, S., & Spoelstra, A. (2022). Improved Brain Development in 37 Children Undergoing Chiropractic Care for Correction of Vertebral Subluxation: A Retrospective Analysis of Health Outcomes. Journal of Pediatric, Maternal & Family Health Chiropractic, 2022, 86-94.
2 Morningstar, M. W., Pettibon, B. R., Schlappi, H., Schlappi, M., & Ireland, T. V. (2005). Reflex control of the spine and posture: A review of the literature from a chiropractic perspective. Chiropractic & Osteopathy, 13(1). doi:10.1186/1746-1340-13-16
3 Gustafson C. (2017) Bruce Lipton, PhD: The Jump from Cell Culture to Consciousness. Integrative Medicine (Encinitas, Calif.), 16(6), 44-50.
Chiropractic Care is a healthcare profession that focuses on the diagnosis and treatment of musculoskeletal disorders. Chiropractors use a variety of techniques to manipulate the joints, muscles, and ligaments in the body to improve function and reduce pain. Chiropractic Care is often used to treat conditions such as lower back pain, headaches, and neck pain. Chiropractors may also recommend lifestyle or diet changes to help prevent further injury or pain.
If you are experiencing lower back pain, Chiropractic Care may be able to help. Chiropractors can provide a variety of treatments such as spinal manipulation, massage, and exercises to help relieve pain and improve function. In addition, Chiropractors can offer advice on lifestyle changes that may help to prevent further episodes of lower back pain.
If you are looking for an alternative to traditional medical care for your lower back pain, Chiropractic Care may be worth considering.
If you’ve booked in to see a Chiropractor for your back pain, you may be wondering what to expect at your first appointment.
Generally, the first visit will involve taking a medical history and performing a physical exam. The Chiropractor will then use this information to develop a treatment plan. This may involve a combination of manual adjustments, exercises, and lifestyle advice.
Consider a Chiro for your lower back pain, schedule an appointment with the expert team at Carlin Chiropractic today! At your first visit, your Chiropractor will work with you to develop a treatment plan that’s tailored to your individual needs.

When you visit a Chiropractor for lower back pain, they will likely perform a variety of adjustments and therapies to help ease your discomfort. The specific techniques used will depend on the severity of your pain, as well as any underlying conditions that may be contributing to your symptoms. Some common treatments for lower back pain include spinal manipulation, massage, heat therapy, and electrical stimulation.
By using a combination of these techniques, the Chiropractor can develop a personalised treatment plan that will provide you with the most relief possible.
If you’re suffering from lower back pain, you may be wondering how often you should see a Chiropractor for treatment. The answer depends on several factors, including the severity of your pain, the underlying cause of your pain, and your overall health. In general, most people with lower back pain will benefit from seeing a Chiropractor two to three times per week for the first few weeks of treatment.
After that, you may need to reduce your frequency to once or twice per week until your pain is under control. If your pain is chronic or recurrent, you may need to continue seeing a Chiropractor on a long-term basis. Ultimately, the frequency of your visits will be determined by your individual needs and goals.

If you are suffering from lower back pain, contact Carlin Chiropractic today. Our Chiropractors will evaluate your condition and create a treatment plan tailored to your specific needs. We offer a variety of techniques to help reduce or eliminate your lower back pain, and we will work with you to find the best schedule for your care. Don’t suffer any longer – call us today on 08 9385 2388!
The human brain’s processes are organised in the form of a pyramid. The higher order thinking functions such as reading, algebra and empathy depend on the established development of previously evolved brain functions, such as the ability to engage in basic bodily functions including breathing, moving, responding to our senses and assessing for danger. Below we discuss the 3 Brain Pyramid Model, including the Reptilian Brain, Limbic Brain and Neocortex.
The Reptilian Brain is the oldest part of the brain and is the automatic, instinctive part of the brain which consists of the brainstem and cerebellum. It is located at the base of the skull and oversees all human functions we do not have “conscious control over”. This is the first part of the brain to develop in the womb and is in control of our blood pressure, heartbeat and breathing rate and is responsible for our ability to swallow, sneeze and laugh(1). This part of the brain is all about ‘me’ and my survival – safety, food, shelter and reproduction.
The reptilian brain receives the sensory information from the body (touch, taste, hearing and seeing) and receives information about where our heads, bodies and limbs are in space. The brainstem monitors our world and sends on the information to the higher centres in the brain for interpretation and decision making. The primitive reflexes (the autonomic movement patterns that commence during pregnancy ensure our survival as a baby) come from the reptilian brain. This is the main area we ‘live’ in for the first 15-18 months(1).

The Limbic brain Is the next brain area to develop. Here we start taking control of our world through voluntary movements in gravity and postural reflexes(1). We intentionally reach out for things, we learn to roll, walk and jump. The primitive reflexes get integrated into postural reflex as the limbic brain begins to develop. The postural reflexes are subconscious movements which ensure we are centred the ‘right way up’ and help us protect from injury if we are off centre. Our postural reflexes and our voluntary control of movement start developing within the first few months of our life(2).
It is also the part of the brain where we start to understand our emotions and the power of them and where we determine the strength of our stress response. Overall, this part of the brain is involved in most of the ‘typical’ trauma response. Developmentally we ‘live’ in the Limbic brain from about 15 months to about 4 years of age.

The Neocortex is the third layer to the pyramid and is the most recent evolutionary addition to the brain. It makes up 25% of the total brain volume and contains 85% of the neurons(3). The Neocortex is the command centre. It reads all our senses, allows us to form complex memories, interpret sound and visual images and to reason and to solve problems. This is where our formal learning takes place, where we attain language, recognize symbols (letters/numbers), make decisions as well as feel empathy, analyse information and decide what is right from wrong.
The Neocortex is made up of the left and right hemispheres. To encourage both hemispheres to communicate well, they must be strongly connected by the midline. This connection develops early on when your baby starts to use both sides of their body simultaneously. For example, when your baby reaches for an item, crosses their midline with their hands and feet and begins to cross-crawl. We live in the neocortex from the age of 4 years old onwards(4).
Chiropractic is based on the assessment and correction of interference in the communication between the brain and the body – this is termed vertebral subluxation. A subluxation is a dysfunction in a joint or motion segment where alignment, movement and physiological function is altered which may lead to pain, inflammation and dysfunction. This will also change the input being sent to the brain and processed resulting in altered perception and output, thus changing the trajectory a child moves through this hierarchy of development(2).
If increased demand (physical, chemical, or emotional stress) is placed on a child in a size that the child is unable to meet, a response or adaptive change can happen in the body. Subluxation is a failure of adaptation that can be a result of demand exceeding the ability to process or meet demand. This subluxation can result in an increased stress response and an altered afferent input to the brain from the body4. When this occurs during a child’s early life, the mapping of the developing brain can change in a way that changes the movement through the developmental path.

Recent studies have shown that subluxation-based Chiropractic Care improves sensorimotor filtering, cortical and cerebellar motor processing, and multisensory processing, all of which may be important in neurodevelopment(1). If Chiropractic Care can improve these things, then understandably subluxation is altering these developmental functions.
Our next blog post will cover what happens if a vertebral subluxation is not resolved and research into improved brain development in children undergoing Chiropractic Care for correction of vertebral subluxation.
If you haven’t already attended one of our complimentary ‘Pre-care Workshops’ to learn more about the 3 Brain Pyramid Model and treating subluxation, please enquire with your Chiropractor or our lovely front desk girls. Reach out to us today.
1 Bladt, D. (2016). Switched-on kids. Australia: Family Chiropractic Centre.
2 Morningstar, M. W., Pettibon, B. R., Schlappi, H., Schlappi, M., & Ireland, T. V. (2005). Reflex control of the spine and posture: A review of the literature from a chiropractic perspective. Chiropractic & Osteopathy, 13(1). DOI:10.1186/1746-1340-13-16
3 Rakic, P. (2009). Evolution of the neocortex: A perspective from Developmental Biology. Nature Reviews Neuroscience, 10(10), 724-735. DOI:10.1038/NRN2719
4 Gustafson C. (2017) Bruce Lipton, PhD: The Jump from Cell Culture to Consciousness. Integrative Medicine (Encinitas, Calif.), 16(6), 44-50.
5 Haavik H. Murphy B. The role of spinal manipulation in addressing disordered sensorimotor integration and altered motor control. J Electromyogr Kinesiol. 2012 (Oct); 22(5): 768-76.
Did you know that inflammation is a complex biological response fundamental to how the body deals with injury and infection? Inflammation is your body’s first response when needing to eliminate the initial cause of cell injury and to effect repair.
Unlike a normally beneficial acute inflammatory response, chronic inflammation can lead to tissue damage and ultimately its destruction, and often results from an inappropriate immune response. Inflammation in the nervous system (“neuroinflammation”), especially when prolonged, can be particularly injurious.
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The central nervous system is made up of the brain and spinal cord. It is responsible for sending, receiving, and interpreting information from all over the body.
The symptoms of inflammation in the Central Nervous System can vary depending on the individual. However, some common symptoms include:
Chronic pain is defined as pain lasting more than 12 weeks. It can be caused by many different conditions, including inflammation in the central nervous system.
Chiropractic Care is a natural, drug-free approach to healthcare that focuses on treating the musculoskeletal and nervous system. Chiropractors use adjustments to restore proper alignment and function to the spine and other joints in the body. This helps reduce inflammation and relieves pain.
Chiropractic Care is a safe, gentle, and effective treatment for chronic pain. If you are suffering from chronic pain, Chiropractic Care may be able to help.
At our practice, we take a whole-body approach to Chiropractic Care. We focus on providing relief for chronic pain sufferers and improving the quality of their lives.
If you are suffering from chronic pain, Chiropractic Care may be able to help. Contact us today to schedule an appointment to see how we can help you!
As a post-natal chiropractor, our team at Carlin Chiropractic are here to support you and your little one in the weeks after giving birth. We love to see you and your baby just as soon as you can after the happy event. Our aim is to help you feel your best and to provide you with the tools and techniques you need to care for yourself and your baby with complete confidence.
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During the fourth trimester, your spine is trying to adjust to the absence of your baby in your belly. Chiropractic adjustments can aid beautifully in this process to realign your spine and pelvis, helping your body to heal, repair and regenerate post-pregnancy.
Your post-natal chiropractic care will be tailored specifically to your needs and may include:
We may also recommend a range of post-natal activities including post-natal massage, post-natal pilates and post-natal yoga to support you on your journey through early motherhood.
Our experienced team understand that post-natal life can be both a joy and a challenge. Our post-natal Chiropractic care is designed to help you navigate this time with ease, grace and confidence. We can offer advice on things like breastfeeding positions, carrying your baby and postural changes that can help you to avoid discomfort and pain.
Are you concerned about your baby’s health and well-being? Chiropractic care can be extremely helpful in soothing a baby who is struggling with colic, reflux or sleep issues. We’re a paediatric Chiropractor Perth locals can turn to for family care.
Did you know that 90% of a child’s development occurs by the age of 5? That’s why it’s so important we support the growth of our little people using gentle chiropractic techniques.
We would love to help you and your little one on your journey to wellness. If you’re looking for a post-natal Chiropractor in Perth WA, we’d love to welcome you to our practice. To book an appointment, please call (08) 9385 2388 or click here. We’re here to help you every step of the way.
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Did you know that over 80% of Australians experience back pain in their lifetime? Chiropractic care was invented to help solve many health problems, and none more so than helping with the reduction of back pain. Here’s how we are helping Aussie families, by being a trusted back pain chiropractor.
An advantage of Chiropractic care is that you can rest assured knowing that our expert team excel in the treatment of the spine. At any given moment, 1 in 6 Australians is currently suffering from back pain, and we have the know-how to treat it. Furthermore, our team are experts in the nervous system structure and the biochemical patterns that take place in your back. This is why many people choose Carlin Chiropractic to diagnose the root cause of their pain and trust our Chiro team to treat it with a drug-free approach, including adjustment, and para-spinal muscle relaxation therapies.
It’s important to note that Chiropractic care makes use of non invasive techniques. Carlin are a trusted back pain Chiropractor who can restore the natural movement in your body by targeting problematic bones, discs, joints, muscles and nerves through gentle Chiropractic techniques.

Some of our patients are introduced to Chiropractic care due to the fact that they have been involved in an accident. If the trauma of an accident goes untreated, back pain can become severe enough to cause permanent damage to your spine. We can treat the muscles, joints and nerves that are connected to the spine as well as the place of injury. Quite often, the joints, muscles and nerves become irritated as a result of a chain reaction within your body. Your body’s systems are all interconnected, so a trusted back pain Chiropractor will be able to reduce your pain. An expert chiropractor can solve your issues by knowing how to best treat your spine, restoring movement and balance while realigning your spine.
You may even derive a higher quality of life from Chiropractic care and include adjustments as part of your monthly wellness plan.
You can turn to Carlin Chiropractic and other experts in our field for advice on health, wellness and natural remedies for many ailments. We bring decades of experience in whole person, family oriented care in disciplines such as Neural Organization Technique, Kinesiology and Activator techniques. Where pain medication and hospital treatment fail to help, Chiropractic care may help.
Seeing a back Chiropractor will help improve your posture, strength and flexibility. Reach out to our team today, we are ready, willing and able to help you.
Our team of expert Chiropractors are often asked – What is the best sleeping position for neck pain? We’ve consolidated some information on the topic with help from the Australian Chiropractors Association and their Consider a Chiro campaign.
Just ask a young parent, a good night’s sleep is absolutely critical for your health and wellbeing. While you might be getting a comfortable amount of sleep, bad sleeping position might impacting its quality. No matter how healthy you are and how well supported your neck is, your energy levels can be negatively impacted by a poor night’s sleep. Whether it’s a cracked bed-frame or an old mattresses, incorrect posture and poor sleep hygiene can place strain on your neck – resulting in significant discomfort and stiffness in the morning when you wake up.
We spend 33% of our lives sleeping, according to the Sleep Foundation. With this in mind, the way you sleep should foster your spinal health. An awkward sleeping position can result in health issues such as back pain, neck stiffness, fatigue, muscle cramps and other problems.
Below is an informative diagram to help articulate the best sleeping position for neck pain. It’s best to adopt these good habits on the first sign of neck pain, in order to prevent the need for spinal rehabilitation.
Are you hampered by pain from poor sleep? Is neck pain slowing down your usually active lifestyle? If you answered yes, we believe you should consider Chiropractic care. The expert team at Carlin Chiropractic can best guide you on sleeping positions and postural exercises. We can also help you find the best mattress and best pillow for healthy spinal support to optimise your sleep. We care about your quality of sleep and will do what we can to make sure your neck doesn’t suffer.
Carlin Chiropractic can also help improve your quality of life with proper sleep hygiene. Our expert team can help to ease the tension in your muscles that leads to restlessness. Chiropractic care can stimulate circulation and blood flow, while promoting improved central nervous system function. We work in tandem with you to provide tailored Chiropractic care as well as lifestyle advice to prevent reoccurrence.
If your health problems have been causing you discomfort for too long, you may need to speak to our expert team about spinal rehabilitation.
For maintaining a healthy neck and learning positive health habits you can introduce into your daily life, contact Carlin Chiropractic today.
Chiropractic care is a fantastic preventative healthcare option. In other words, you can seek help for neck pain before you begin to suffer from it. Care for your neck is important, after all, it supports your head which weighs anywhere between 3.5 and 5.5kg.
Whether you’re a new to Chiropractic care, or have been receiving it for most of your life, you can join the 300,000 Australians who visit a Chiropractor each week in looking after your neck health before it becomes a debilitating problem.
Crucial tactics in preventing neck pain include implementing healthy spine habits, such as:
Chiropractic care can help you make appropriate lifestyle choices. Your Chiropractor will offer guidance and assistance with reducing the likelihood of spinal health problems occurring.
23-29 May is Spinal Health Week and the Australian Chiropractors Association is asking you to consider a Chiro for your neck related issues, including the condition we are seeing more and more of these days, ‘Tech Neck’.
Do you find yourself consistently looking down at a smartphone, tablet or laptop device for extended periods of time? If you’re experiencing neck pain as a direct result, then chances are you have Tech Neck. You can put a significant amount of strain on your neck and spine when you hunch over your device.

The endless scrolling through Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, SnapChat, TikTok and the like might be responsible for your neck pain. Are you aware that social media browsing, swiping, scrolling and texting is impacting your overall neck health? Tech Neck for overuse of social media is now becoming a common health issue.
From the moment we wake up, to the moment we go to sleep, Aussies are glued to their phones.
Technology is an important part of our lives. While smartphones and tablets are here for the long haul, that doesn’t mean tech neck has to be. Better habits can result in reducing the strain placed on your neck. Simply holding your phone screen at eye level means you are less likely to be slouched in a forward-head position.
If bad habits are causing you to live with pain, then you should Consider a Chiro! The expert team at Carlin Chiropractic carefully assesses each patient and tailor your care plan accordingly. Dr Simon and Dr Tayla use a variety of non-surgical techniques, such as spinal adjustments, manual therapy and low-force intervention to offer a drug-free, hands-on approach to healthcare.
Reach out to us today to make a booking. We are really looking forward to seeing you.