The Spinal Galant Reflex: What It Is, Signs of Retention, and How to Support Nervous System Maturity

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The Spinal Galant Reflex is an early developmental reflex that supports trunk movement and birth mechanics. When retained beyond infancy, it can contribute to fidgeting, poor posture, bedwetting, sensory sensitivity, and difficulty sitting still. Nervous system-focused chiropractic care may help support improved regulation, posture, and coordination at any age.

The Spinal Galant Reflex is a lesser-known but highly influential primitive reflex. When it remains active beyond infancy, it can affect posture, movement, attention, bladder control, sensory processing, and emotional regulation—often without being recognised as a neurological issue.

At Nomad Chiropractic, we frequently see retained Spinal Galant reflex patterns in children and adults across Sydney’s North Shore and Northern Beaches, particularly in those with restlessness, poor concentration, postural asymmetry, bedwetting, or chronic low-grade anxiety.

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What Is the Spinal Galant Reflex?

The Spinal Galant Reflex develops around 20 weeks in utero and is mediated by the spinal cord and brainstem. It is triggered when the skin along one side of the lower back is lightly stroked.

The reflex response includes:

• Lateral flexion of the trunk toward the stimulus

• Hip movement on the same side

In utero and during birth, this reflex plays an important role in:

• Assisting movement through the birth canal

• Stimulating early movement patterns

• Supporting early sensory-motor development

When Should the Spinal Galant Reflex Integrate?

The Spinal Galant Reflex should typically integrate by 3–9 months of age, as higher brain centres take over voluntary movement and postural control.

When integrated, the child can:

• Sit and stand with stability

• Develop balanced posture

• Control bladder and bowel function

• Maintain focus without excessive movement

If it does not integrate, the nervous system may remain overly reactive to tactile input—especially through the lower spine.

Why a Retained Spinal Galant Reflex Matters

A retained Spinal Galant Reflex keeps the body in a state of constant sensory reactivity, particularly through the trunk and pelvis.

This can lead to:

• Excessive fidgeting or restlessness

• Difficulty sitting still

• Poor postural control

• Asymmetrical movement patterns

• Bladder sensitivity and bedwetting

• Heightened stress responses

Importantly, these behaviours are often mislabelled as attention or behavioural issues, when they are actually neurological reflex patterns.

Signs and Symptoms of a Retained Spinal Galant Reflex

In Babies

• Excessive wriggling or arching

• Discomfort when lying on the back

• Difficulty settling

• Early rolling or asymmetrical movement

In Children

• Poor concentration or attention

• Constant fidgeting

• Sensitivity to clothing around the waist

• Poor posture or scoliosis tendencies

• Bedwetting beyond the typical age

• Emotional irritability

In Teens

• Slouched or asymmetrical posture

• Restlessness in class

• Low back discomfort

• Difficulty focusing

• Increased stress under pressure

In Adults

• Chronic low back tension

• Postural imbalance

• Pelvic instability

• Restlessness or poor stress tolerance

• Sensitivity to touch around the lower back

Many adults have lived with these patterns for decades without realising they stem from early neurological development.

How the Spinal Galant Reflex Affects the Nervous System

When the Spinal Galant Reflex remains active:

• The spinal cord remains hypersensitive to touch

• Postural muscles are constantly stimulated

• The body struggles to maintain midline stability

• The nervous system remains mildly stressed

This can interfere with:

• Sustained attention

• Calm seated posture

• Efficient movement

• Bladder control (due to spinal-pelvic reflex connections)

Over time, the nervous system adapts to this “always on” state—leading to fatigue and poor regulation.

Home Care Strategies to Support Integration

Professional guidance is essential, but home support makes a significant difference.

1. Reduce Clothing Irritation

• Avoid tight waistbands

• Choose soft, seamless fabrics

• Be mindful of tags and pressure points

2. Encourage Balanced Movement

• Crawling-based activities

• Cross-body movements

• Slow, controlled play

3. Postural Awareness

• Support neutral sitting posture

• Regular movement breaks

• Avoid prolonged sitting

4. Reflex-Based Movement Exercises

Specific spinal-based movements can help the nervous system re-map and integrate the Spinal Galant Reflex. These exercises should be:

• Gentle

• Repetitive

• Side-specific when indicated

• Performed consistently

(Always follow guidance from a trained practitioner to ensure safety and effectiveness.)

Chiropractic Care and the Spinal Galant Reflex

Chiropractic care supports Spinal Galant Reflex integration by normalising sensory input through the spine and improving communication between the body and brain.

At Nomad Chiropractic, our approach includes:

• Gentle spinal and pelvic adjustments

• Nervous system-focused care

• Postural and movement assessment

• Age-appropriate techniques for babies, children, teens, and adults

• Integration of home-based reflex exercises

This approach is particularly effective for:

• Children with attention and postural challenges

• Teens with scoliosis or asymmetry

• Adults with chronic low back tension or restlessness

Families from across Sydney, the North Shore, and Northern Beaches often seek us out specifically for our neurological and developmental expertise.

Why Early Support Is So Important

When the Spinal Galant Reflex remains active:

• The nervous system uses excess energy to stabilise posture

• Learning and emotional regulation are compromised

• Physical tension patterns become ingrained

Early identification can:

• Improve attention and focus

• Support continence development

• Enhance posture and movement efficiency

• Reduce nervous system stress

However, integration is still possible later in life, and adults often experience significant improvements in comfort and regulation once this reflex is addressed.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Is the Spinal Galant Reflex linked to ADHD?

It can contribute to attention difficulties and restlessness, but it is not a diagnosis. It is a neurological pattern that may underlie symptoms.

2. Can this reflex affect bedwetting?

Yes. The Spinal Galant Reflex has a known connection to bladder control, particularly when retained beyond early childhood.

3. How long does it take to integrate?

This varies depending on age, nervous system stress, and consistency of care. Many families notice changes within weeks to months.

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Homecare Movement Tips

We have a lot of homecare tips on our website here. But before you start doing every exercise under the sun we recommend getting checked and adjusted because some may integrate without the need of an extensive home-care regime with chiropractic care.

📲 FOLLOW SANDY ON SOCIALS! She gives heaps of Homecare intentional movement tips.
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The Spinal Galant Reflex plays an important role early in life—but when it overstays its welcome, it can quietly interfere with comfort, focus, posture, and regulation.

At Nomad Chiropractic, we specialise in nervous system-based chiropractic care, supporting reflex integration for families across Sydney’s North Shore and Northern Beaches, and educating families worldwide.

Want to learn more? Book a FREE 15min discovery call with one of our North Shore Paediatric & Retained Primitive Reflex Chiropractors today: Book HERE

👉 Book a nervous system assessment today and take the first step toward calmer, more resilient living.

• References

  • Goddard Blythe, S. Reflexes, Learning and Behaviour. Fern Ridge Press.

  • Goddard Blythe, S. Attention, Balance and Coordination. Wiley-Blackwell.

  • Melillo, R. Disconnected Kids. Penguin Random House.

  • Ayres, A. J. Sensory Integration and the Child. Western Psychological Services.

  • Porges, S. The Polyvagal Theory. W. W. Norton & Company.

  • Schore, A. Affect Regulation and the Origin of the Self. Routledge.

  • Kolb, B., Gibb, R. “Brain plasticity and behaviour.” Annual Review of Psychology.

  • Teicher, M. H. et al. “The neurobiological consequences of early stress.” Biological Psychiatry.

  • Australian Spinal Research Foundation – Chiropractic and neurological development resources.

  • Haavik, H. The Reality Check.

  • International Chiropractic Pediatric Association (ICPA) Paediatric Care Guidelines.

  • Panksepp, J. Affective Neuroscience. Oxford University Press.

• ⚠️ Disclaimer

  The information provided by Nomad Chiropractic is intended for general educational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment.

  Chiropractic care, movement strategies, and nervous system–based approaches aim to support overall function and wellbeing. They do not diagnose or treat medical conditions, learning disorders, behavioural conditions, or developmental diagnoses.

  Every child is unique, and responses to care may vary. Any concerns regarding your child’s health, development, learning, or behaviour should be discussed with a qualified healthcare professional. Always seek advice from your GP, paediatrician, or other appropriately registered health practitioner regarding specific medical concerns.

  This content does not replace individual assessment or care. Decisions about your child’s health should be made in consultation with qualified professionals familiar with your child’s individual needs.

If you or your child struggle with restlessness, posture challenges, or ongoing bedwetting, a retained Spinal Galant Reflex may be part of the picture.
Book a nervous system assessment to explore supportive, regulation-focused care.