The Righting Reflex: A Lifelong Brain-Body Connection

The righting reflex is constantly adapting to environmental changes to maintain stability. Whether standing still or moving dynamically, the body instinctively adjusts muscle tension and joint positioning to keep the head level and the visual field aligned. If there is a disruption in any of the sensory inputs—such as a misalignment in the cervical spine—these automatic adjustments can become dysfunctional, leading to chronic muscle tension, postural imbalances, and compensatory movement patterns.

For instance, if the upper cervical spine is misaligned, the proprioceptors in this region may send incorrect signals to the brain, causing the body to compensate by altering muscle contractions along the spine. Over time, these small imbalances can lead to structural misalignment, joint wear and tear, and chronic pain.

Think of it like wearing a hiking boot on one foot and a flip-flop on the other. Now imagine going about your day—walking the dog, chasing after a toddler, climbing stairs to your office, or pushing a grocery cart through a crowded store. Your body would instinctively compensate for the imbalance, but by the end of the day, your body would feel the strain from that imbalance. Over time, this uneven weight distribution would create strain in the feet, knees, hips, and spine. This is similar to how an uncorrected distortion forces the body into inefficient movement patterns over time, forcing the rest of the body to adapt to an unnatural posture.

The righting reflex is an essential, lifelong function that keeps us stable and upright. However, maintaining its optimal function requires proper nervous system balance. When disruptions occur—such as postural dysfunction—they can lead to compensatory patterns that may result in discomfort, fatigue, or long-term structural imbalances.

The Role of the Righting Reflex

The righting reflex is responsible for maintaining the unconscious positioning of the head. It ensures coordination between the brain, eyes, and body to maintain balance. This reflex involves a continuous exchange of information between multiple sensory systems, including the vestibular, proprioceptive, visual, and interoceptive senses, all working to sustain equilibrium.

Unlike other primitive reflexes, which integrate as we develop, the righting reflex remains active because our brain and body must always be aware of their spatial orientation. It emerges early in life—between birth and two months of age—well before many other primitive reflexes, which typically develop between three and six months.

Movements such as crawling or walking, once learned, do not require conscious effort to replicate even years later. The primitive reflexes responsible for these skills become embedded in the cerebellum, allowing the nervous system to shift its focus toward acquiring new motor abilities. However, the righting reflex is different. Because maintaining balance is an ongoing necessity, the brain cannot delegate this function to the cerebellum in the same way. Instead, the righting reflex remains continuously engaged, adjusting our posture in response to our surroundings.

Figure 1: When misalignments throw the body off balance, every movement becomes a compensation.

Figures 2 and 3: Head will remain upright in relation to body to keep eyes focused.

A Four-Way Sensory Conversation

The righting reflex relies on a coordinated interaction between four key sensory inputs:

  1. Vestibular System – Located in the inner ear, it detects motion and spatial orientation.

  2. Visual System – Housed in the eyes, it provides information about the body's position relative to the environment.

  3. Proprioceptive System – Found throughout the body, with a strong influence from the upper cervical spine, it senses movement and body positioning.

  4. Interoception – Though still a subject of study, it is believed to be centered in the brain and provides internal awareness of the body’s state.

The brain integrates these inputs to maintain balance. For instance, when standing on one leg, your head naturally tilts slightly to adjust your visual field, ensuring your eyes remain level with the horizon. The brain communicates with spinal postural muscles, triggering subtle contractions that align the body with gravity. Whether standing on even ground or an incline, the body instinctively adjusts for optimal balance and efficiency.

Figure 4: A cat's righting reflex is greatly enhanced by its exceptionally flexible spine and the absence of a collarbone. This unique anatomy allows for impressive agility and upper-body rotation. As the cat instinctively adjusts its head position, its body follows in a coordinated motion, enabling it to reorient itself and land on its feet with remarkable precision.

By understanding the righting reflex and its role in movement and posture, we gain insight into the intricate relationship between the brain and body—one that continues to shape our daily lives long after we take our first steps.

References:

  1. Pecuch, A., Gieysztor, E., Wolańska, E., Telenga, M., & Paprocka-Borowicz, M. (2021). Primitive Reflex Activity in Relation to Motor Skills in Healthy Preschool Children. Brain sciences, 11(8), 967. https://doi.org/10.3390/brainsci11080967

  2. The Head Righting Reflex (HRR) - Balance, Tone, and Emotional Security. Children’s Occupational Therapy Surrey - children’s learning difficulties assessment and treatment - OT Occupational Therapists. (n.d.). https://www.hemispheres.org.uk/reflexes/the-head-righting-reflex-hrr-balance-tone-and-emotional-security

  3. Heidenreich, S. (2021). Understanding primitive reflexes: How they impact child development and intervention strategies for integration. OccupationalTherapy.com, Article 5409. Available at www.OccupationalTherapy.com

  4. Modrell AK, Tadi P. Primitive Reflexes. [Updated 2023 Mar 6]. In: StatPearls [Internet]. Treasure Island (FL): StatPearls Publishing; 2025 Jan-. Available from: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK554606/