Minster ADHD May Find Benefit from Chiropractic
May 30, 2024
ADHD continues to be a challenge for affected kids, adults, and their families. While traditional medical treatments for Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) are commonly prescribed, other approaches such as chiropractic care are gaining attention for their potential benefits. This blog aims to look at how Minster chiropractic care may add benefit to the handling of ADHD symptoms, providing valuable insights for Minster chiropractic patients and parents at Minster Chiropractic Center.
What is ADHD?
ADHD is a neurodevelopmental disorder typified by persistent patterns of inattention, hyperactivity, and impulsivity. It often precedes challenges in academic, work, and social settings. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), approximately 6.1 million children in the United States have been diagnosed with ADHD as of 2016 affecting approximately 9.4% of children, rendering it one of the most widespread neurodevelopmental disorders in childhood. The main symptoms of ADHD are allocated into two main categories:
- Inattention: Difficulty keeping attention, frequent careless mistakes, and problems with organization of tasks.
- Hyperactivity and Impulsivity: Fidgeting, inability to remain seated, excessive talking, and cutting off others while talking.
Usual Care of ADHD
It takes a team to diagnose and set a treatment plan for ADHD: pediatricians, psychologists, or psychiatrists, teachers, parents. ADHD can considerably impact a child’s educational performance and social interactions, frequently triggering emotional distress for both the child and family. Traditional management of ADHD usually includes a combination of behavioral therapy (ie, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy), medication (ie, stimulants like methylphenidate and amphetamines), and school support (ie, IEPs and classroom accommodations). These methods aim to reduce symptoms and improve functionality. While they can be successful, they are not without limitations: side effects of medications, consistency and time of behavioral therapies With these in mind, some parents seek alternative treatments, such as chiropractic care, to round out traditional methods.
How Chiropractic May Help ADHD
Chiropractic care is recognized for its ability to detecting and treating musculoskeletal spinal pain conditions, particularly those involving the spine. Emerging research suggests that chiropractic adjustments may offer benefits for individuals with ADHD. Chiropractors employ a holistic approach, considering the body as an interconnected system. By focusing on spinal health, chiropractors aim to optimize the nervous system, which could positively influence various bodily functions, including behavior and cognition.
Case Study Insights
Several studies and case reports highlight the possible advantages of chiropractic care for ADHD:
- A National Description of Treatment among United States Children and Adolescents with ADHD: This study emphasizes the diversity of treatments used for ADHD, including complementary approaches like chiropractic care. (1).
- Chiropractic Management of a Patient with Symptoms of ADHD: This case study showed improvements in a child’s ADHD symptoms after chiropractic adjustments. (2).
- Use of Complementary and Alternative Medicine in Children with ADHD: This study revealed that a significant number of parents utilize alternative treatments, including chiropractic care, for handling their child's ADHD symptoms. (3).
- The Effects of Chiropractic Adjustment on Inattention, Hyperactivity, and Impulsivity in Children with ADHD: A pilot randomized controlled trial (RCT) showed promising results, signifying reductions in ADHD after chiropractic care. (4).
- The Effects of Spinal Manipulation on Oculomotor Control in Children with ADHD: This study implied that chiropractic care might improve aspects of motor control, potentially helping children with ADHD. (5).
A multidisciplinary approach, bringing together chiropractors, pediatricians, and mental health professionals, boosts the opportunity for the greatest possible outcomes for the child.
CONTACT Minster Chiropractic Center
Listen to this PODCAST with Dr. James Cox on The Back Doctors Podcast with Dr. Michael Johnson as he illustrates the potential effects of The Cox® Technic System of Spinal Pain Management on the nervous system. Most interesting!
Make your Minster chiropractic appointment today. If you are ready to explore chiropractic care for ADHD, ask us at your next visit! We’d be honored to be a part of your child’s healthcare team.
