Plainville ADHD May Find Benefit from Chiropractic

May 30, 2024
ADHD remains a challenge for affected kids, adults, and their families.  While traditional medical treatments for Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) are normally prescribed, other approaches such as chiropractic care are gaining attention for their potential benefits. This post aspires to look at how Plainville chiropractic care may add benefit to the management of ADHD symptoms, providing valuable insights for Plainville chiropractic patients and parents at Layden Chiropractic.
 
What is ADHD?
 
ADHD is a neurodevelopmental disorder distinguished by persistent patterns of inattention, hyperactivity, and impulsivity. It manytimes precedes challenges in school, occupational, and social settings. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), approximately 6.1 million children in the US have been identified as having ADHD as of 2016 affecting approximately 9.4% of children, rendering it one of the most common neurodevelopmental disorders in childhood. The primary symptoms of ADHD are split into two main categories:
  1. Inattention: Difficulty sustaining attention, frequent careless mistakes, and problems with organization of tasks.
  2. Hyperactivity and Impulsivity: Fidgeting, inability to remain seated, excessive talking, and cutting off others while talking.
Usual Care of ADHD
 
It takes a group to diagnose and set a treatment plan for ADHD involving pediatricians, psychologists, or psychiatrists, teachers, parents. ADHD can significantly affect a child’s performance in school and in social interactions, often leading to emotional distress for both the child and family. Traditional management of ADHD typically involves 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 enhance functionality. While they can be successful, they are not without limitations. Medications can have side effects, and behavioral therapies demand regular participation and time to show results. With these in mind, some parents look for alternative treatments, such as chiropractic care, to complement traditional methods.
 
How Chiropractic May Help ADHD
 
Chiropractic care is known for detecting and treating musculoskeletal spinal pain conditions, especially 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 concentrating on spinal health, chiropractors aim to optimize the nervous system, which could positively influence various bodily functionslike behavior and cognition. 
 
Case Study Insights
 
Several studies and case reports depict the possible advantages of chiropractic care for ADHD:
  1. A National Description of Treatment among United States Children and Adolescents with ADHD: This study features the diversity of treatments used for ADHD, including complementary approaches like chiropractic care. (1).
  2. Chiropractic Management of a Patient with Symptoms of ADHD: This case study showed improvements in a child’s ADHD symptoms following chiropractic adjustments. (2).
  3. Use of Complementary and Alternative Medicine in Children with ADHD: This study found that a significant number of parents use alternative treatments, including chiropractic care, for managing their child's ADHD symptoms. (3).
  4. The Effects of Chiropractic Adjustment on Inattention, Hyperactivity, and Impulsivity in Children with ADHD: A pilot randomized controlled trial (RCT) demonstrated promising results, signifying decreases in ADHD after chiropractic care. (4).
  5. The Effects of Spinal Manipulation on Oculomotor Control in Children with ADHD: This study suggested that chiropractic care might improve aspects of motor control, potentially benefiting children with ADHD. (5).
A multidisciplinary approach, involving collaboration between chiropractors, pediatricians, and mental health professionals, boosts the opportunity for the best outcomes for the child.
 
CONTACT Layden Chiropractic
 
Listen to this PODCAST with Dr. James Cox on The Back Doctors Podcast with Dr. Michael Johnson as he illustrates the possible effects of The Cox® Technic System of Spinal Pain Management on the nervous system. Most interesting!
 
Schedule your Plainville chiropractic appointment today. If you are interested in exploring chiropractic care for ADHD, ask us at your next visit! We would be honored to be a member of your child’s healthcare team. 
 
Plainville chiropractic for adhd