New Roads ADHD May Find Benefit from Chiropractic

ADHD continues to be a challenge for affected kids, adults, and their families.  While traditional medical treatments for Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) are normally prescribed, alternative approaches such as chiropractic care are getting attention for their potential benefits. This blog aims to look at how New Roads chiropractic care may add benefit to the handling of ADHD symptoms, sharing valuable insights for New Roads chiropractic patients and parents at New Roads Chiropractic Center.

 

 

ADHD is a neurodevelopmental disorder distinguished by persistent patterns of inattention, hyperactivity, and impulsivity. It often precedes challenges in academic, work, and social settings. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) report that approximately 6.1 million children in the US have been identified as having ADHD as of 2016 impacting approximately 9.4% of children, rendering it one of the most common neurodevelopmental disorders in childhood. The main symptoms of ADHD are allocated into two main categories:

1. Inattention: Difficulty keeping attention, frequent careless mistakes, and problems organizing tasks.
2. Hyperactivity and Impulsivity: Fidgeting, inability to stay seated, excessive talking, and interrupting others.

 

It takes a team to diagnose and set a treatment plan for ADHD: pediatricians, psychologists, or psychiatrists, teachers, parents. ADHD can significantly affect a child’s educational performance and social interactions, often triggering emotional distress for both the child and family. Traditional management of ADHD usually involves a mix of behavioral therapy (ie, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy), medication (ie, stimulants like methylphenidate and amphetamines), and school support (ie, IEPs and classroom accommodations). These methods aspire to decrease symptoms and improve functionality. While they can be successful, they are not without limitations. Medications can have side effects, and behavioral therapies demand regular involvement and time to show results. With these in mind, some parents seek alternative treatments, such as chiropractic care, to complement traditional methods.

 

 

Chiropractic care is recognized for its ability to diagnosing and treating musculoskeletal conditions, especially those involving the spine. Emerging research suggests that chiropractic adjustments may offer advantages 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 impact various bodily functionslike behavior and cognition. 

 

 

Several studies and case reports highlight the potential benefits of chiropractic care for ADHD:

1. A National Description of Treatment among United States Children and Adolescents with ADHD: This study highlights the variety 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 revealed improvements in a child’s ADHD symptoms after chiropractic adjustments. (2).
3. 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).
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 following chiropractic care. (4).
5. The Effects of Spinal Manipulation on Oculomotor Control in Children with ADHD: This study implied that chiropractic care might enhance aspects of motor control, potentially benefiting 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.

 

 

 

Schedule your New Roads chiropractic appointment now. If you are interested in exploring chiropractic care for ADHD, ask us at your next visit! We’d be honored to be a part of your child’s healthcare team.