St Peters 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 commonly prescribed, alternative approaches such as chiropractic care are gaining attention for their potential benefits. This blog aspires to explore how St Peters chiropractic care may add benefit to the handling of ADHD symptoms, providing beneficial insights for St Peters chiropractic patients and parents at Old Mill Chiropractic.
What is ADHD?
ADHD is a neurodevelopmental disorder distinguished by persistent patterns of inattention, hyperactivity, and impulsivity. It manytimes precedes challenges in academic, professional, and social settings. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) report that 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 common childhood neurodevelopmental disorders. The primary symptoms of ADHD are split into two main categories:
- Inattention: Difficulty sustaining attention, frequent careless mistakes, and problems organizing tasks.
- Hyperactivity and Impulsivity: Fidgeting, inability to stay seated, excessive talking, and cutting off others while talking.
Usual Care of ADHD
It takes a team to diagnose and establish a treatment plan for ADHD involving pediatricians, psychologists, or psychiatrists, teachers, parents. ADHD can considerably affect a child’s performance in school and in social interactions, frequently leading to emotional distress for both the child and family. Traditional management of ADHD usually includes a mix of behavioral therapy (ie, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy), medication (ie, stimulants like methylphenidate and amphetamines), and educational support (ie, IEPs and classroom accommodations). These procedures aim to decrease symptoms and enhance functionality. While they can be successful, they are not without limitations. Medications can have side effects, and behavioral therapies require consistent participation and time to show results. 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, 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 impact various bodily functions, including behavior and cognition.
Case Study Insights
Several studies and case reports describe the potential benefits of chiropractic care for ADHD:
- 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).
- Chiropractic Management of a Patient with Symptoms of ADHD: This case study showed improvements in a child’s ADHD symptoms following chiropractic adjustments. (2).
- Use of Complementary and Alternative Medicine in Children with ADHD: This study found 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) demonstrated promising results, indicating decreases in ADHD after chiropractic care. (4).
- 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 helping children with ADHD. (5).
A multidisciplinary approach, bringing together chiropractors, pediatricians, and mental health professionals, ensures the greatest possible outcomes for the child.
CONTACT Old Mill Chiropractic
Listen to this PODCAST with Dr. James Cox on The Back Doctors Podcast with Dr. Michael Johnson as he describes the possible effects of The Cox® Technic System of Spinal Pain Management on the nervous system. Most interesting!
Schedule your St Peters chiropractic appointment soon. If you are ready to explore chiropractic care for ADHD, ask us at your next visit! We would be honored to be a member of your child’s healthcare team.
