The Benefits of Chiropractic Care For ADHD
According to The National Institute of Mental Health, ADHD is defined as a medical condition “marked by an ongoing pattern of inattention and/or hyperactivity-impulsivity that interferes with functioning or development.” As such, somebody who is struggling with ADHD is constantly in a fight or flight state of being. This state can produce some or all of the following symptoms:
Difficulty concentrating
Trouble holding focus/easily distracted
Inability to control emotions (specifically impulsive behavior)
Constant fidgeting
Trouble with organization
While ADHD is generally defined as a “disorder,” what many people don’t realize is that these neurological symptoms are actually being caused by imbalances of the nervous system. It is these imbalances (or irritations) that keep the body from reaching its parasympathetic state - otherwise known as the relaxation response. In most cases, the traditional medical approach for treating ADHD is to combine psychotherapy with nervous system stimulant drugs. While there is said to be no known “cure” for the condition, there are many other alternative treatment options beyond medication.
How Chiropractic Care Can Help
Doctors of Chiropractic are experts when it comes to understanding the connection that the spine plays in the brain/body connection. Therefore they know the role that both physical and emotional stressors can plan in creating dysfunctions in the spine. These dysfunctions are the main reason that a person’s nervous system may not be functioning properly. In the case of ADHD, these dysfunctions can also contribute to the body’s inability to move from a sympathetic to a parasympathetic state. There are many factors that can lead to spinal subluxations (dysfunctions) but some of the important ones are physical trauma, chemical stressors, poor diet, and emotional trauma. While traditional medication can provide some immediate results, it is simply masking a deeper issue within the body. It can also cause unwanted side effects, such as anxiety, personality alterations, sleep, and digestive issues, etc. Studies show that chiropractic care can provide long-term benefits for patients with ADHD without any negative side effects. One study from Dr. Jeffery Muir, D.C., showed that after 1 year of chiropractic treatment a patient with ADHD noted fewer emotional episodes, improved ability to follow instructions and general improvement of home and school performance. As time goes on, more and more people are turning to natural treatment alternatives, including chiropractic, to help improve their ADHD symptoms. At Summit Chiropractic Center, our doctors go above and beyond physical adjustments. They are also there to be a positive resource for any patient that is looking for help when it comes to adopting a natural lifestyle. Dr. Kelly Dunklow is even an ICPA certified pediatric chiropractor who specializes in working with children. If you believe that you or your children could benefit from chiropractic care, contact us today to schedule your consultation!
802-662-1047
REFERENCES:
Alcantara, J., & Davis, J. (2010). The Chiropractic Care of Children With
Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder: A Retrospective Case Series. Explore (New
York, N.Y.), 6(3), 173–182. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.explore.2010.02.001
KidsHealth. ADHD. Reviewed by: Shirin Hasan, MD. Retrieved on February 25, 2020.
https://kidshealth.org/en/parents/adhd.html
Logsdon, Ann. (2020). Attention Deficit Disorder Without Hyperactivity. VeryWellMind.
https://www.verywellmind.com/add-and-attention-deficit-disorders-2161810
Muir, J. (2012). Chiropractic management of a patient with symptoms of
attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder. Journal of Chiropractic Medicine, 11(3), 221–224.
https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jcm.2011.10.009
The National Institute of Mental Health. Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder.
Retrieved February 25, 2020. https://www.nimh.nih.gov/health/topics/attention-deficit-hyperactivity-disorder-adhd/index.shtml
Wellness Media Resource Mertials, Inc. (2015). ADD/ADHD and Chiropractic: Finding Focus
With Chiropractic. The Pediatric Series.