Groton 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 normally prescribed, other approaches such as chiropractic care are gaining attention for their potential benefits. This post aspires to look at how Groton chiropractic care may add benefit to the handling of ADHD symptoms, sharing valuable insights for Groton chiropractic patients and parents at Shoreline Medical Services/ Hutter Chiropractic Office.
What is ADHD?
ADHD is a neurodevelopmental disorder characterized by constant patterns of inattention, hyperactivity, and impulsivity. It manytimes precedes challenges in school, professional, and social settings. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) note that approximately 6.1 million children in the US have been diagnosed with ADHD as of 2016 affecting approximately 9.4% of children, rendering it one of the most widespread childhood neurodevelopmental disorders. The primary symptoms of ADHD are split into two main groups:
- Inattention: Difficulty sustaining attention, frequent careless mistakes, and problems organizing tasks.
- Hyperactivity and Impulsivity: Fidgeting, inability to remain seated, excessive talking, and interrupting others.
Usual Care of ADHD
It takes a group to diagnose and establish a treatment plan for ADHD involving 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 mix of behavioral therapy (ie, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy), medication (ie, stimulants like methylphenidate and amphetamines), and educational support (ie, IEPs and classroom accommodations). These methods aim to decrease symptoms and enhance functionality. While they can be efficacious, they are not without drawbacks: side effects of medications, consistency and time of behavioral therapies 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 advantages for individuals with ADHD. Chiropractors employ a holistic approach, considering the body as an interconnected system. By concentrating on spinal health, chiropractors seek to optimize the nervous system, which could positively influence various bodily functionslike behavior and cognition.
Case Study Insights
Several studies and case reports highlight the potential benefits 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 use alternative treatments, including chiropractic care, for coping with 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 following 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 Shoreline Medical Services/ Hutter Chiropractic Office
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!
Schedule your Groton chiropractic appointment now. If you are ready to explore chiropractic care for ADHD, ask us at your next visit! We would be honored to be a part of your child’s healthcare team.
