Fort Wayne 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 traditionally prescribed, complementary approaches such as chiropractic care are getting attention for their potential benefits. This blog aims to explore how Fort Wayne chiropractic care may add benefit to the management of ADHD symptoms, providing valuable insights for Fort Wayne chiropractic patients and parents at Aaron Chiropractic Clinic.
What is ADHD?
ADHD is a neurodevelopmental disorder distinguished by persistent patterns of inattention, hyperactivity, and impulsivity. It manytimes precedes challenges in school, work, and social settings. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), approximately 6.1 million children in the United States have been diagnosed with ADHD as of 2016 impacting approximately 9.4% of children, making it one of the most widespread childhood neurodevelopmental disorders. The main symptoms of ADHD are divided into two main categories:
- Inattention: Difficulty keeping 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 set a treatment plan for ADHD: pediatricians, psychologists, or psychiatrists, teachers, parents. ADHD can considerably affect a child’s performance in school and in social interactions, often triggering emotional distress for both the child and family. Traditional management of ADHD usually includes 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 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 seek alternative treatments, such as chiropractic care, to round out traditional methods.
How Chiropractic May Help ADHD
Chiropractic care is known for detecting and treating musculoskeletal spinal pain conditions, particularly those involving the spine. Emerging research implies that chiropractic adjustments may offer advantages for individuals with ADHD. Chiropractors employ a holistic approach, considering the body as an interconnected system. By focusing on spinal health, chiropractors seek to optimize the nervous system, which could positively impact various bodily functions, including 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 highlights 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 revealed 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 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 outcomes, signifying 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 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 Aaron Chiropractic Clinic
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 Fort Wayne 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.
