Vancouver 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 gaining attention for their potential benefits. This post aims to explore how Vancouver chiropractic care may add benefit to the handling of ADHD symptoms, providing valuable insights for Vancouver chiropractic patients and parents at Vancouver Disc Centers.
 
What is ADHD?
 
ADHD is a neurodevelopmental disorder distinguished 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) report that approximately 6.1 million children in the United States have been identified as having ADHD as of 2016 impacting approximately 9.4% of children, rendering it one of the most widespread childhood neurodevelopmental disorders. The primary symptoms of ADHD are divided into two main groups:
  1. Inattention: Difficulty sustaining attention, frequent careless mistakes, and problems with organization of tasks.
  2. Hyperactivity and Impulsivity: Fidgeting, inability to remain 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 significantly impact a child’s performance in school and in social interactions, often triggering emotional distress for both the child and family. Traditional management of ADHD typically 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 aspire to reduce symptoms and enhance functionality. While they can be effective, they are not without drawbacks. Medications can have side effects, and behavioral therapies require regular 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 implies 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 functions, including behavior and cognition. 
 
Case Study Insights
 
Several studies and case reports support 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 diversity 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 showed improvements in a child’s ADHD symptoms following chiropractic adjustments. (2).
  3. 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).
  4. The Effects of Chiropractic Adjustment on Inattention, Hyperactivity, and Impulsivity in Children with ADHD: A pilot randomized controlled trial (RCT) showed promising results, indicating decreases in ADHD following chiropractic care. (4).
  5. The Effects of Spinal Manipulation on Oculomotor Control in Children with ADHD: This study suggested that chiropractic care might enhance aspects of motor control, potentially helping children with ADHD. (5).
A multidisciplinary approach, involving collaboration between chiropractors, pediatricians, and mental health professionals, ensures the greatest possible outcomes for the child.
 
CONTACT Vancouver Disc Centers
 
Listen to this PODCAST with Dr. James Cox on The Back Doctors Podcast with Dr. Michael Johnson as he illustrates the possible effects of The Cox® Technic System of Spinal Pain Management on the nervous system. Most interesting!
 
Schedule your Vancouver chiropractic appointment now. If you are interested in exploring chiropractic care for ADHD, ask us at your next visit! We would be honored to be a member of your child’s healthcare team. 
 
Vancouver chiropractic for adhd