McHenry ADHD May Find Benefit from Chiropractic

ADHD continues to be 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 aspires to explore how McHenry chiropractic care may add benefit to the handling of ADHD symptoms, providing beneficial insights for McHenry chiropractic patients and parents at OrthoIllinois Chiropractic.

 

 

ADHD is a neurodevelopmental disorder typified by constant 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 US have been identified as having ADHD as of 2016 affecting approximately 9.4% of children, making it one of the most common childhood neurodevelopmental disorders. The primary symptoms of ADHD are divided into two main groups:

1. Inattention: Difficulty keeping attention, frequent careless mistakes, and problems with organization of tasks.
2. Hyperactivity and Impulsivity: Fidgeting, inability to stay seated, excessive talking, and cutting off others while talking.

 

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, frequently 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 aspire to reduce symptoms and improve functionality. While they can be effective, they are not without limitations. Medications can have side effects, and behavioral therapies require regular involvement and time to produce results. With these in mind, some parents seek alternative treatments, such as chiropractic care, to round out traditional methods.

 

 

Chiropractic care is known for diagnosing and treating musculoskeletal conditions, particularly those involving the spine. Emerging research implies that chiropractic adjustments may offer advantages for individuals with ADHD. Coming with a holistic approach, chiropractors look at the body as an interconnected system. By focusing on spinal health, chiropractors aim to optimize the nervous system, which could positively impact various bodily functionslike behavior and cognition. 

 

 

Several studies and case reports support the possible advantages 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 demonstrated improvements in a child’s ADHD symptoms following chiropractic adjustments. (2).
3. 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).
4. The Effects of Chiropractic Adjustment on Inattention, Hyperactivity, and Impulsivity in Children with ADHD: A pilot randomized controlled trial (RCT) demonstrated promising outcomes, indicating decreases in ADHD after 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, bringing together chiropractors, pediatricians, and mental health professionals, ensures the best outcomes for the child.

 

 

 

Make your McHenry chiropractic appointment today. If you are interested in exploring chiropractic care for ADHD, ask us at your next visit! We’d be honored to be a member of your child’s healthcare team.