Manahawkin 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 traditionally prescribed, complementary approaches such as chiropractic care are gaining attention for their potential benefits. This post aims to look at how Manahawkin chiropractic care may add benefit to the handling of ADHD symptoms, sharing valuable insights for Manahawkin chiropractic patients and parents at Manahawkin Chiropractic Center.
 
What is ADHD?
 
ADHD is a neurodevelopmental disorder characterized by persistent patterns of inattention, hyperactivity, and impulsivity. It often precedes challenges in academic, occupational, 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, making it one of the most common childhood neurodevelopmental disorders. The primary symptoms of ADHD are allocated 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 stay seated, excessive talking, and cutting off others while talking.
Usual Care of ADHD
 
It takes a team to diagnose and establish a treatment plan for ADHD: pediatricians, psychologists, or psychiatrists, teachers, parents. ADHD can considerably impact a child’s performance in school and in social interactions, frequently leading to emotional distress for both the child and family. Traditional management of ADHD typically involves 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 procedures aim to decrease symptoms and improve functionality. While they can be efficacious, they are not without limitations. Medications can have side effects, and behavioral therapies demand consistent participation and time to produce results. With these in mind, some parents look for alternative treatments, such as chiropractic care, to round out traditional methods.
 
How Chiropractic May Help ADHD
 
Chiropractic care is known for diagnosing 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 focusing on spinal health, chiropractors aim to optimize the nervous system, which could positively influence various bodily functions, including behavior and cognition. 
 
Case Study Insights
 
Several studies and case reports highlight the possible benefits of chiropractic care for ADHD:
  1. A National Description of Treatment among United States Children and Adolescents with ADHD: This study emphasizes the variety 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 revealed 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) demonstrated promising results, indicating reductions in ADHD after chiropractic care. (4).
  5. The Effects of Spinal Manipulation on Oculomotor Control in Children with ADHD: This study implied 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 Manahawkin Chiropractic Center
 
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!
 
Make your Manahawkin chiropractic appointment now. If you are ready to explore chiropractic care for ADHD, ask us at your next visit! We’d be honored to be a member of your child’s healthcare team. 
 
Manahawkin chiropractic for adhd