Sitka ADHD May Find Benefit from Chiropractic

ADHD remains a challenge for affected kids, adults, and their families.  While traditional medical treatments for Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) are commonly prescribed, other approaches such as chiropractic care are getting attention for their potential benefits. This blog aims to look at how Sitka chiropractic care may add benefit to the management of ADHD symptoms, providing beneficial insights for Sitka chiropractic patients and parents at Arctic Chiropractic, Sitka.

 

 

ADHD is a neurodevelopmental disorder characterized by constant patterns of inattention, hyperactivity, and impulsivity. It often leads to challenges in academic, occupational, and social settings. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), 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 neurodevelopmental disorders in childhood. The main symptoms of ADHD are allocated into two main categories:

1. Inattention: Difficulty sustaining attention, numerous careless mistakes, and problems organizing tasks.
2. Hyperactivity and Impulsivity: Fidgeting, inability to stay seated, excessive talking, and interrupting others.

 

It takes a team to diagnose and establish a treatment plan for ADHD: pediatricians, psychologists, or psychiatrists, teachers, parents. ADHD can considerably influence 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 includes a mix of behavioral therapy (ie, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy), medication (ie, stimulants like methylphenidate and amphetamines), and school support (ie, IEPs and classroom accommodations). These procedures aspire to reduce symptoms and enhance functionality. While they can be successful, they are not without drawbacks. Medications can have side effects, and behavioral therapies demand consistent participation and time to produce results. With these in mind, some parents seek alternative treatments, such as chiropractic care, to complement traditional methods.

 

 

Chiropractic care is known for detecting and treating musculoskeletal conditions, especially those involving the spine. Emerging research suggests that chiropractic adjustments may offer benefits 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. 

 

 

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 after chiropractic adjustments. (2).
3. Use of Complementary and Alternative Medicine in Children with ADHD: This study revealed that a significant number of parents employ 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 reductions 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, boosts the opportunity for the greatest possible outcomes for the child.

 

 

 

Make your Sitka chiropractic appointment today. 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.