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 normally prescribed, alternative approaches such as chiropractic care are getting attention for their potential benefits. This blog aspires 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 Cox Chiropractic Medicine Inc.
What is ADHD?
ADHD is a neurodevelopmental disorder distinguished by persistent patterns of inattention, hyperactivity, and impulsivity. It manytimes leads to challenges in academic, professional, and social settings. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), approximately 6.1 million children in the US have been diagnosed with ADHD as of 2016 affecting approximately 9.4% of children, making it one of the most common neurodevelopmental disorders in childhood. The primary symptoms of ADHD are allocated into two main categories:
- Inattention: Difficulty keeping attention, frequent careless mistakes, and problems with organization of tasks.
- Hyperactivity and Impulsivity: Fidgeting, inability to remain seated, excessive talking, and cutting off others while talking.
Usual Care of ADHD
It takes a group to diagnose and establish 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 involves a combination of behavioral therapy (ie, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy), medication (ie, stimulants like methylphenidate and amphetamines), and educational support (ie, IEPs and classroom accommodations). These procedures aspire to reduce symptoms and improve functionality. While they can be successful, they are not without limitations: 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 diagnosing and treating musculoskeletal spinal pain conditions, especially those involving the spine. Emerging research suggests that chiropractic adjustments may offer benefits 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.
Case Study Insights
Several studies and case reports highlight the potential advantages of chiropractic care for ADHD:
- A National Description of Treatment among United States Children and Adolescents with ADHD: This study features the variety 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 found that a significant number of parents employ alternative treatments, including chiropractic care, for managing 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, indicating decreases in ADHD following chiropractic care. (4).
- The Effects of Spinal Manipulation on Oculomotor Control in Children with ADHD: This study implied 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 best outcomes for the child.
CONTACT Cox Chiropractic Medicine Inc
Listen to this PODCAST with Dr. James Cox on The Back Doctors Podcast with Dr. Michael Johnson as he describes the possible effects of The Cox® Technic System of Spinal Pain Management on the nervous system. Most interesting!
Make your Fort Wayne chiropractic appointment today. 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.