Ashburn and Herndon 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 commonly prescribed, alternative approaches such as chiropractic care are gaining attention for their potential benefits. This blog aspires to look at how Ashburn and Herndon chiropractic care may add benefit to the handling of ADHD symptoms, providing beneficial insights for Ashburn and Herndon chiropractic patients and parents at Poulin Chiropractic of Herndon and Ashburn.
What is ADHD?
ADHD is a neurodevelopmental disorder characterized by persistent 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 US 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 main symptoms of ADHD are split into two main categories:
- Inattention: Difficulty keeping attention, numerous 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 team to diagnose and establish a treatment plan for ADHD involving pediatricians, psychologists, or psychiatrists, teachers, parents. ADHD can significantly affect 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 combination of behavioral therapy (ie, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy), medication (ie, stimulants like methylphenidate and amphetamines), and school support (ie, IEPs and classroom accommodations). These procedures aim to decrease symptoms and improve functionality. While they can be effective, they are not without limitations. Medications can have side effects, and behavioral therapies demand consistent involvement and time to produce results. With these in mind, some parents seek alternative treatments, such as chiropractic care, to complement traditional methods.
How Chiropractic May Help ADHD
Chiropractic care is known for detecting and treating musculoskeletal spinal pain conditions, particularly 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 focusing on spinal health, chiropractors aim to optimize the nervous system, which could positively influence various bodily functionslike behavior and cognition.
Case Study Insights
Several studies and case reports support the possible benefits of chiropractic care for ADHD:
- A National Description of Treatment among United States Children and Adolescents with ADHD: This study highlights 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 use 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) showed promising outcomes, indicating decreases in ADHD after chiropractic care. (4).
- 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 helping 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 Poulin Chiropractic of Herndon and Ashburn
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 Ashburn and Herndon 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.
