Fernandina Beach 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, alternative approaches such as chiropractic care are gaining attention for their potential benefits. This post aspires to look at how Fernandina Beach chiropractic care may add benefit to the management of ADHD symptoms, providing valuable insights for Fernandina Beach chiropractic patients and parents at Amelia Chiropractic Clinic.

 

 

ADHD is a neurodevelopmental disorder distinguished by persistent patterns of inattention, hyperactivity, and impulsivity. It manytimes precedes challenges in school, 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 impacting approximately 9.4% of children, rendering it one of the most widespread childhood neurodevelopmental disorders. The primary symptoms of ADHD are divided into two main groups:

1. Inattention: Difficulty sustaining attention, frequent careless mistakes, and problems organizing tasks.
2. Hyperactivity and Impulsivity: Fidgeting, inability to remain 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 significantly affect a child’s performance in school and in social interactions, often leading to 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 methods aim to decrease symptoms and improve 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 show results. With these in mind, some parents seek alternative treatments, such as chiropractic care, to complement traditional methods.

 

 

Chiropractic care is known for diagnosing and treating musculoskeletal conditions, particularly 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 focusing on spinal health, chiropractors aim to optimize the nervous system, which could positively influence various bodily functionslike behavior and cognition. 

 

 

Several studies and case reports depict the potential advantages 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 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 found that a significant number of parents utilize alternative treatments, including chiropractic care, for managing 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 outcomes, indicating decreases in ADHD following chiropractic care. (4).
5. 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 benefiting children with ADHD. (5).

A multidisciplinary approach, bringing together chiropractors, pediatricians, and mental health professionals, ensures the greatest possible outcomes for the child.

 

 

 

Schedule your Fernandina Beach chiropractic appointment now. 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.