Chiropractor for ADHD: Explore Natural Relief Options
Did you know that approximately 8.4% of children in the U.S. are affected by attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD)1? ADHD is a medical condition characterized by symptoms such as difficulty concentrating, trouble holding focus, inability to control emotions, constant fidgeting, and trouble with organization2. The usual treatment for ADHD includes therapy and drugs that stimulate the nervous system2. But, many are now looking at natural ways, such as visiting a chiropractor for ADHD, to help deal with ADHD symptoms2.
Visiting a chiropractor for ADHD is a natural way to treat ADHD3. Chiropractors focus on the link between the spine and brain and body connection. They fix physical and emotional stress that causes spinal problems affecting the nervous system2. This helps improve spinal function and enhances communication between the brain and body. So, chiropractic care is a good add-on to managing ADHD symptoms1.
Research shows that chiropractic care can help people with ADHD for a long time without bad side effects2. For example, in a study with a 7-year-old girl with ADHD, regular chiropractic care for 11 weeks led to better behavior, mood, and sleep1. Dr. Jeffrey Muir, D.C., also found that a year of chiropractic treatment helped a patient with ADHD have fewer emotional outbursts. They could follow directions better and did well both at home and in school2.
Today, more parents are looking for natural ways to treat ADHD. They're interested in drug-free options. Pediatric chiropractors like the team at Verve Chiropractic in Orange, CA are helping by focusing on factors like physical trauma, bad diet, and stress. Their goal is to make the nervous system work better and improve the overall health of kids with ADHD23.
Key Takeaways
ADHD affects a significant number of children in the U.S., with symptoms that can impact daily life and performance.
Chiropractic care offers a holistic, non-pharmacological approach to managing ADHD symptoms by focusing on spinal function and brain-body communication.
Studies have shown promising results in improving behavior, mood, and overall functioning in children with ADHD who receive regular chiropractic care.
Certified pediatric chiropractors can provide valuable guidance and treatment for families seeking alternative therapy for ADHD.
Chiropractic care addresses physical, chemical, and emotional factors that may contribute to spinal dysfunctions and impact nervous system function in individuals with ADHD.
Understanding ADHD and Its Symptoms
Attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) affects many kids all over the world4. In the U.S., about 6 million children deal with this condition5. It makes it hard for them to focus, control themselves, or develop properly.
Kids with ADHD may show lots of different behaviors. But, these usually fit into two groups: inattention and hyperactivity. Boys might tend to act without thinking, while girls might seem to drift off or not pay attention4.
Inattention and Distractibility
Inattention is a key symptom of ADHD. Children with this condition might find it hard to focus, keep their attention, and get easily distracted. They might not be good at organizing tasks, doing what they're told, or noticing important details. Studies say their brains might not work as well in certain areas, which causes these issues4.
Hyperactivity and Impulsivity
Another common sign of ADHD is being hyperactive and impulsive. These kids might not like sitting still, move a lot, and talk more than others. They could find it tough to wait their turn, interrupt conversations, or act quickly without thinking beforehand. This can be hard at school and in making friends.
It's key to know that ADHD's symptoms come from how the nervous system works. A balanced system helps the body relax when it should. There's evidence that getting chiropractic help could make things better for children with ADHD. Dr. Heidi Haavik and others found this in their research4.
Conventional Treatment Options for ADHD
ADHD is often treated with a mix of medicine and behavior therapy in the medical world. Many kids have this issue, with one in every ten facing it. So, nearly 9.4% of kids in the U.S., between 2 to 17 years old, have got this diagnosis at some point6. It starts in childhood and can go on into adulthood, affecting more kids and families every day7.
Medication: Stimulants and Non-Stimulants
Treatments mostly involve strong drugs like Ritalin and Adderall. These can cause serious side effects, like a fast heartbeat and high blood pressure7. The U.S. uses a lot of Ritalin, more than anyone else. And, the harm it can cause makes it a common reason kids visit the ER, similar to cocaine cases8. It’s surprising, but even 3-year-olds are getting Ritalin, even though it says it’s only for kids over 68. And, Ritalin use has sadly led to over 180 deaths from 1990 to 20008.
Behavioral Therapy and Counseling
On top of medicine, behavior therapy and counseling are also used. They teach kids with ADHD good coping methods and ways to be better with others. Methods may include:
Positive reinforcement and reward systems
Structured routines and schedules
Parent training and education
Social skills training
Cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT)
Yet, medicine and therapy might not fix the root of ADHD. Some people find different things that help, like chiropractic care7. As life gets more stressful for kids, it’s key to look for ways that can help everyone be healthier and happier7.
Chiropractic Care as a Complementary Approach
The number of kids with ADHD has been going up. In 2016, about 6.1 million children in the US had this diagnosis. This affected roughly 9.4% of all kids910. Because of this, more parents are looking for other ways to treat ADHD. Chiropractic care is turning out to be a hopeful option. It offers a method that looks at the whole person. This includes their overall health and how well their nervous system works11.
Chiropractic care focuses on the health of the spine and nervous system. It aims to make nerve signals work better. This could make ADHD symptoms less severe11. Chiropractors work to fix physical problems that might make ADHD worse. This can be a useful extra treatment. It might help some with ADHD need less medicine11.
Studies show that chiropractic care might help those with ADHD9. A small trial found that ADHD symptoms improved with chiropractic care9. Another study showed that a child's ADHD symptoms got better after they had spinal adjustments9.
Chiropractors take a whole-body approach. They look at everything that might affect someone's health. This includes muscle and bone issues, how they stand, and even the way they live11.
Chiropractic care might also improve how well kids move. This can help with sleep by making them more comfortable and relaxed. This, in turn, can help kids sleep better11. Adjustments can make the body calm down. This can lower stress and anxiety in people with ADHD11.
By helping the nervous system and lowering stress, chiropractic care can indirectly boost focus and thinking in those with ADHD11. It can also help with other health problems that might come with ADHD. These include things like headaches, trouble sleeping, or muscle pain11.
Chiropractors welcome people with ADHD and their families. They offer a place to talk openly and get advice that looks at the whole person11. They create plans that fit each person's specific needs. This makes their care very focused on the individual11.
How Chiropractic Care May Help with ADHD Symptoms
Chiropractic care is an extra way to help with ADHD symptoms. It works by fixing spine issues to better the nervous system. This can help with focus, too much energy, and making quick decisions. Many parents (up to 68%) look for different ways to help their children with ADHD, like chiropractic care12. Everyone, from kids to adults, can find some symptom relief through chiropractic care13.
Improving Nervous System Function
Chiropractors know a lot about how the spine and brain talk to each other. Problems in the spine can mess up how our body handles stress. By fixing these spine issues, the body and brain can chat better. This might help with ADHD symptoms14.
Reducing Stress and Promoting Relaxation
ADHD often comes with extra stress and feelings of anxiety. This can make ADHD symptoms worse. Chiropractic care helps by making the body feel more balanced and relaxed. This can make it easier for someone with ADHD to stay calm and deal with daily problems.
Enhancing Brain-Body Communication
The brain and body talk through nerves. When this talk isn't clear, it can cause issues like ADHD. Chiropractors help make sure this talk is smooth. This can improve how the brain works, helping with ADHD symptoms.
Though there isn't a lot of solid proof yet, some stories and results look good1214. Chiropractic care is often used along with other ways to treat ADHD. This includes talk therapy, medicine, and help in school12.
Chiropractic Techniques Used for ADHD
Chiropractors have different ways to help kids with ADHD. They adjust how they work based on what each child needs. Their methods help the nerves work better, lower stress, and help kids calm down. This can make the brain and body communicate better, which might ease ADHD symptoms15.
Spinal Manipulative Therapy
Spinal manipulative therapy is a key part of chiropractic treatment for ADHD. It means making careful adjustments to the spine. This can fix the spine's alignment issues and boost how the whole nervous system works. By making sure the spine is in order, chiropractors help improve how the brain and the rest of the body talk. This might lower how bad the ADHD symptoms are16.
Each child gets their spine checked to see what needs to be done. The treatment plan is made just for them. This might mean coming in several times a week at first, then less often once they start feeling better15.
Soft Tissue Therapy and Myofascial Release
Chiropractors might also use soft tissue therapy and myofascial release. These are good for the muscles and tissues next to the spine. They help to relax them, lower tension, and make them more flexible15.
In soft tissue therapy, chiropractors use things like massage and stretching. They work on muscle problems to make them work better. Myofascial release helps by breaking up tight spots in the fascia. This lets the muscles move easier and might cut down on pain16.
With these treatments, chiropractors are looking to make the body work better and feel more at ease. This can help with hyperactivity, focus, and feeling better overall in kids with ADHD1516. A study at Duke University Medical Center showed kids who had chiropractic care had fewer ADHD signs than those who didn't17.
Research on Chiropractic Care for ADHD
Chiropractic care is becoming a popular method for dealing with ADHD in kids, but we still need more research to confirm its benefits. Past studies and the results seen in some patients suggest it could help children with ADHD.
Case Studies and Patient Outcomes
In one study, a 7-year-old girl with ADHD got regular chiropractic care. It was focused on fixing vertebral subluxation. Her behavior, mood, and sleep got better as a result. Another research looked at how chiropractic helped kids with ADHD. They found that it improved many ADHD symptoms as well as social, emotional, and behavioral problems18. Techniques like NST and cranial adjustments specifically were shown to lessen hyperactivity and increase focus in these kids18.
Studies suggest that cranial adjustments can improve kids' focus and lower impulsive behavior in those with ADHD18. In another research, children treated by chiropractors showed fewer ADHD symptoms than those who didn't get this care17. Chiropractic therapy led to various benefits for kids with ADHD. These include less falls, better language skills, and lower levels of anxiety among parents. It even reduced behavioral issues at school, leading to improved communication and increased involvement of parents in their kids' care and treatment17.
Limitations and the Need for Further Research
Despite some good findings, we don't have enough evidence to say chiropractic care alone is a good treatment for ADHD. The way chiropractic care helps with ADHD is complex. Also, other treatment options are available17. We need more studies to be sure about the real benefits and limits of chiropractic care for ADHD.
Chiropractic care is promising for coping with ADHD symptoms. But it's important to see it as a part of a bigger treatment plan. A team effort between chiropractors, doctors, and therapists can offer the best help for each child's needs.
Chiropractor for ADHD: What to Expect
Thinking about seeing a chiropractor for your ADHD? First, you'll have a detailed session with them. They'll check your body and review your health past and current symptoms17. This check-up is crucial. It helps them know exactly how to tailor your treatment plan.
The chiropractor will ask about your daily life, what you eat, how you sleep, and other things that might affect your ADHD. They'll also want to know about any medicine or other treatments you're using19. This info is key. It guides the chiropractor in designing a full approach to your well-being, one that works alongside any previous care you've received.
After looking at what they've learned about you, the chiropractor will design your treatment plan. This plan could include spinal adjustments, therapies for your muscles, and advice on lifestyle changes20. These steps aim to better how your nervous system works, lessen stress, and make your brain and body communicate better. This can lead to your ADHD symptoms getting better1720.
Chiropractic care has been reported to reduce overt behavioral activity by more than 70% in children with ADHD, with 57% of parents noting lower levels of hyperactivity.
The care you get from a chiropractor for your ADHD is gentle and doesn't involve surgery. They'll use careful adjustments to fix your spine and nervous system. They might use their hands or special tools, depending on what's best for you.
Your chiropractor might also do soft tissue work, like myofascial release or massages. This is to help with any muscle problems that could be making your ADHD worse. These treatments help you relax and feel better.
As you keep up with your treatment, your chiropractor will pay close attention to how you're doing and tweak your plan as necessary. They could also teach you exercises, stretches, and other lifestyle changes. This is to help you manage your ADHD better all by yourself. But remember, chiropractic care is an add-on to medical and therapy help - not a replacement.
Staying tuned in to your doctors, therapists, and chiropractor together can really make a difference in handling your ADHD20.
Integrating Chiropractic Care with Other ADHD Treatments
Integrative ADHD treatment mixes chiropractic care with other known methods to handle symptoms better. This way looks at ADHD from all sides and makes a plan just for the child.
Between 2012 and 2017, a study found 19% of kids with ADHD tried natural or alternative medicine for their symptoms. Chiropractic care was chosen by 3% for non-drug healing21. Most kids, 90%, took medicines while 62% did some kind of talking or behavior therapy21. This shows that combining chiropractic care with other methods might be good.
Working with Healthcare Providers and Therapists
For integrative ADHD treatment to work well, all the experts have to work together. This means chiropractors talk with doctors, psychologists, and more, to make a solid care plan. They make sure all treatments fit well together, avoiding any clash.
Chiropractors, for instance, may suggest certain exercises that grow new brain pathways in kids with ADHD16. These can then be part of occupational therapy, making chiropractic care even better. Also, they might team up with behavioral therapists to find ways to help kids relax and reduce stress, which can help the ADHD16.
"Integrative care for ADHD is not about replacing conventional treatments but rather enhancing their effectiveness by addressing the disorder from multiple angles. By working together, healthcare providers can offer children with ADHD the best possible chance at success." - Dr. Sarah Thompson, Pediatric Chiropractor
In this approach, parents and guardians are also very important. They get to help their child a lot by making small changes at home. For example, chiropractors might suggest things like making sure the child sleeps enough or exercises often16. Doing this can help reduce stress and symptoms.
Open talks among everybody involved, from the healthcare team to the family, are crucial. This collaboration creates a treatment plan that's just for the child, using the best of each type of therapy. It’s a team effort to give kids with ADHD the best care possible.
Finding a Qualified Chiropractor for ADHD Treatment
Finding the right chiropractor for ADHD is key. Look for one with plenty of experience treating kids and adults with this condition. Around the world, millions of children have ADHD. This mental health issue affects normal life and makes kids more hyperactive. About 7-8% of school-aged kids have it, with boys getting diagnosed more often than girls, at a rate of 3:1. Chiropractors can help with ADHD that's related to muscle problems, ongoing pain, and issues with the spine22.
Chiropractic care can make a difference for kids with ADHD. It helps with issues like being too active, impulsive, and not able to focus well. Chiropractors are healthcare experts who often do very well at treating the symptoms of ADHD. Their treatments aim to make the spine and nervous system work better. They do this without using medicine or doing surgery. Instead, they align the spine, ease pressure on nerves, and help the body heal itself23.
Verve Chiropractic in Orange, CA: Pediatric Specialists
Verve Chiropractic in Orange, CA, stands out for its work with kids with ADHD. The chiropractors there are experts in pediatric chiropractic. They focus on lowering stress on the nervous system, which treats the root cause, not just the symptoms. Picking a chiropractor who knows about kids is crucial for those with ADHD24.
FAQ
What is ADHD, and what are its main symptoms?
ADHD stands for attention deficit hyperactivity disorder. It's known for causing inattention, hyperactivity, and impulsivity. People with ADHD might have a hard time concentrating. They can easily get distracted and find it tough to control their emotions.
They may also fidget a lot and have problems with staying organized.
How does chiropractic care differ from conventional ADHD treatments?
Chiropractic care offers a different approach to dealing with ADHD symptoms. It doesn't use medicine. Instead, chiropractors focus on improving the nervous system. They do this through spinal adjustments and other hands-on techniques.
Conventional treatments for ADHD usually include medication and behavioral therapy.
Can chiropractic care help with ADHD symptoms?
Chiropractic care might help lessen ADHD symptoms. By improving nervous system function, it could reduce stress and promote relaxation. This can lead to better communication between the brain and body.
But, it's essential to do more research to know for sure.
What chiropractic techniques are used for treating ADHD?
Chiropractors might use several methods to help with ADHD. They could use spinal manipulative therapy, soft tissue therapy, and myofascial release. These techniques aim to correct spinal misalignments and boost the nervous system.
Is there research supporting the use of chiropractic care for ADHD?
Some studies have shown promising results. They suggest that chiropractic care could be good for ADHD management. Yet, we need more studies to confirm if it works well on its own or with other treatments.
What can I expect during a chiropractic visit for ADHD?
Your first visit will involve a detailed look at your health. The chiropractor will do a physical exam and talk about your medical history and symptoms. From this, they will create a plan that fits your needs.
Can chiropractic care be integrated with other ADHD treatments?
Yes, chiropractic care can fit well with other treatments for ADHD. This includes behavioral therapy, medication, and support for learning. Chiropractors will team up with your other healthcare providers and therapists for a full plan on managing ADHD.
How can I find a qualified chiropractor for ADHD treatment?
Look for a chiropractor skilled in treating both kids and adults with ADHD. Verve Chiropractic in Orange, CA, is a top choice. As pediatric chiropractic specialists, many children with ADHD have done well under their care.
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