La Grande 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 normally prescribed, complementary approaches such as chiropractic care are gaining attention for their potential benefits. This blog aspires to explore how La Grande chiropractic care may add benefit to the management of ADHD symptoms, providing beneficial insights for La Grande chiropractic patients and parents at Dr. Paulette Hugulet, DC, LLC.
What is ADHD?
ADHD is a neurodevelopmental disorder typified by constant patterns of inattention, hyperactivity, and impulsivity. It manytimes precedes challenges in academic, work, 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 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, 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 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 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 methods aim to decrease symptoms and improve functionality. While they can be efficacious, they are not without limitations. Medications can have side effects, and behavioral therapies require consistent participation and time to show 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 recognized for its ability to 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. Coming with a holistic approach, chiropractors look at the body as an interconnected system. By focusing on spinal health, chiropractors seek to optimize the nervous system, which could positively impact various bodily functionslike behavior and cognition.
Case Study Insights
Several studies and case reports depict the possible advantages of chiropractic care for ADHD:
- 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).
- Chiropractic Management of a Patient with Symptoms of ADHD: This case study showed 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 handling 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 results, indicating decreases in ADHD following chiropractic care. (4).
- 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 benefiting children with ADHD. (5).
A multidisciplinary approach, bringing together chiropractors, pediatricians, and mental health professionals, ensures the greatest possible outcomes for the child.
CONTACT Dr. Paulette Hugulet, DC, LLC
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 La Grande 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.
