San Jose 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 traditionally prescribed, alternative approaches such as chiropractic care are getting attention for their potential benefits. This blog aspires to look at how San Jose chiropractic care may add benefit to the management of ADHD symptoms, sharing valuable insights for San Jose chiropractic patients and parents at Chiropractic Solutions.
 
What is ADHD?
 
ADHD is a neurodevelopmental disorder distinguished by constant patterns of inattention, hyperactivity, and impulsivity. It manytimes precedes challenges in school, occupational, and social settings. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) note that approximately 6.1 million children in the United States have been identified as having ADHD as of 2016 impacting approximately 9.4% of children, rendering it one of the most common childhood neurodevelopmental disorders. The primary symptoms of ADHD are split into two main categories:
  1. Inattention: Difficulty keeping attention, numerous careless mistakes, and problems with organization of tasks.
  2. 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: pediatricians, psychologists, or psychiatrists, teachers, parents. ADHD can significantly impact a child’s educational performance and 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 school support (ie, IEPs and classroom accommodations). These methods aim to reduce symptoms and improve functionality. While they can be effective, they are not without drawbacks. Medications can have side effects, and behavioral therapies require consistent participation and time to show results. With these in mind, some parents look for alternative treatments, such as chiropractic care, to round out 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 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 concentrating on spinal health, chiropractors aim to optimize the nervous system, which could positively impact various bodily functions, including behavior and cognition. 
 
Case Study Insights
 
Several studies and case reports describe 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 showed improvements in a child’s ADHD symptoms after chiropractic adjustments. (2).
  3. 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 coping with 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) demonstrated promising outcomes, signifying 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 improve aspects of motor control, potentially benefiting children with ADHD. (5).
A multidisciplinary approach, involving collaboration between chiropractors, pediatricians, and mental health professionals, ensures the greatest possible outcomes for the child.
 
CONTACT Chiropractic Solutions
 
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 San Jose 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 part of your child’s healthcare team. 
 
San Jose chiropractic for adhd