Georgetown ADHD May Find Benefit from Chiropractic

May 30, 2024
ADHD remains 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 blog aspires to explore how Georgetown chiropractic care may add benefit to the handling of ADHD symptoms, providing beneficial insights for Georgetown chiropractic patients and parents at Dr. Butwell.
 
What is ADHD?
 
ADHD is a neurodevelopmental disorder typified by constant patterns of inattention, hyperactivity, and impulsivity. It often leads to challenges in academic, 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 affecting approximately 9.4% of children, rendering it one of the most common childhood neurodevelopmental disorders. The primary symptoms of ADHD are divided into two main categories:
  1. Inattention: Difficulty keeping attention, frequent 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 group to diagnose and establish a treatment plan for ADHD: pediatricians, psychologists, or psychiatrists, teachers, parents. ADHD can considerably impact 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 typically 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 reduce symptoms and improve functionality. While they can be successful, they are not without limitations. Medications can have side effects, and behavioral therapies require regular 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 recognized for its ability to detecting and treating musculoskeletal spinal pain conditions, especially those involving the spine. Emerging research implies that chiropractic adjustments may offer benefits for individuals with ADHD. Chiropractors employ a holistic approach, considering the body as an interconnected system. By concentrating 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 highlight 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 diversity 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 following chiropractic adjustments. (2).
  3. 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 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, signifying reductions in ADHD after chiropractic care. (4).
  5. The Effects of Spinal Manipulation on Oculomotor Control in Children with ADHD: This study suggested that chiropractic care might improve 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. Butwell
 
Listen to this PODCAST with Dr. James Cox on The Back Doctors Podcast with Dr. Michael Johnson as he describes the potential effects of The Cox® Technic System of Spinal Pain Management on the nervous system. Most interesting!
 
Make your Georgetown chiropractic appointment today. 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. 
 
Georgetown chiropractic for adhd