Chiropractic Care and ADD / ADHD
Attention Deficit Disorder (ADD) and Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) are conditions characterized by an inability to focus and impulsive behavior. People with ADHD also have pronounced hyperactivity that makes it difficult for the person to calm down.
ADD and ADHD are often diagnosed in young children as personality differences and behavioral choices emerge into a pattern.
Naturally, most children have difficulty focusing and can show more impulsive-type behavior than adults. Yet, those with ADD/ADHD have such a severe pattern of behavior that it can interfere with their ability to function normally in society. Missed homework, disciplinary action as a result of outbursts, severe fidgeting and sometimes anti-social-type behavior can result.
Currently, the most common approach to addressing ADD/ADHD conditions is through a neuropsychopharmacology, or the use of drugs. Stimulants like Adderall, Ritalin, Vyvanse and Concerta are just a few examples. Some people oppose the use of such drugs because they can have significant side effects, including ones like nervousness, anxiety and excitability that can actually make ADD/ADHD conditions worse.
For people seeking an alternative of drugs for either adult or pediatric ADD/ADHD, chiropractic care can provide a possible solution.
How Chiropractic Care Addresses ADD/ADHD
Subluxations (nerve interference) can inhibit normal nerve function. Many people seeking chiropractic care think of this type of nerve function on a purely physical level, e.g. back pain or headaches, but nerve function also governs mental processes. When we feel excess anxiety, an inability to focus, restlessness or other symptoms associated with ADD/ADHD conditions, these are also the results of improper nervous system function.
With targeted adjustments, research has shown that ADD and ADHD can be managed completely without drugs to help restore normal functioning in children. An additional case study showed improvement in the subject’s ability to follow directions.
Positive effects are not isolated to children, either, since people of all ages can be affected by diminished nervous system performance as a result of subluxations. Visit us today to see how chiropractic care can help with ADD/ADHD.
