Montreal 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 post aims to explore how Montreal chiropractic care may add benefit to the handling of ADHD symptoms, providing beneficial insights for Montreal chiropractic patients and parents at Dr. Hoang's Chiropractic Clinic.
What is ADHD?
ADHD is a neurodevelopmental disorder distinguished by constant patterns of inattention, hyperactivity, and impulsivity. It often leads to challenges in academic, 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 affecting approximately 9.4% of children, making it one of the most common neurodevelopmental disorders in childhood. The main symptoms of ADHD are split into two main categories:
- Inattention: Difficulty sustaining attention, frequent careless mistakes, and problems with organization of tasks.
- Hyperactivity and Impulsivity: Fidgeting, inability to stay 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 affect 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 mix 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 enhance functionality. While they can be efficacious, they are not without drawbacks. Medications can have side effects, and behavioral therapies require regular involvement and time to produce 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 known for diagnosing and treating musculoskeletal spinal pain conditions, particularly those involving the spine. Emerging research suggests 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 concentrating on spinal health, chiropractors seek 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 possible advantages of chiropractic care for ADHD:
- 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).
- 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 revealed that a significant number of parents utilize 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 reductions 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 improve aspects of motor control, potentially helping children with ADHD. (5).
A multidisciplinary approach, involving collaboration between chiropractors, pediatricians, and mental health professionals, boosts the opportunity for the greatest possible outcomes for the child.
CONTACT Dr. Hoang's Chiropractic Clinic
Listen to this PODCAST with Dr. James Cox on The Back Doctors Podcast with Dr. Michael Johnson as he illustrates the potential effects of The Cox® Technic System of Spinal Pain Management on the nervous system. Most interesting!
Schedule your Montreal chiropractic appointment soon. If you are ready to explore chiropractic care for ADHD, ask us at your next visit! We would be honored to be a part of your child’s healthcare team.
