ADD and ADHD

It seems more and more children are diagnosed with ADD (Attention Deficit Disorder) and ADHD (Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder).  Why? Could it be we stimulate the mind at such a young age with televisions and computer games that they become 'used' to these things and anything less is boring? Don't get me wrong; these things can be wonderful educational resources but, there is so much going on that when we ask a child to sit quietly and simple read a book (I guess now their Kindle), they can't.  This one factor is not the only reason we see more cases. As a matter of fact, the increase in diagnose also has a lot to do with our advancement in the science and knowledge of this disorder which has helped doctors understand what is happening with our children. So now the question becomes what are some ways to help these children and, yes, adults?

Hyperactivity is not the result of a Ritalin® shortage! There have been numerous natural ways shown to improve many people’s function, such as an increase in exercise/activity level, reduction of inflammatory foods and Chiropractic adjustments.

As a chiropractor, I look for disturbances to the child’s nervous system. Many issues can be caused or exacerbated by the spinal distortions (misalignments) in the upper neck. In fact, this link between the spine, brain stem dysfunction and ADD/ADHD is common. A thorough chiropractic examination can reveal noticeable spinal distortion, even a reversal of the normal neck curve. With a schedule of safe and natural chiropractic adjustments, these often resolve, reducing nervous system tension.

ADD/ADHD is often a result of too much stress in the child’s system.  A misalignment or interference in the nervous system will cause additional stress responses in the body, sending the body into an over-stimulated state.  Reduction of subluxation or misalignment through chiropractic adjustments helps to decrease sympathetic stimulation and reduce symptoms of ADHD. Because of the differences between the manner in which boys and girls use the hemispheres of their brain, ADHD seems to occur in more boys than girls. And, for the same reason, it is often more easily observable in the behavior of boys than of girls.

Some symptoms of ADD/ADHD:

• Inattention, hyperactivity and being easily distracted
• Difficulty concentrating and sitting still
• Inability to control impulsive thoughts and behaviors
• Easily distracted by noises and activities
• Always moving—fingers, hands, arms, feet or legs

We do not "treat" Attention Deficit (Hyperactivity) Disorder.  However, since ADD/ADHD appears as a neurological stress disorder and Chiropractic care helps reduce nervous system stresses; many parents who want a natural, non-drug solution for their child have found chiropractic care helpful, even miraculous.

Because a chiropractic approach is natural and drug-free, a large number of parents choose chiropractic care over the conventional medical practice of giving children Class 2 psychotropic drugs that have intense side effects including personality changes and permanent alterations in the brain.