Toronto 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 normally prescribed, alternative approaches such as chiropractic care are getting attention for their potential benefits. This post aspires to explore how Toronto chiropractic care may add benefit to the handling of ADHD symptoms, sharing valuable insights for Toronto chiropractic patients and parents at Yorkville Chiropractic and Wellness Centre.
 
What is ADHD?
 
ADHD is a neurodevelopmental disorder typified by persistent patterns of inattention, hyperactivity, and impulsivity. It often precedes challenges in school, work, and social settings. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) report that approximately 6.1 million children in the US have been identified as having ADHD as of 2016 impacting 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 groups:
  1. Inattention: Difficulty keeping attention, numerous careless mistakes, and problems organizing tasks.
  2. Hyperactivity and Impulsivity: Fidgeting, inability to stay 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 affect a child’s performance in school and in social interactions, frequently triggering 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 reduce symptoms and improve functionality. While they can be efficacious, they are not without limitations. 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 complement traditional methods.
 
How Chiropractic May Help ADHD
 
Chiropractic care is recognized for its ability to detecting 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 influence various bodily functionslike behavior and cognition. 
 
Case Study Insights
 
Several studies and case reports highlight the possible 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 handling 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 results, signifying decreases 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 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 Yorkville Chiropractic and Wellness Centre
 
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!
 
Make your Toronto chiropractic appointment soon. If you are ready to explore chiropractic care for ADHD, ask us at your next visit! We’d be honored to be a member of your child’s healthcare team. 
 
Toronto chiropractic for adhd