ADHD & Chiropractic
by Drs. Maura & Jessica Roan

Not surprisingly, the subject of ADD/ADHD and children is one that produces considerable controversy. There are varying thoughts as to what the underlying cause is, how ADD/ADHD should be treated, and questions surrounding the validity of the diagnosing criteria, as well as the number of children labeled with ADD/ADHD. Since the early 1990s, our society has turned to psychoactive drugs in unprecedented numbers for the control of children. Approximately five percent of school-age children are on medications because of this growing diagnosis. In fact, the United States uses approximately 90 percent of the world’s Ritalin.

What is especially alarming about ADD/ADHD is the fact that the diagnosis is made via a checklist of behaviors, and the current treatment is pharmaceutical intervention. Many parents are uncomfortable with putting their children on stimulant drugs that can adversely affect cardiovascular function, brain function, gastrointestinal function, and endocrine and metabolic function, and are looking for a more healthy, long-term answer. Parents are looking for help.
               
How chiropractic can aid in the improvement, even the resolution of ADD/ADHD begins with an understanding of the spine and nervous system. A person’s spine is one of the most important structures in the body because it protects the nervous system. Heiner Beidermann, MD, in the book Manual Therapy for Children, states “the problems associated with and labeled ADHD have a close connection with problems originating in functional spinal disorders.” As chiropractors, we are addressing the spine because this allows us to affect a person’s nervous system. When spinal subluxations exist there are a multitude of adverse effects in the body. One of these results is an over-stimulation of the sympathetic nervous system, which makes an individual much more keenly aware of his or her environment. The challenge for a child with subluxations is that instead of this being a healthy temporary response, it’s a constant one. The fidgeting, lack of concentration, hyperactivity, and lack of control over behavior are all examples of an overactive sympathetic nervous system. By addressing the areas of spinal subluxation that cause the increased sympathetic response, the chiropractor is helping to relax the nervous system.

Chiropractic’s goal is to take care of the spine, reduce subluxations, and decrease sympathetic nervous system activity, thereby balancing the nervous system. Because the nervous system is controlling and coordinating all aspects of the body, it is vitally important that it is balanced. Dr. Beidermann made note that children with ADHD exhibit postural distortions, and following manual therapy (eg. chiropractic adjustments), not only do postural deficits resolve in children, but concentration and cognitive abilities improve as well.

There are endless case studies from chiropractors regarding the resolution of ADD/ADHD symptoms after regular adjustments. One recent case study, featured on WBZ news, was of a young girl who was successfully treated by Dr. Marty Rosen of Wellesley. The young girl’s mother commented, “It was not just the difference in school, it was the difference in all the other things that she does.”

The fact of the matter is that each child is an individual, with individual needs, whose symptoms can often be managed without the harmful effects of drug therapy. There are numerous ways that ADD/ADHD can possibly be improved without drugs. As family chiropractors, we know chiropractic is helpful, but other possibilities exist. Additional routes to explore include the Feingold diet, enrolling your child in martial arts, limiting TV and video games, more one-on-one attention, and other manual therapies. Helpful resources include the ICPA (International Chiropractic Pediatric Assoc.) website, where numerous case studies are posted, and www.SpiritedChildren.com, where wonderful children and parent groups can be found.

The important thing for any parent of a child with ADD/ADHD is to love that child unconditionally for who they are, support the child in every way possible, and for the child’s sake, be open to learning.

Drs. Maura and Jessica Roan are co-owners of Roan Family Chiropractic. www.RoanFamilyChiropractic.com

First appeared in the Aug/Sept 07 issue of aspire… Magazine.