Did you know chiropractic can help children with ADHD?
If you answered no, you're not alone. Many people are surprised to hear that chiropractic may help more than aches and pains. Check out an interesting case study below that was published in PATHWAYS magazine. Also, please check out http://icpa4kids.org/Wellness-Articles/ADD/ADHD/ for more research articles.
In the October 2004 issue of the peer-reviewed research publication,
the Journal of Manipulative and Physiological Therapeutics (JMPT), comes
a case study of a child with ADHD (Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity
Disorder),who was helped with chiropractic.
The case was of a 5
year old boy who had been diagnosed with ADHD at age 2. The child’s
pediatrician prescribed methylphenidate (Ritalin), Adderall, and Haldol
for the next 3 years. The combination of drugs was unsuccessful in
helping the child.
At age 5 the child was brought to a chiropractor to see if
chiropractic care would help. The history taken at that time noted that
during the child’s birth, there were complications during his delivery
process. The results of this trauma and complications resulted in a
4-day stay in the neonatal intensive care unit. The child’s mother
reported no other incidence of trauma.
The chiropractic
examination and x-rays showed noticeable spinal distortion including a
reversal of the normal neck curve indicative of subluxations.
Chiropractic care was begun and the child’s progress was monitored.
According
to his mother, positive changes in her son`s general behavior were
noticed around the twelfth visit. By the 27th visit the patient had
experienced considerable improvement.
The child was brought by the
mother to the medical doctor for a follow up visit and questioned the
usage of the Ritalin. The medical doctor reviewed and examined the child
and based on that assessment and his clinical experience, the MD felt
that the young boy was no longer exhibiting symptoms associated with
ADHD. He then took the boy off the medications that he had been taking
for 3 years.
The conclusion of the author of the JMPT case study
noted, “The patient experienced significant reduction in symptoms.
Additionally, the medical doctor concluded that the reduction in
symptoms was significant enough to discontinue the medication.”