Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) is the most common behavioural
disorder in children with between 3 and 7% of Australian children affected. ADHD
is most commonly diagnosed in children before 7 years of age, and can present
with or without hyperactivity or behaviours disorders. Quite often children
suffering with ADHD are polite and well behaved, but are often easily distracted
and fidgety with frequent impulsive interruptions.
The symptoms may appear innocent as just annoying nuisances such as:
- forgetting things
- missing details
- easily distracted and have difficulties focusing,
frequently switch tasks becoming bored quickly
- have trouble completing homework losing things required to complete it
- have difficulties listening
- daydream
- talk non stop
- be impatient
- constantly in motion
- touching or playing with everything in sight
- easily confused
- struggle following instructions
- have inappropriate comments, show their emotions with no regard for consequences
- have difficulty waiting for their turn
The most common treatment for this disorder is medicating with a drug called
Ritalin. Ritalin is a Class II controlled addictive substance which carries
severe side effects. These side effects include insomnia, addiction, personality
changes, heart attack and even stroke.
Chiropractic care targets the
underlying problems involved, and offers a non-invasive, non-medicated
complementary therapy to aid with ADHD sufferers1. For the nervous system and
brain to develop evenly, motor activity and the development of postural muscles
are important. These muscles trigger the nervous system and their pathways up to
the brain. Using these muscles stimulates these pathways to trigger responses
and coordinated movements, if these muscles are affected the nervous system may
receive diminished stimulation therefore may alter from normal developmental
milestones.
A simple chiropractic examination can check for any imbalances or misalignments
in the body. Simple spinal manipulations and soft tissue work from the
chiropractor can help to improve any muscular and spinal misalignments which in
turn can assist with balanced nervous system development. The chiropractors at
Back to Basics Chiropractic can also recommend complementary dietary and
lifestyle changes to help combat the symptoms of this disorder.
1. Chiropractic offers hope and help for Children with ADHD Arlington, VA
Journal of the American Chiropractic Association Sept 27, 2007
2. Developmental Delay syndromes and Chiropractic: A Case Report Blum C.L,
Cuthbertson Journal of Paediatric, Maternal and Family Health-Chiropractic 2009;
(3) 1-4
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