Chiropractic for ADD/ADHD in Roseville
Chiropractic Treatment Helps Children with ADD/ADHD
Ask any parent about one of the biggest challenges that they can face in a lifetime, and there’s a good chance that their response will include successfully raising a happy, healthy child in a safe, secure environment. External and internal pressures can make that goal even more complicated, and that is particularly true for moms and dads dealing with an unexpected medical professional’s diagnosis impacting their child in the form of a pair of biochemical imbalances known widely as Attention Deficit Disorder (ADD) and Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD).
Every parent hearing those words in connection to their child likely has some familiarity with the symptoms of the diagnosis. Typical public perception of a child diagnosed with ADD or ADHD involves the impression of a child behaving beyond parental control, ignoring instructions and performing the unacceptable social behavior, regardless of a public or private setting.
The terms ADD and ADHD might be used interchangeably and symptoms may appear to be closely related to the uninformed, but Attention Deficit Disorder and Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder are more accurately understood as two unique but related issues. Children diagnosed with ADD usually exhibit poor concentration and a lack of attention. In contrast, behavior that includes hyperactivity and impulsive actions will be on display where Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder is concerned.
Symptoms of ADD and ADHD normally become visible to parents in their children between the ages of six and 12, with symptoms lasting for more than six months. The afflicted experience difficulties at both school and at home; poor academic performance can be expected. The exact cause of ADD/ADHD remains a mystery to scientists. Experts in their field speculate the cause involves a complex interaction between genetics and environmental factors.
A combination of counseling and powerful pharmaceutical options is usually the first line of defense taken in response to the appearance of ADD/ ADHD symptoms. The use of psychotropic drugs has proven disconcerting to a large number of parents, and these concerned caregivers are seeking alternatives to treating their children. A growing number of these parents are turning to chiropractic care to help alleviate some of the worst symptoms of ADD and ADHD being exhibited by their children.
According to a study published in 1975 comparing chiropractic care with drug treatment in children exhibiting symptoms of ADD/ADHD, it was noted that chiropractic care “was more effective for the wide range of symptoms common in the neurological dysfunction syndrome in which thirteen symptom or problem areas were considered.”
A visit to the Web site of the American Chiropractic Association sheds some immediate light on the definition of chiropractic care. According to the site: “Chiropractic is a health care profession that focuses on disorders of the musculoskeletal system and the nervous system, and the effects of these disorders on general health. Chiropractic services are used most often to treat neuromusculoskeletal complaints, including but not limited to back pain, neck pain, pain in the joints of the arms or legs, and headaches.”
Practitioners of chiropractic care are doctors of chiropractic (also called chiropractors or chiropractic physicians) both extensively trained and usually licensed to practice in their states of residence. Grueling schooling is generally required, with a minimum number of years featuring college instruction and usually followed by work in an internship capacity. These dedicated students are studying, among other things: anatomy, neurology, bacteriology, pathology, physiology, biochemistry, pediatrics, geriatrics, spinal biomechanics, orthopedics, X-ray, cardiology, nutrition, acupuncture, physiotherapy, gastrointestinal and genitourinary systems, and infectious diseases.
All treatment approaches begin with a thorough review of the patient’s medical history, followed by a detailed questionnaire helping shedding insight. A physical examination follows, and that process can include the chiropractor’s use of diagnostic tools like blood tests and X-rays to provide a definitive diagnosis.
A holistic treatment, chiropractic care involves doctors of chiropractic applying direct pressure on the human spine, with varying levels of force applied in a relatively painless process intended to return the body’s musculoskeletal system to a proper alignment. The hope is that the proper alignment of the spine (corrected during a process known as a spinal adjustment) will enable the body to heal itself, without compelling the patient to turn to surgical solutions or medication.The possibility of chiropractic care successfully addressing some of the symptoms of ADD/ADHD is one worthy of consideration for a parent seeking alternatives to the use of powerful medications. The approach might not be appropriate in every instance, but there’s certainly some value in at least initiating a conversation with a health care professional.
