Chiropractic Helps ADHD, A Case Study

The scientific periodical, the Journal of Pediatric, Maternal & Family Health, published a case study in the March 2009 issue documenting the improvement with chiropractic care of a 3 and a half year old boy who had been diagnosed with Attention Deficit / Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD).

Authors of this case study report that experts now consider Attention Deficit / Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) to be the most commonly encountered neurobehavioral disorder of childhood. They report that some studies show a 4%-12% occurrence rate among school-aged children with boys being three times more likely to be diagnosed with ADHD than girls. They note that medically, ADHD is treated using psychostimulant drugs, such as Ritalin. They note that these drugs can cause a decrease in the ADHD symptoms but that the side effects may outweigh the benefits.

Side effects from drugs used to treat ADHD include but are not limited to: growth rate reductions, cardiovascular effects such as an increase in blood pressure and heart rate, insomnia, reduced appetite, anorexia, stomach aches, sleep disturbances, and dizziness. It has also been reported that most of the high profile school shootings were performed by boys who were on long-term medication for ADHD.

A chiropractic examination involving several procedures such as thermography, muscle testing, posture analysis, and range of motion was performed on the young boy in this case study. The presence of vertebral subluxation was made and a course of specific adjustive care was initiated. The care initially involved adjustments for 3 times a week for three weeks followed by one visit per week for the 8 following weeks. In addition to chiropractic care to reduce vertebral subluxation the mother was advised on decreasing food additives and sugar.

The outcome of chiropractic care for this young boy was very encouraging as both the boy's parents and teachers reported improvement in the boy's attention and energy levels following the initiation of chiropractic care. They also note that his grades have improved. His mother reported that he was able to win a chess tournament due to his improved ability to pay attention. The boy's mother noted that at the point of chiropractic care at the writing of this study, her son would show an increase in hyperactivity if she waited longer than two weeks to get him adjusted. At the writing of this case study, the young boy remained under chiropractic care at a frequency of twice monthly. Most notably, and perhaps most important, the case study reports that this 3 and a half year old boy is no longer on any related drug therapies.

Dr. Pamela Stone-McCoy, lead author of the paper noted, "Research is revealing that there is a relationship between abnormalities in the spine, the nervous system and brain. Basic science research shows that the proper development of the brain relies on proper structure and movement of the spine from an early age." Dr. McCoy went on to explain, "Childrens nervous systems need the constant stimulation of movement in order to develop and function properly. Abnormal position or movement of the spinal vertebra can develop and this can lead to nerve interference. It is this interference, called vertebral subluxations, that chiropractors correct.&qout;