Chiropractic and ADHD/ADD

ADHD and ADD are two conditions that affect 3-5% of the children in this country, but can also be symptomatic in adults as well. ADHD or Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder and Attention Deficit Disorder are typically discussed in connection with one another as they are both very similar in their symptoms and nature. One is characterized by hyperactivity while the other is more focused on the inability to pay attention. While many children may outgrow the symptoms of either ADHD or ADD, still many children take the symptoms into adulthood with them.
The most common symptoms of ADHD and ADD are marked by an inability to concentrate or pay attention to one thing. Other common symptoms in children include: memory problems, does not follow direction, makes mistakes often, loses items, inattention, is fidgety or constantly moving, will not play quietly, talks constantly, interrupts others, and will not wait for his or her turn. In adults, these symptoms are similar but may manifest themselves differently according to the adult lifestyle. Common symptoms of ADHD or ADD in adults are: low self esteem, impulsiveness, inability to properly organize, anger management issues, memory problems, always late, inability to keep a job, procrastination, chronic boredom, often frustrated, concentration problems, violent mood swings, depression, and relationship instability.
While so many children and adults suffer from the symptoms of ADD and ADHD, little is known regarding the exact cause of the conditions. Scientific study has pointed to a variety of causes; however, that seem to have a strong link to the appearance of the condition in both adults and children. The first tie is of a hereditary nature-many people who suffer from the condition have a family history of the presence of ADD and ADHD. Second, many people suffering from these symptoms have reported previous head trauma or injury such as concussions, which have lead to similar symptoms. Third, many scientists link the presence of ADD/ADHD symptoms to chemical imbalances in the brain.
As noted previously, the conditions of ADD and ADHD are always being studied to understand their occurrence more clearly, but unfortunately, little is known in standard medicine to best treat the conditions effectively. This said, many physicians prescribe potent drugs for regular use in children in order to calm the parts of their brains leading to the inattention and restlessness associated with ADD and ADHD. While only mildly effective in treating these symptoms, these drugs are questionable in their health merit, and should certainly not be used regularly in children for the sake of addiction and wearing down of their immune systems.
This is why so many parents and adults are beginning to seek other means of treating their children and themselves, in a manner that is non-harmful and effective. They seek the treatment of chiropractic care. Much success has been found in this discipline in children, as the approach is holistic and comprehensive. While beginning with examinations for possible subluxations that may have contributed to the person’s symptoms, chiropractors also focus on removing foods and environmental items from the child or adult’s life that may be negatively affecting them and leading to their hyperactivity or attention problems. This is done through positive changes in diet, supplementation, exercise, and avoidance of everyday poisons found in the home, work, and school environments.