It is estimated between three and 10% of all school age kids have a learning disability. Four to 12% of children between the ages of 6-12 are diagnosed with ADHD. The cases of ADHD are significantly on the rise.
The diagnosis of ADHD has come under fire as of late. Some researchers have tried to use brain scans and other tests, but there is not a specific test to diagnose a child with ADHD. Scientists are also having a problem finding the cause of ADHD, however, several theories have been proposed which include biochemical, emotional, psychological and behavior dysfunction. Because of the unclear nature of the ability to diagnose ADHD, it is diagnosed based on a cluster of behaviors. The typical treatment for children with ADHD is Ritalin (which is a Type 2 narcotic and is in the same chemical family as cocaine) and other psychotropic drugs. In 1999, there were 9.9 million prescriptions for Ritalin in the United States.
New research has been published that may shed light for parents with hyperactive children. For years there have been anecdotal stories of patients entering chiropractic clinics for different symptoms and, as a side benefit of getting adjusted, other unrelated symptoms started clearing up. According to a new article in the “Journal of Vertebral Subluxation Research” significant changes have been found in children with ADHD after receiving chiropractic adjustments.
Chiropractic care is not a treatment of a particular condition, but there seems to be a high correlation to misalignments in the spine and ADHD. The reason is hypothesized that there are more sensors in our spine than anywhere else in the body. These sensors tell our brains the status of the environment and the position of the body. When the spine does not move properly (misalignment), the sensors abnormally fire. This misfiring of the spinal sensors causes the brain to become over excited and individuals feel like they have to be active. This abnormal firing actually rewires the brain for the negative behavior. By removing the spinal misalignment, it resets the sensors. This is similar to hitting the reset button on your computer when it is very slow. When the proper brain pathways are firing, the individual can concentrate and focus better.
With this new research there is new hope for these children with a non-drug solution to ADHD. Dumping powerful mind altering medications into these children is not the answer. Hopefully this study will allow the scientific community to examine the other options that parents have.
Dr. Scott Glocke is the director of Back Cove Family Chiropractic in Yarmouth. He has been a family wellness chiropractor for the past six years and specializes in wellness for the entire family. Contact him at drscott@backcovechiro.com.