Can Chiropractic Help with ADHD?
Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) is a relatively common neurodevelopmental disorder
that particularly impacts children and adolescents. This condition is characterized by patterns of
inattention, hyperactivity, and impulsivity that can significantly impact a person’s daily life, as well as
their development.
Treatment for ADHD involves an approach from many sides, and chiropractic adjustments might help
with some of the symptoms, as well as improved functioning. The goal of this multi-pronged approach is
to improve the individual’s quality of life. Chiropractic care is not a primary treatment for ADHD, but it
may be able to contribute to the overall well-being of the individual. This can provide indirect benefits to
someone with this condition, as it can counter some of the more distressing aspects of ADHD.
Improved Body Awareness
Correcting spinal misalignments through chiropractic adjustments can improve your posture, thus
improving your body awareness. This enhanced body awareness can help individuals with ADHD better
understand their body’s movements, as well as improve focus and concentration. Some chiropractors
can also incorporate sensory-based techniques, such as sensory integration or gentle touch exercises.
These techniques may be able to help individuals with ADHD improve their sensory processing and
regulation.
Since chiropractic adjustments get the nervous system communicating properly and efficiently, they
may also help promote better sleep. A properly functioning nervous system can also help alleviate
stress. Combining the stress relief with better sleep can have a positive effect on individuals with ADHD
by reducing symptoms of hyperactivity and impulsivity. This goes along with increasing awareness,
giving the individual better overall insight into what’s going on with their body.
Chiropractic Can Assist With Other Treatments
Treating ADHD often takes on a multi-pronged approach, incorporating things like counseling,
educational support, behavioral interventions, and sometimes medication. While the goal is trying to
manage symptoms, finding the right combination can be tricky. Because chiropractic care takes a holistic
approach to health, it focuses on the relationship between the spine, nervous system, and overall well-
being. This approach can complement the other treatments or interventions for ADHD.
Diagnosing ADHD involves a comprehensive evaluation conducted by healthcare professionals, like a
psychiatrist or psychologist, but it might take more professionals to help with treatment. This is a
complex disorder. Because everyone has a different medical history and is exposed to different
environmental, genetic, and neurological factors, there is no one-size-fits-all approach. There is no one
single treatment to help ADHD, but chiropractic care can help ensure that the nervous system is
communicating properly, helping to alleviate some symptoms.
It's important to note that it is essential to consult with a professional that specializes in ADHD
management to get the right guidance to an individual’s treatment. Chiropractic care can help, but it’s
often best suited to be supplemental to the other forms of treatment an individual receives. For more
information on how chiropractic care can help your overall well-being, and to answer any questions
surrounding how it could help with ADHD, reach out to Dr. Morgan Sheridan at Foundation Chiropractic
today.