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It is estimated that as many as 5 million children in the United States alone are
afflicted with attention deficit disorders in varying degrees.
Symptoms often cluster with hyperactivity to include lack of concentration, short attention span, impulsivity, fidgetiness, low frustration tolerance, difficulty with compliance, and poor social interaction.
Medical Treatment
Traditional methods of medical intervention are aimed at
turning down the child's level of activity through the use of drugs. Years ago it was discovered that children react to stimulating drugs, such as Ritalin and amphetamines, in an opposite manner from adults.
Nowadays, children and young teenagers are commonly placed on these drugs for years to suppress their activity level.
Unfortunately, this response is not without drawbacks. The known
side effects of
these drugs include nervousness, insomnia, stomachache, and skin rashes. Other symptoms include loss of appetite, leading to weight loss, and accelerated heart beat. Perhaps the most serious side effect in
controlling behavior with drugs, however, is that it can become a psychological crutch. Some children become very drug dependent and experience episodes of anxiety if dosage is changed or terminated.
Dr. Ben Feingold, M.D., a renowned pediatrician and allergist, stated "I believe
these medications should be used only as a last
resort when everything else... certainly including diet.. has been tried and has failed. Far too often, drugs are prescribed as a first measure.
A New Approach
All body functions are controlled by the brain sending and
receiving messages over nerves. Vertebrae (the bones in your back) fit together so that the LIFE (nerve supply) produced in your brain may filter down your spinal cord and out over your nerves. This LIFE is
responsible for growth, repair, and healing in your entire body. When vertebrae are out of their natural alignment, nerves become stretched or twisted (commonly referred to as a nerve "pinch"), and this
vital communication system in the body is disrupted.
This neurological disturbance is called a subluxation. and can be very irritating for any
child. "Just as the child is irritating his teacher or parent with the symptoms of hyperactivity, so is his nervous system irritating him. We especially find subluxations at the top of the spine in this type of
child."4 The Doctor of Chiropractic specializes in the detection and correction of subluxations. This is done by adjusting the vertebrae, gently, into their natural position. This process may take weeks or
months, depending on the amount of misalignment. LIFE may then be restored throughout the body, and healing can take place. As your body heals, the symptoms begin to diminish. When vertebral subluxations disrupt
this vital communication system, one or more parts of the body may begin to fail, as well as health in general. That's how vertebral subluxations can lead to all kinds of neurological, emotional and physical
disorders, and that's why chiropractors are concerned with restoring normal body function.
Success with Chiropractic care
Doctors of Chiropractic have reported success with attention deficit disorders for years,
and this has been supported by recent studies on the effectiveness of chiropractic adjustments. In one study, chiropractic care was more effective in treating the wide range of symptoms common in a neurological
dysfunction syndrome in which 13 symptom problem areas were considered.' The statistics showed that chiropractic care was 20 to 40 percent more effective than commonly used medications. Another study suggested an
overall improvement in seven hyperactive children who had received specific chiropractic care.
If children with serious attention deficit disorders can benefit from chiropractic
carewith improved attention span, lower activity level, and general well being--it's reasonable to assume that even the average child would benefit, with improved health and well-being. By having subluxations
corrected throughout childhood, your child will have a better opportunity to be as healthy as possible.
The chiropractic approach to health care is natural. It does not try to stimulate or
inhibit normal body function. Instead, the chiropractor addresses the important relationship between the nervous system and disease. The systemic effect of vertebral subluxations is complex. Many childhood illnesses
may be manifested in the pediatric patient due to abnormal body function caused by subluxations. In light of this, your chiropractor may be the best doctor to help your child.
Children should be checked frequently for subluxations to ensure good health.
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