» Hyperactivity and ADD

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 know 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 aback) 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 communications 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." The Doctor of Chiropractic specializes in the detection and correction of subluxations. This process may take weeks or months. 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 care with 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.

Nutrition

Nutrition plays a very important role in helping an ADHD child. Children's nutrition today is not what it should be. Fast food, quick processed food at home and carbonated beverages combined with not eating fresh, raw fruits and vegetable leaves the child with a nutritional deficit. It is not the fats in these foods as much as it is the exorbitant amounts of sugars and grains. Sugars suppress the immune system and mental alertness. Omega -6 fatty acids, found in all grains, cause systemic inflammation; from joints to arteries to nerve cells.

Proper nutrition and chiropractic care may be the best solution for these children, instead of stimulating an already hyperactive system with Ritalin or other stimulants commonly prescribed for this condition.