Chiropractic Treatment for ADHD? UPDATE!

[FayeW]

My 13 yr old daughter has ADHD. My son and I both see a chiropractor and my daughter recently began complaining of having a sore back (after we got her a new bed/mattress). I took her to my chiropractor for an xray/exam which revealed that she has fairly severe problems with her neck. The doctor told me that because the area that is effected is at the top of her spinal column/brain stem area it is highly possible that the corrective treatement will help with her concentration and focus. He said "usually I look at the xrays and I think that possible treatment will help. Rarely have I seen anything as black and white as this".

I am really hopeful that the adjustments will help with her sleep and anxiety issues. I would like her to be able to not have to rely on her medication to thrive.

Has anyone used chiropractic adjustments as part of their ADHD child's wellness plan?

 

[WhateverLolaWants]

I have no experience with ADHD, but I have seen a chiropractor since I was 15 as a result of anxiety problems. Everything is connected and my stress was affecting my body and causing pain in my neck and shoulders. Again, no experience with ADHD so take what I say with a grain of salt, but I think it's worth a shot.

 

[JimB.]

I'll be blunt, but it would be a cold day in hell before I would let a Chiropractor even THINK about doing an adjustment to the "top of the spinal column/brain stem area"

That is (IMHO) so frickin' dangerous that I cannot believe he/she would even give this a thought. Google "C1/C2" dislocation or fracture and see what the consequences are.

Look, I honestly think that Chiro's have a valid place in health & medical treatment. I have even had 1 treat me in the past. But I have also had CHIROPRACTORS themselves tell me NOT to let anyone adjust me above my shoulders. Risky. Dangerous. Crazy.

I heartily recommend you get a second & third opinion prior to doing this. Talk to an MD. Talk to an Orthopedist. Heck, even get opinions from other Chiro's, but please, do NOT let him screw with your DD's neck without a LOT more information.

Good luck. Be Careful.

 

[KirklandTutu]

I've been going to the chiropractor for 15 years plus. My C1 has alot to do with my depression and energy level. It's quite dramatic, actually, when it's adjusted.

 

[Rora]

I have no experience with ADHD, but I have seen a chiropractor since I was 15 as a result of anxiety problems. Everything is connected and my stress was affecting my body and causing pain in my neck and shoulders. Again, no experience with ADHD so take what I say with a grain of salt, but I think it's worth a shot.

I agree with this completely. Everything is connected in the body and maybe just a minor adjustment could change the ADHD problem.

My father is a chiropractor who has been treating me since I was a baby. I would be so stressed and depressed in college due to the amount of school work to the point where I just couldn't function. I would drive home (a 7 hour drive) each weekend so my father could adjust me. It made me feel so much better and more sane.

I would absolutely recommend taking your DD to see a chiropractor for ADHD reasons. You'd be surprised at what chiropractors can do and they never get enough credit.

Good luck and if you have any questions (for me or my dad!) feel free to PM me.

 

[JodyLynC]

I've been going to the chiropractor off and on for close to 20 years for my low back. I also get my neck adjusted. I've never had any problems. I love the way I feel when it is done.

If you are really concerned about chiropractic treatments, you might consider medical massage. That might be a way to ease into chiropractic adjustments.

 

[DawnCt1]

I cannot imagine how brain chemistry can be affected by manipulation. In this case, the only thing that will actually be manipulated will be your check book. If you are concerned about ADHD with your children, consult a pediatric neurologist.

 

[Christine]

First off, I want to say that I have used a chiropractor and I liked the results I got for my back pain.

Now, as for the ADHD. If you believe current medical data on ADHD, it is due to a brain difference in sufferers. It has to do with the way area of the brain processes glucogen. If this data is true, and I have no reason to believe it is not, then chiropractic adjustment is not going to help. However, if your daughter has a condition due to spinal issues that *mimics* ADHD, then she truly doesn't have ADHD and the adjustments may work.

But I would never believe that chiropractic care can correct ADHD that is true ADHD.

 

[chicagodisneyfan]

Getting hit by a semi truck spinning out of control really messed up my neck. 20 years later I get C1/C2 adjusted about once a month when they are out of place.

It is amazing what a difference it makes in my attitude, my concentration, etc. So much tension builds up in my shoulders and back when my neck is out of alignment.

My ortho encourages upper neck manipulation. What he can offer is neck surgery - which may or may not work and which may cause problems in the future.

Crack my neck all you want!

 

[pweyl36]

I cannot imagine how brain chemistry can be affected by manipulation. In this case, the only thing that will actually be manipulated will be your check book. If you are concerned about ADHD with your children, consult a pediatric neurologist.

I agree 100%, a chiropractor is not an md. anybody who thinks you need to crack a babies back to cure ear aches,colds etc, is out of there mind.

 

[FayeW]

I have no concerns what so ever in having my children and myself receive chiropractic treatments. The explaination my chiropractor gave me when I started going 3 months ago was that the spinal column is basically like the body's superhighway or internet. All of the information and messages from and to the brain from the rest of your body travel through your spinal column. If something is out of alignment then there may be compression on certain nerves which will prohibit their ability to send or receive messages correctly. It makes sense to me. Rora, did I get that right?

So I have no issue with her being adjusted, I just wondered if any other DISers had experience, positive or negative, with the adjustments helping their ADHD children.

Rora, thanks for your offer of information. I may take you up on it if I have any questions.

 

[DawnCt1]

I have no concerns what so ever in having my children and myself receive chiropractic treatments. The explaination my chiropractor gave me when I started going 3 months ago was that the spinal column is basically like the body's superhighway or internet. All of the information and messages from and to the brain from the rest of your body travel through your spinal column. If something is out of alignment then there may be compression on certain nerves which will prohibit their ability to send or receive messages correctly. It makes sense to me. Rora, did I get that right?

So I have no issue with her being adjusted, I just wondered if any other DISers had experience, positive or negative, with the adjustments helping their ADHD children.

Rora, thanks for your offer of information. I may take you up on it if I have any questions.

It may make sense to you, but it doesn't mean that it is scientifically valid. ADHD is brain chemistry, not efferent and afferent signals.

 

[wardfamily1]

Personally, I think he sounds more like a snake oil salesman than a chiropractor. Watch your pocketbook, I think he's got his eye on it.

 

[freckles and boo]

First off, I want to say that I have used a chiropractor and I liked the results I got for my back pain.

Now, as for the ADHD. If you believe current medical data on ADHD, it is due to a brain difference in sufferers. It has to do with the way area of the brain processes glucogen. If this data is true, and I have no reason to believe it is not, then chiropractic adjustment is not going to help. However, if your daughter has a condition due to spinal issues that *mimics* ADHD, then she truly doesn't have ADHD and the adjustments may work.

But I would never believe that chiropractic care can correct ADHD that is true ADHD.

I did a LOT of research before I decided to medicate either of my children for their ADHD (they are affected differently). Studies have shown that the only effective long-term treatment is medication and/or medication with behavioral therapy. Behavioral therapy alone isn't anywhere near as effective. I agree with Christine. If chiropractic care helps your child that is wonderful. But it isn't a substitute for legitimate ADHD therapies for children like mine who can't control their racing brains.

 

[Mahnahmahnah]

You have nothing to lose OP by trying. It COULD very well HELP. Call your insurance company now and find out if you have chiro insurance. .

I agree that chiro can do wonders IF you go to the RIGHT one. One of my very good friends is a chiro. He is an "Upper Cervical" chiropractor.

http://uppercervical.org/


http://www.todayschiropractic.com/issues/archives/jan_feb_02/louella.html

Please read this so you are informed. I saw Louella on a TV show and she made a believer out of me.

I don't expect everyone here to understand it. I was NOT a believer. I wish you the best of luck.

.

 

[FayeW]

It may make sense to you, but it doesn't mean that it is scientifically valid. ADHD is brain chemistry, not efferent and afferent signals.

However, the chemicals released by the brain may not be released at the right time or in the right amount if the signals are not sent and received correctly.

Although not related to ADHD, we have all heard of people who have been born with both male and female genitilia, or of people who report that they always "felt like a girl in a boy's body" or vice versa.The understanding is that that embryos will develope female genitals unless the brain sends the appropriate message at the right time to prohibit their developement. A little later in gestation, the brain sends a different message for the male genitals to develope. Sometimes those messages get mixed up, or delayed. Who knows why. All I do know is that if I don't have a good internet connection, my email is slow or doesn't work at all. If nerves are compressed or compromised because there is pressure on them that shouldn't be there, the muscles or organs those nerves control may not work the way they should. That's just common sense. If some of those nerves go through the brain stem and effect the way the brain works, then it stands to reason that the brain may not work the way it was designed. Those of us who have children with ADHD have certainly heard the phrase "wired differently" when it comes to how our childrens' brains work.

ETA: I am not a doctor, nor do I play one on tv. I could have the male/female genital organ developement backwards. I do know that all embryos start off one way, until the mother's brain sends signals to prohibit or promote the appropriate genitals for the chromosonal gender of the child they are carrying.

 

[DawnCt1]

However, the chemicals released by the brain may not be released at the right time or in the right amount if the signals are not sent and received correctly.

Although not related to ADHD, we have all heard of people who have been born with both male and female genitilia, or of people who report that they always "felt like a girl in a boy's body" or vice versa.The understanding is that that embryos will develope female genitals unless the brain sends the appropriate message at the right time to prohibit their developement. A little later in gestation, the brain sends a different message for the male genitals to develope. Sometimes those messages get mixed up, or delayed. Who knows why. All I do know is that if I don't have a good internet connection, my email is slow or doesn't work at all. If nerves are compressed or compromised because there is pressure on them that shouldn't be there, the muscles or organs those nerves control may not work the way they should. That's just common sense. If some of those nerves go through the brain stem and effect the way the brain works, then it stands to reason that the brain may not work the way it was designed. Those of us who have children with ADHD have certainly heard the phrase "wired differently" when it comes to how our childrens' brains work.

I guess you can "buy into" any theory you wish, but chiropractors are not experts in brain chemistry or physiology. If you think someone putting external pressure on vertebrae is the answer, I just don't know what to say. Have you consulted with a physician?

 

[DawnCt1]

I have used chiropractic for low back pain with results. I do not allow anyone to manipulate my neck. I read years ago in JAMA an association between cervical manipulation and stroke. I am sure that the chiropractic association will refute it, but here is a link that supports' JAMAs finding.

http://www.quackwatch.com/01QuackeryRelatedTopics/chirostroke.html

 

[FayeW]

I guess you can "buy into" any theory you wish, but chiropractors are not experts in brain chemistry or physiology. If you think someone putting external pressure on vertebrae is the answer, I just don't know what to say. Have you consulted with a physician?

My chiropractor doesn't claim to be an expert in anything. He treats subluxations, that's it. He doesn't make any claims or promises. What he does say is that sometimes the "side effects" of treating the subluxations are that there are improvements in the areas of the body that were effected by the subluxation. There are no guarantees. We may see dramatic results, or nothing at all. Be that as it may, the x-rays don't lie. She very clearly has a reverse curvature in her neck. That has to be treated. If the benefit of that treatment means that we may be able to reduce the medicine she takes for ADHD, or eliminate the clonidine she needs to sleep at night, or her anxiety issues improve, then that will be a wonderful bonus.

 

[DawnCt1]

My chiropractor doesn't claim to be an expert in anything. He treats subluxations, that's it. He doesn't make any claims or promises. What he does say is that sometimes the "side effects" of treating the subluxations are that there are improvements in the areas of the body that were effected by the subluxation. There are no guarantees. We may see dramatic results, or nothing at all. Be that as it may, the x-rays don't lie. She very clearly has a reverse curvature in her neck. That has to be treated. If the benefit of that treatment means that we may be able to reduce the medicine she takes for ADHD, or eliminate the clonidine she needs to sleep at night, or her anxiety issues improve, then that will be a wonderful bonus.

Then I would consult a pediatric orthopedist.