Natural and Effective Solutions for ADD/ADHD

Nearly 6 million children in the United States have been diagnosed with ADD (Attention Deficit Disorder) or ADHD (Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder). These disorders are characterized by inattention, lack of focus, impulsivity, and an inability to sit still, and they must be present for at least six months and in two different settings. Most children are younger than 7 years old when they are first diagnosed with ADD or ADHD, though older children can receive diagnoses as well. If you suspect your child has ADD or ADHD or if you have received confirmation from a doctor that he or she does, we want you to know that you have options. 

Although most medical doctors will suggest prescribing medication for your child, many parents are hesitant to do this because of the side effects. Many children experience a loss of appetite, changes in mood, sleep problems, irritability, headaches, stomachaches, and even delayed growth. While medication certainly has its place in sickness care, here at Waypoint Chiropractic, we know that there are more effective and natural ways to manage ADD and ADHD.

Common Causes of ADD and ADHD

While there is not one singular cause of ADD and ADHD, a few common similarities exist between many children with these disorders. Genes may play a role, as ADD and ADHD tends to run in families. A variety of toxin exposures during pregnancy or at a young age can also contribute, such as cigarette smoke, alcohol, lead, and more. Low birth weight may be linked to ADHD and ADD, and so may brain injuries. 

More important than the primary causes, however, are the controllable things that worsen these disorders. Evaluating and adjusting each of these habits can substantially improve symptoms of ADD and ADHD: 

• Inactivity
• Poor diet
• Skipping meals
• Clutter
• Poor sleep
• Too much screen time

Effective Management of ADD and ADHD

Making positive changes to the above list is a great place to start with improving ADD and ADHD symptoms. Staying active and eating a cleaner diet can provide huge improvements, and so can prioritizing sleep and limiting screen time. Additionally, chiropractic care is a great supplement to these other lifestyle improvements that will help to reduce difficult symptoms and improve the quality of life for those with ADHD and ADD. 

The central nervous system controls all of the body’s functions, both voluntary and involuntary, and the spine houses an integral part of that system: the spinal cord. When the spine has even the slightest misalignments, nerves are compressed and undue pressure is placed on important neural pathways, leading to miscommunications within the brain-body connection and eventually bringing about dysfunction. When a child with ADD or ADHD receives chiropractic care, his body is able to function more optimally, allowing him to regulate behaviors more easily and minimize interruptions in the important central nervous system. 

Bozeman chiropractor Dr. Cary Gentry is a neurologically-based pediatric expert who has seen vast improvements in children with ADD, ADHD, behavior problems, learning disabilities, sleep disturbances, and a number of other related conditions. If you want to learn more about how chiropractic can help your child, get in touch with Dr. Gentry and his team at Waypoint Chiropractic. 

Hodgson, N., Vaden, C. “Improvement in Signs and Symptoms of ADHD and Functional Outcomes in Four Children Receiving Torque Release Chiropractic: A Case Series.” Annals of Vertebral Subluxation Research, 2014 April: 55-79. https://www.vertebralsubluxationresearch.com/2017/09/04/improvement-in-signs-and-symptoms-of-adhd-and-functional-outcomes-in-four-children-receiving-torque-release-chiropractic-a-case-series/.

Muir, J.M. “C Chiropractic management of a patient with symptoms of attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder.” Journal of Chiropractic Medicine, 2012 Sep; 11(3): 221-224. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3437345/. 

Zielinski, E., BA, DC, MPH, BA, & Mankal, K., DC. (September 15, 2014). “An Epidemiological Approach to the Effects of Subluxation-Based Chiropractic Care on the Management of ADHD, Depression and Learning Disabilities in an 8-Year Old: A Case Study.” Annals of Vertebral Subluxation Research, 153-160. https://www.vertebralsubluxationresearch.com/2017/09/04/an-epidemiological-approach-to-the-effects-of-subluxation-based-chiropractic-care-on-the-management-of-adhd-depression-and-learning-disabilities-in-an-8-year-old-a-case-study/.