Chiropractors- A Ray Of Hope For Attention Deficit Children

Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is very common among children. Ritalin is a very popular drug that is prescribed for treating ADHD. Recent analysis shows that the demand for this particular drug has increased fivefold in the last decade. What’s even more shocking is that out of the total world consumption, 90 percent of this drug is prescribed in US. Parents are getting more apprehensive about the traditional treating process followed for ADHD, so doctors are switching to non drug treatment.  This process concentrates on bringing about changes in postural muscles, nutrition, and lifestyle which are the key factors influencing activity of brain.

Dr. Scott Bautch, ex president of American Chiropractic Association Council has stated that, Difficulty in grasping certain subjects is a very common issue with some children. But in present scenario, schools are suggesting parents to get their children tested for ADHD whenever they come across such complaints. He also said that schools can approach for funding if the number of such children is on a rise.

Dr Scott says that the learning process for such students is entirely different and teachers would be facing tough time if they apply the same approach with such children as with others. He also says that before a child is sent for diagnosis, doctors should speak to the child and his parents and ask few questions related to his/her behavior. Some of the most frequently asked questions are about the child’s behavior (e.g. is she over active or calm), learning pattern, high frustration levels or behavioral problems at school or home. To understand the situation better, Dr Scott gives an illustration saying that if we attend a conference or a meeting where the speaker’s style of communication is different and difficult to follow, then we would get frustrated and try to behave differently either by chatting with others or sometimes may even quit the room.

The conventional cookie-cutter model is still followed for medically detecting ADHD. Dr. Robert Melillo a renowned Chiropractic neurologist says that this model works on a questionnaire which is now outdated. Typical ADHD patients show symptoms like tics, tremors, postural problems, high sensitivity to touch, sight or even sound. Medications can only keep ADHD under control but fails to cure it completely. Eighty percent of patients are detected with ADHD features during their adolescence and 65 percent of them are reported to continue with the same symptoms even during their adulthood.

Chiropractic doctors and neurologists prefer alternative non drug treatments that target the root cause of the problem and not just the superficial symptoms. Motor activity which is helpful for postural muscle development is crucial for brain functioning. Any hazardous influence on postural muscle will lead to musculoskeletal imbalance and effect proper functioning of brain. Musculoskeletal imbalance will affect brain activity and leads to one part of the brain developing faster than the other. This is what happens in ADHD patient.

Chiropractic neurologists are specialized in identifying that part of the brain which is not functioning properly. They also suggest medication to rectify the problem and help brain hemisphere to grow properly. Dr. Frederick Carrick president of ACA council for neurology states that a brain function exam is conducted on every patient along with a visual and audio reflexes test by flashing light in the eye. Patients are asked to hear to particular music and the working efficiency of each ear is tested.

After diagnosing the cause, patients are kept on a medication program that can be administered even at home. As part of the therapy patients are asked to smell certain items several times a day or wear a pair of specially designed glasses. Dr Mark S Smith a famous chiropractic neurologist says that timing therapies are suggested to children who have problems in planning and implementing their schedules. Such children are asked to clap to metronome and perform spinning and balancing exercises.

Since no authenticated information related to any studies on ADHD exists, chiropractic neurologists are gathering information related to children who are on treatment program. Tests are conducted on children before they are placed on a treatment program and there after information is gathered every three months. Improvement in academic performance lasts as long as children are on medication, but the treatment has an every lasting impact on the functioning of the brain.

Chiropractic neurologists have succeeded to a great extent by treating ADHD with brain stimulation. Along with this, they also suggest certain changes in food and living styles that can prevent imbalances leading to ADHD. Some tips to parents:

•    Avoid dyes, preservatives and additives in your menu.
•    Switch to natural, organic and vegetarian food.
•    In case of any allergy, identify the cause and eliminate it from your diet
•    Avoid using pesticides at home.
•    At the time of pregnancy, avoid alcohol and drugs containing nicotine.
•    Try to stay calm and composed during pregnancy as too much pressure would have a negative impact on the foetus.
•    Initial months in a child’s life are crucial in developing resistance, so stick to breastfeeding.


Proper and timely care is helpful

If anyone of you or your acquaintances are diagnosed with ADHD, immediately consult a doctor. An experienced chiropractic neurologist is capable of identifying and treating ADHD patients. They can also advise you with some changes in your diet if necessary to improve your health condition.