Recent research reported in the Journal of Pediatric, Maternal & Family Health – Chiropractic on a child with ADHD reveals chiropractic may play an important role in managing these patients. The literature included supports the role of chiropractic in those suffering from related health challenges and calls for more research in this area.
“Research indicates that minor shifts in the structure of the spine may impact function, suggesting that these structural shifts may be a factor in a number of disorders. Structural shifts may lead to nerve obstruction and could possibly be involved in a host of health problems such as ADHD and other neurobehavioral challenges” stated Dr. Matthew McCoy, a chiropractor, public health researcher and editor of the journal that published the study.
McCoy added, “It’s reasonable to suggest that if you obstruct or damage the nerves exiting the spine, the result of the obstruction(s) and/or damage can have far reaching implications on the functioning of the body. Through research reports like this we are finding that correcting these structural shifts reduces nerve obstruction, bringing about marked improvement in children who are experiencing a variety of neurobehavioral challenges.”
Research is revealing that there is a relationship between abnormalities in the spine, the nervous system, and the brain. Basic science and clinical research shows that the proper development of the brain relies heavily on proper structure and movement of the spine from an early age. Research has shown not only that the developing brain relies on normal structural integrity and joint movement, but that complex neurochemical communication and pathways involved in helping humans to respond to their environment are tied into spinal biomechanics and their related neurological pathways.
“It makes perfect sense when you think about it” stated McCoy. “Neurobehavioral disorders such as autism may be related to how the entire body communicates with the brain and the most critical area for this is the spine.”
Some researchers believe that the increase in the diagnosis of such disorders as autism, ADHD, pervasive developmental disorder, Tourette’s Syndrome, obsessive compulsive disorder, and other neurodevelopmental disorders, have their root in a “perfect storm” of abnormal spinal development.
According to researchers the nervous system controls and coordinates all functions of the body and structural shifts in the spine can occur that obstruct the nerves and interfere with their function. By removing the structural shifts, chiropractic improves nerve supply and function.
The 5-year-old child reported on in this study was diagnosed with ADHD an his mother wanted to explore non-medical treatment options. He had a history of ear infections and had been formula fed since two weeks of age. His behavior was “out of control” and he also experienced neurodevelopmental delays.
The chiropractor examined him and found structural shifts in his neck, upper back, and low back. Restrictions and muscle tightness were also noted in his neck and low back. These structural shifts can lead to obstruction of the nerves and it is this obstruction, called vertebral subluxations, that chiropractors correct.
Following chiropractic care, he experienced improvement in behavior. He was able to focus more in school and was more cooperative at family gatherings. He even was able to write a letter by himself. This also led to a positive outcome on his self-confidence and social skills.
The study’s author called for additional research to investigate the clinical implications of chiropractic in this population.
To learn more about this study and chiropractic research visit, Vertebral Subluxation Research.
