Many Black Hills parents are concerned about their children with diagnosed (or undiagnosed) attention disorders, such as Attention Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder. We want our children to receive the best education but find that the school system doesn’t always present us with the best solutions. How can we help our children make the most of their education, despite their attention disorder?
One in every ten children in the U.S. has an attention disorder. Viewed by the education system as a hindrance to learning (the child in question and their fellow students), school administrators across the nation recommend or even require that students with ADHD be prescribed medication. This may calm a disruptive child, or help a distracted child find their focus. But parents who are concerned about the side effects of drugs like Ritalin are looking for safer, healthier alternatives.
Changes to diet and environment may offer alternatives for families with an attention-disordered child. Limiting the child’s intake of dairy, gluten, high fructose corn syrup and preservatives (which can trigger an ADHD event) is helpful, as is creating structured time blocks. But many parents may not realize that another solution may be available to them. The same chiropractic adjustments that the adult receives for back, neck or hip pain, might just help their child with ADHD.
You see, ADHD is not actually a behavioral disorder. It’s a neurological syndrome. It often stems from stress and tension in the nervous system. While we do not know of a specific ‘cause’ of attention-disorder syndromes like ADHD, triggers may include illnesses or injuries early in life. Many parents have found that diet/nutrition, activity and environmental controls have helped their children find focus and a sense of calm, but when coupled with chiropractic adjustments, more significant improvements have occurred.
Chiropractic care actually calms the nervous system, along with aligning the spine. When working with children, chiropractors will modify their adjustments for a more gentle approach. They can eliminate interferences and imbalances that contribute to attention disorders, improving nervous system function and often helping the child communicate more effectively and calmly.
The changes you and your family have made with diet, nutrition and environment are only effective as long as your child’s central nervous system is working appropriately. Medical doctors and psychologists will treat the symptoms, but only a chiropractor is trained in actually improving nervous system function. That’s why your child needs a team of specialists to help them manage their attention disorder.
Chiropractic should be considered part of your entire family’s regular health and wellness plan. We work with babies up to seniors and everything – and everyone – in between. Chiropractic care is much more than the treatment of back pain and stiffness – it is the treatment of your central nervous system, including for those who need special care to manage illnesses like ADHD.
If your child has been diagnosed with an attention disorder or learning disability, schedule them for a consult with Rushmore Family Chiropractic. We can support your efforts!
