Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder, ADHD, is a condition that affects millions of people. In Australia, it has been estimated that 1 in 20 people live with ADHD. This condition affects people’s ability to focus, making it difficult for some to manage daily tasks and look after their health.
When treating ADHD, it’s important to seek professional support. However, many forget to look at their overall health rather than just their mental well-being when managing symptoms.
Chiropractic care may help support your ADHD treatment by improving the function of your internal systems. In this article, we’ll detail what you can expect with chiropractic treatment and how it can help manage your ADHD.
For personalised advice, contact our team at Northside Chiropractic today.
Understanding ADHD
ADHD is a neurodevelopmental disorder. It can develop in people at almost any age, though often it appears in childhood. Though there is no singular cause of ADHD, many believe it develops due to genetic components.
ADHD is characterised by an inability to maintain focus and attention. Many struggle to finish or complete tasks, often forgetting what they may have been doing at any given time. There are three different types of ADHD, each with its own or overlapping symptoms.
Inattentive type
The inattentive type presents as an inability to focus. Someone with this form of ADHD may struggle to maintain attention on long tasks. As a result, they may make simple mistakes regularly.
Likewise, they struggle to manage their time and organise accordingly. They are often easily distracted and can be forgetful.
Hyperactive-impulsive type
Hyperactive-impulsive ADHD usually presents as an inability to stay still. Many people with this type of ADHD struggle with fidgeting and restlessness. They prefer to move and find staying in one spot or position difficult, especially for longer stretches of time.
They may also be extremely chatty, interrupting conversations and struggling to maintain a semblance of order.
Combined type
The combined type of ADHD is the most common. It is a combination of the inattentive and hyperactive-impulsive types. This means people with this form of ADHD may have overlapping symptoms, struggling with impulse control and focus.
Though these are common symptoms, ADHD can also present differently for different people.
How does chiropractic care help?
Chiropractic care focuses on improving muscle function and spinal alignment, usually through tailored exercises. Chiropractors have an in-depth knowledge of how the systems in the body interact and connect.
With this knowledge, a chiropractor can help support your overall health, in turn supporting the management of your ADHD symptoms. Here, we’ll outline how exactly chiropractic care can do this.
Reduce stress
Chiropractic treatments can relieve muscle tension and strain. This can promote relaxation and reduce stress that you may be under. By doing so, chiropractic care is helping your body slow down. This can make managing your energy levels easier and impact your hyperactivity.
By promoting physical relaxation and mental calm, you can better handle your ADHD.
Improved sleep patterns
By helping your body relax, chiropractic care can improve your sleep. Similarly, gentle exercise can also help to regulate your body’s function, which can make each rest more helpful, reducing disturbances. By ensuring you are well-rested, your mind will be better equipped to handle your ADHD symptoms. This can reduce the impact your ADHD has on your daily life.
Improved nervous system
By re-aligning the spine and improving bodily functions, chiropractic care can help ensure your body’s systems are communicating well. With a nervous system that clearly and efficiently communicates information, you can potentially reduce distractions and improve your focus.
Combined with other treatments, chiropractic care may offer additional benefits that improve your overall well-being.
What to expect during a chiropractic session for ADHD
Most chiropractic treatments are fairly straightforward. However, when it comes to managing ADHD, your chiropractor may offer to use more specific techniques. Here, we’ll outline what you can expect in a session and what techniques may be used to help manage your ADHD.
Getting started
To start, your chiropractor will want to build an understanding of your needs and preferences. Likewise, they will assess your medical history to ensure they have all the information they need to devise a tailored treatment plan.
Once ready, they will then conduct a physical examination. This is so that they are aware of any posture or other musculature issues that will need to be addressed.
Finally, your chiropractor will begin to guide you through their chosen exercises and treatments.
Chiropractic methods
Ultimately, your chiropractor is trying to balance your body. To do this, they usually utilise spinal manipulation techniques, massage therapy and gentle exercise.
When treating ADHD, your chiropractor may also employ additional methods such as cranial adjustments and postural exercises. Likewise, they can also help guide you through mindfulness and relaxation techniques so that you can maintain a calmer equilibrium.
No matter your concern, your chiropractor will always tailor their methods to suit your needs and preferences.
Put your health first with Northside Chiropractic
Are you struggling to pay attention? Do you regularly forget to complete daily tasks or stay still when you need to? Managing ADHD without the right support can be incredibly difficult, which is why our team at Northside Chiropractic is here for you.
Whether you need more help managing ADHD symptoms or a better way to calm your body down, chiropractic care could be what you need. With years of experience, you can rely on our team to personalise your treatment. Reach out to our friendly staff and book an appointment today.
