ADHD: A Common Diagnosis Often first noticed by teachers, ADHD is one of the most commonly-diagnosed conditions among children. Most often ADHD is treated with Ritalin®. However, a recent report on the June 15, CBS Early Show recommended chiropractic as a potential treatment option for children with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). During the program, medical correspondent Dr. Jennifer Ashton noted that some studies have shown alternative treatments such as chiropractic and dietary changes to be beneficial for children with ADHD. The report stemmed from a recently-released study in The American Journal of Psychiatry suggesting that children and teens who take stimulants like Ritalin® for ADHD have an increased risk for sudden cardiac death; however, the FDA says the study has major limitations. Parents Turn to Chiropractic Care When asked about the use of drugs to treat ADHD, Dr. David Nygaard, a chiropractor who practices in Asheville, North Carolina said, "Ritalin® is a schedule-II controlled substance related to, and producing similar effects as, amphetamines and cocaine. The side effects include personality changes and permanent changes to the brain. This has many parents rightly concerned and wisely seeking alternatives. More and more parents are turning to chiropractic care." As Dr. Ashton stated, making nutritional and lifestyle changes can positively impact those who suffer from ADHD. Dr. Nygaard recommends ruling out any environmental factors by reducing your child's exposure to some common substances. "Remove food dyes, preservatives and additives from the diet. Focus on natural, organic foods grown without pesticides or herbicides. Then determine if an allergy could be involved such as dairy or gluten and eliminate any allergens from your child's environment. Eliminate all sugars and artificial sweeteners. Reduce the use of cleaning agents, detergents, fabric softeners and other chemicals. These are wise choices whether your child has symptoms associated with ADHD or not." Many are now viewing ADHD as a neurological disorder instead of a chemical balance. Chiropractic care helps to reduce any disturbances in the nervous system allowing the brain and body to function normally. Dr. Nygaard has noticed a connection between atlas or upper cervical misalignment and ADHD. "We almost always see problems caused by spinal distortions in the neck, and at the base of the skull at the atlas level." A chiropractic examination can reveal any spinal distortions. Over time chiropractic adjustments can reduce or even resolve spinal problems reducing strain on the nervous system safely without the use of drugs. Asthma: Spinal Health Improves Breathing Equally alarming as the rate of children diagnosed with ADHD is the number of children developing asthma. Children are exposed to a barrage of chemicals along with molds and other allergens that can hinder respiratory health. Chiropractic care, though not a cure for asthma can help support respiratory health by allowing the lungs to operate in peak condition. Dr. Nygaard explained the connection between spinal health and respiratory function. He says that, "Your diaphragm is the primary muscle used for breathing. Nerves that control each breath leave your brain and exit the spinal cord in the mid-neck (C3, C4 and C5) area. Spinal problems in this area can have a profound effect on the nerve supply to the diaphragm. Reducing subluxations in the spine can help to restore proper nervous system control of the lungs and improved function can begin. " Breathing Easier Numerous studies, including those conducted by the Michigan Chiropractic Council and a recent study published in the Journal of Vertebral Subluxation Research show that chiropractic care can reduce the number of attacks asthmatics experience, their severity and potentially reduce or eliminate the need for prescription drugs. Dr. Nygaard attributes this to improved nervous system control of the lungs. "If nerves controlling the diaphragm and lungs are unimpaired, breathing is easier and more of your lung capacity can be utilized," he explains. As parents search for safe and natural ways to ease the suffering of their children, it is comforting to know that non-invasive, drug-free options like chiropractic adjustments are available. Some of the most common childhood ailments can be addressed with something as simple as a trip to the local chiropractor. For more information, visit: http://atlasfamilychiropractic.net
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