Attention Deficit Hyeractivity Disorder (ADHD) affects millions of Canadians — adults as well as children. By defniniton, ADHD is a neurologically based disorder and should, therefore, be treated by the experts in functional neurological disorders: doctors of Chiropractic.

The drug Ritalin has not been tested for long-term side-effects or for any withdrawl-related complications., yet as it is routinely given to  individuals diagnosed with ADHD.

At best, Ritalin is simply masking the underlying neurological disfunction associated with ADHD without doing anything to help ascertain a cure.  Ufortunately, at its worst, the drug may be destryoing the lives of millions of children.

How can chiropractic help?

Probably the best way to begin helping an induividual with ADHD, or their parents, is by educating them–not about ADHD, but about chiropractic. A good starting point is to make sure they understand that Chiropractic doesn’t treat ADHD. Instead, informing them that chiropractics goal is to treat the underlying cause of ADHD.

Once the involved individuals understand the value of a treatment that addresses the cause of ADHD, the doctor should further educate them regarding chiropractic. Quite simply, it is important to teach people that “subluxations” are stuctural misalighments that cause neurological dysfunctions, and that the specific purpose of chiropractic is to identify and eliminate such subluxations.

Correcting subluxations, regardless of their location, is a vital contribution that only chiropractors can offer to children with ADHD. These children, along with their parents and teachers, need to be educated regarding the dangers of Ritalin and also about the power of chiropractic. Ultimately, all children should be able to experience the joy iof a well-adjusted body.

By George Burroughs, D.C.