Overview of ADHD

ADHD is the acronym for attention deficit hyperactivity disorder. It is a very common disorder of childhood. The term ADHD is a broad one, and the symptoms and severity of the condition vary from person to person.

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, there are at least 6.4 million kids diagnosed with ADHD.

In some cases, ADHD may be called attention deficit disorder (ADD). However, the term ADD is outdated. ADD was used to describe people who had trouble maintaining focus but were not hyperactive.

In May 2013, The American Psychiatric Association released the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, Fifth Edition (DSM-5). And so, the criteria to receive an ADHD diagnosis was changed.

What are the types of ADHD?

There are three major types of attention deficit hyperactivity disorder:

1. Inattentive: Inattentive ADHD is what was described as ADD. What this means is that the affected person has shown signs of inattention, but then, he or she is not impulsive or hyperactive.
2. Hyperactive/impulsive: Here, the affected person has manifested signs of impulsivity or hyperactivity, but is very much attentive.
3. Combined ADHD: The affected person shows signs of hyperactivity, inattention, and impulsivity.

Inattention

Inattention is one of the symptoms of ADHD. A child may be diagnosed with inattention if he or she:

• Gets distracted easily

• Forgets easily, even in daily activities

• Does not pay close attention to school work and make careless mistakes in their academic work.

• Cannot focus on activities or tasks assigned to him/her

• Fails to follow instructions

• Fails to complete chores or school work

• Has trouble paying attention

• Avoids or dislikes tasks that require prolonged mental effort.

Adult ADHD

Adults who have ADHD have had the condition since childhood. However, the diagnosis is usually done late. Sometimes, the evaluation of this condition may be prompted by a family member, a peer, or a co-worker who notices problems in relationships or at work.

Adults may have any of the three subtypes of ADHD. Symptoms in adults differ from symptoms in children probably due to the maturity that comes with being an adult. The physical differences between adults and kids also contribute to the different symptoms experienced in both.

Is ADHD a Severe Condition?

ADHD symptoms can range from mild to severe. The severity of the condition depends on a person’s environment and physiology. Some people may suffer mild forms of inattention or may be hyperactive when they are engaged in tasks that they’re not passionate about. However, they usually maintain a high level of focus when engaged in tasks that they like. Other people may experience severer symptoms. ADHD symptoms can affect an individual’s social situation, work, and school.

The severity of the symptoms increases in uncoordinated group situations than in structured situations with rewards. For instance, playgrounds are unstructured group situations. On the other hand, a classroom is structured.

Symptoms may be worsened by underlying conditions, like, anxiety, depression, or a learning disability.

There have been several reports of symptoms going away with age. An ADHD adult who was hyperactive during childhood may be able to curb impulsivity or maintain some level of focus.

What’s the Relationship Between Upper Cervical Cervical Chiropractic and ADHD?

You see, focusing on the top two bones in your neck may ease your ADHD symtpoms. How is this possible? Well, a foundational shift in your upper cervical spine affects the physiology of your brainstem as well as the central nervous system. The following are some of the changes that can occur in the body when your C1 and C2 vertebrae are misaligned.

•Functioning of the brainstem: the meeting point of your brainstem and spinal cord is very sensitive. This sensitive area is protected by the C1 and C2 vertebrae. A misalignment of this area, no matter how slight, can put intense pressure on your brainstem and stop it from functioning properly. And because this is the point is the passageway for messages traveling to the brain and from the brain, it may result in several neurological issues.

•Blood supply to the brain: there are some tiny bone loops in the vertebrae called vertebral foramen. These bone loops provide a passage for the arteries that supply the brain with oxygen-rich blood. If there’s a misalignment, then blood flow to the brain can be inhibited, thus depriving the brain of the oxygen that it needs to function properly.

•Drainage of the cerebrospinal fluid: a shift of the upper cervical can inhibit drainage of the cerebrospinal fluid. When this happens, the cerebrospinal fluid starts to pool. This causes intracranial pressure to rise. You can relieve these changes and give your body ample time to heal by realigning these spinal segments back to normal. And this can only be done via expert upper cervical chiropractic care.

How Foundational Correction Can Help ADHD

Foundational Correction uses upper cervical chiropractic which focuses on the C1 and C2 vertebrae. The Foundational Chiropractor will use specific radiographic imaging to identify the smallest misalignments. Thereafter, the doctor will apply low force adjustments to correct the misalignments with precision.

What you’ll have after this is a long-lasting correction to allow your body to heal from whatever changes that may have taken place due to the misalignment. Blood flow will improve, and brainstem function will be restored to the proper state. Also, your cerebrospinal fluid will begin to flow smoothly (as it once did).

If you have any of the secondary conditions listed above, then you must consult your nearest foundational chiropractor. A consultation will help you learn more about this condition and have your questions answered.

References

• Elster EL. Upper Cervical Chiropractic Care for a Nine-Year-Old Male with Tourette Syndrome, Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder, Depression, Asthma, Insomnia, and Headaches: A Case Report. J Vertebral Subluxation Res, July 12, 2003:1-11.
• Attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD): Data and statistics. (2017, February 14)
• cdc.gov/ncbddd/adhd/data.html
• American Psychiatric Association. (2013). Diagnostic and statistical manual of mental disorders, fifth edition. (DSM-5). Washington, D.C.: American Psychiatric Publishing.