Chiroblog

Adult ADHD & Chiropractic care, continued:

Once diagnosed, those seeking an alternative or holistic healthcare approach do have options. There is a paucity of research on non-pharmacological and/or holistic healthcare interventions for ADHD in any age-group, but small studies have demonstrated positive results from Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, transitioning to a diet higher in vegetable protein and lower in fat, supplementation of magnesium, zinc, and iron, Lactobacillus rhamnosus probiotic supplementation, yoga, mindfulness activities, and finally, chiropractic care.^5-8 In fact, chiropractic care demonstrated statistically significant effects on hyperactivity and inattentiveness as compared to standard care options.^9-10   When coping with ADHD symptoms, it is important to take a multimodal approach with a care team supportive of your individual needs and goals for treatment.

5.  https://doi.org/10.1017/s0033291720000069

6.  https://doi.org/10.1007/s13668-023-00487-8

7.  https://doi.org/10.7759/cureus.63576

8.  https://doi.org/10.3389/fpsyg.2024.1323397

9. https://jccponline.com/ADHD.html

10. https://www.frontiersin.org/journals/psychology/articles/10.3389/fpsyg.2024.1323397/full

Adult diagnoses of Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) are on the rise and represent a growing challenge for both patients and their care team. Up to 65% of children diagnosed with ADHD have on-going symptoms as adults, about 3% of all adults have new symptoms. Additionally, up to 80% of adults with ADHD also report at least one psychiatric comorbidity.¹ While most of the same symptoms are present in both childhood ADHD and the adult presentation, adults also report additional symptoms and challenges related to their condition. For example, executive dysfunction is extremely common in adult presentations of ADHD and results in an inability to organize tasks, inability complete complex or difficult tasks, inability to identify mistakes, frequent procrastination, forgetfulness, and inability to establish proper boundaries. Additionally, adult ADHD patients report emotional dysregulation resulting in decreased satisfaction in romantic partnerships, difficulty maintaining friendship, and parenting concerns. These disease traits and associated behaviors can lead to feelings of isolation and loneliness, struggles in career and education, negative emotional responses in parenting, higher divorce rates, increased risk of injuries and accidents, and decreased overall mortality as compared to the rest of the population.^1-4

Chiropractic care has the potential to help both children and adults with ADHD, by allowing the nerve system and brain to work in a more relaxed and focused manner through gentle adjustments, neurological exercises, and dietary modification. ^10-11

References:

1.  https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pone.0277175  

2. https://doi.org/10.4088/pcc.16r02000

3.  https://doi.org/10.1002/mpr.1555

4.  https://doi.org/10.1177/10870547231158572

10. https://www.frontiersin.org/journals/psychology/articles/10.3389/fpsyg.2024.1323397/full

11. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC7706103/

For new parents, the first few weeks after birth can bring on a lot of challenges. Adjusting to the changes can be even more difficult if the newborn is suffering from infantile colic. This common condition is characterized by abdominal discomfort, resulting in the infant crying excessively which the parents are unable to console. Research suggests that almost 20% of newborns and infants may be affected by colic, with symptoms starting around week 2 or 3 and typically resolving before the child reaches 6 months of age. However, the cause of infantile colic is not fully understood. Factors that are proposed to contribute to this condition are sensitivity to certain foods (especially dairy), feeding techniques, overfeeding, underfeeding, insufficient burping and even maternal diet, with the mom’s consumption of dairy being a supposed culprit (1).

The result is an uncomfortable baby and parents that are stressed and unable to get the rest they need. Several studies have examined the safety and efficacy of chiropractic care in the treatment of colic. One of them, a single-blinded, randomized controlled trial conducted in Denmark, recruited infants age 2-14 weeks presenting with symptoms of infantile colic. These children were divided into a treatment and a control group. The infants in the treatment group were adjusted twice a week for 2 weeks using very light, fingertip pressure and gentle massage of any potential tight muscles. Their parents were asked to keep a diary of how many hours their children were crying, and how many hours they were awake and happy. Once the study was completed, the treatment group demonstrated a reduction of excessive crying by half an hour, without adverse side effects. Over 90% of the parents were content that they joined the study (2).  Chiropractic therefore can be of possible benefit to colicky infants and should be considered a safe and effective alternative to other more traditional treatments. 

1) https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK518962/

2) https://chiromt.biomedcentral.com/articles/10.1186/s12998-021-00371-8

Chiropractic care can offer valuable support for adults with autism by utilizing a gentle approach that helps to balance and optimize the nervous system. For many individuals on the autism spectrum, sensory processing challenges and heightened sensitivity can be significant concerns. Chiropractic adjustments aim to improve spinal alignment and nervous system function, which can, in turn, influence the body’s ability to manage sensory input more effectively. By focusing on gentle, targeted adjustments, chiropractors work to reduce stress on the nervous system, which may help individuals experience a greater sense of calm and improved overall well-being.

Chiropractic care often includes techniques that are tailored to be non-invasive and sensitive to individual needs. Dr. Rubin’s method stands out in this regard. He employs gentle pressure adjustments and a specialized tool known as the “Activator” to deliver precise and comfortable adjustments. This customized approach helps reduce discomfort while enhancing the nervous system’s capacity for self-regulation. For adults with autism, this can lead to better stress management, improved sleep, and more stable emotional regulation, ultimately enhancing overall quality of life.

Numerous articles have demonstrated the effectiveness of chiropractic care for adults with autism. One notable case study involved two patients: a 20-year-old and a 17-year-old. Both individuals exhibited aggressive behavior towards others and engaged in self-harm. After undergoing weekly chiropractic adjustments for five months, both patients showed significant improvements. The chiropractic care led to reductions in aggressive behavior and self-abuse, as well as enhanced social interaction.

https://vertebralsubluxationresearch.com/2017/09/10/improvement-in-autistic-behaviors-following-chiropractic-care-a-case-series/

Chiropractic care can offer significant benefits for babies and young children suffering from constipation by helping to relieve pressure on the nervous system to improve gastrointestinal function. Misalignments in the spine, particularly in the lower back, can interfere with the nerves that control the muscles of the digestive tract, potentially leading to sluggish bowel movements and constipation. Gentle chiropractic adjustments tailored for infants and toddlers can help realign the spine, reduce nerve interference, and restore normal bowel function. This natural approach can reduce the need for medications, which may have unwanted side effects in youngsters. Additionally, chiropractic care can promote overall well-being by enhancing the child’s comfort, improving sleep, and boosting the immune system.

The Logan Basic Technique is a gentle chiropractic method often used for treating babies with constipation. Developed by Dr. Hugh B. Logan in 1931, this technique involves applying light, sustained pressure to the sacrum, (a triangular bone at the base of the spine), and specific ligaments connected to it. By balancing the muscles around the sacrum and pelvis, the Logan Basic Technique helps to release tension and promote proper nerve function, which can positively impact the baby’s digestive system. The method is particularly suitable for infants because of its soft, non-invasive nature, making it a safe and effective option for relieving constipation and improving overall health in babies.

https://dynamicchiropractic.com/article/56272-treating-the-pediatric-patient-part-1-logan-basic-technique 

With the rise of elite athletes competing in high-intensity and sometimes contact sports, it raises the question of what is truly safe for pregnant women? The American College of Obstetrics and Gynecology currently recommend a minimum of 150 minutes of moderate intensity exercise per week during pregnancy. This should include both aerobic and resistance training. Exercise during pregnancy has been shown to demonstrate significant positive effects for the mother including but not limited to reducing weight gain and its subsequent effects, alleviating and preventing musculoskeletal pain, shortening labor and delivery, and reducing the risk of an emergency c-section. While exercise does not seem to have a direct effect on the fetus, it has been shown to potentially reduce fetal distress during labor. More importantly, exercise has not been shown to have any negative effects on a fetus during a low-risk pregnancy.^1-2 It is also important to note that the upper limits of how much exercise intensity a pregnant mother and fetus can tolerate safely is currently undetermined. However, special concern should be given to competing in high fall-risk or impact activities, high heat and humidity, and exercise at elevation >6000ft.³ In short, if your obstetrician has given you the clearance to exercise during your pregnancy, most exercise and athletic activities will be well-tolerated by both mother and baby, especially in well-trained adults going into pregnancy. Remember, chiropractic is your best bet to achieve healthy maximum performance!  But, if you are concerned about a specific activity or any symptoms you are experiencing while exercising, always consult your healthcare team immediately.^1-3

References:

1. Perales M, Santos-Lozano A, Ruiz JR, Lucia A, Barakat R. Benefits of aerobic or resistance training during pregnancy on maternal health and perinatal outcomes: A systematic review. Early Human Development. 2016;94:43-48. doi:https://doi.org/10.1016/j.earlhumdev.2016.01.004

2. Albright E. Exercise During Pregnancy. Current Sports Medicine Reports. 2016;15(4):226-227. doi:https://doi.org/10.1249/JSR.0000000000000277

3. Cooper DB, Yang L. Pregnancy And Exercise. PubMed. Published April 17, 2023. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK430821/

With the entire world watching the 2024 Olympic Games play out in real time, one major talking point has become women competing in the Games during their pregnancies. In fact, Egyptian fencer Nada Hafez and Azerbaijani archer Yaylagul Ramazanova both competed while seven and six-and-a-half months pregnant, respectively. In addition, marathon runner Maegen Krifchin competed at the 2024 US Olympic Trials at 7 months pregnant and heptathlete Lindsay Flach competed in the 2021 US Olympic trials at 18 weeks pregnant. While novel in the second and third trimester, women have been competing in the first trimester for many years. For example, US volleyball player Kerri Walsh Jennings competed in the 2012 Olympic Games while 5 weeks pregnant and tennis superstar Serena Williams won the 2017 Australian Open while 8 weeks pregnant with her first daughter.

So, how can chiropractic care help? Chiropractic care during pregnancy has been shown to demonstrate decreased low back and pelvic girdle pain (in an average of 4.5 days), reducing neck and shoulder pain associated with postural changes from pregnancy, and decreasing overall musculoskeletal pain.^4-6  Chiropractors are uniquely capable of helping pregnant patients move better overall and with less pain. Discomfort during pregnancy is one of the main reasons women cite for not completing an exercise regimen,^7-8so in summary, chiropractic care keeps you moving throughout your pregnancy!

References:

4. Stuber KJ, Smith DL. Chiropractic Treatment of Pregnancy-Related Low Back Pain: A Systematic Review of the Evidence. Journal of Manipulative and Physiological Therapeutics. 2008;31(6):447-454. doi:https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jmpt.2008.06.009

5. CONNER SN, TRUDELL AS, CONNER CA. Chiropractic Care for the Pregnant Body. Clinical Obstetrics & Gynecology. 2021;64(3). doi:https://doi.org/10.1097/grf.0000000000000621

6. Weis CA, Pohlman K, Draper C, daSilva-Oolup S, Stuber K, Hawk C. Chiropractic Care for Adults With Pregnancy-Related Low Back, Pelvic Girdle Pain, or Combination Pain: A Systematic Review. Journal of Manipulative and Physiological Therapeutics. 2020;43(7). doi:https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jmpt.2020.05.005

7. Skjold I, Benvenuti MB, Haakstad LA. Why do so many pregnant women give up exercise? An Italian cross-sectional study. Women’s Health. 2022;18:174550572211179. doi:https://doi.org/10.1177/17455057221117967

8. Coll CVN, Domingues MR, Gonçalves H, Bertoldi AD. Perceived barriers to leisure-time physical activity during pregnancy: A literature review of quantitative and qualitative evidence. Journal of Science and Medicine in Sport. 2017;20(1):17-25. doi:https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jsams.2016.06.007

Chiropractic care has shown promising positive benefits for children with autism, providing a complementary approach to traditional treatments. One of the key advantages is the improvement in the neurologic function. Chiropractic adjustments focus on correcting spinal misalignments. These misalignments or subluxations can decrease the nervous system’s ability to communicate effectively. For children with autism, brain-based chiropractic care can result in better sensory processing and improved motor skills. Studies have demonstrated that chiropractic care, combined with exercises to extinguish primitive reflexes, can lead to significant gains in coordination, communication, and overall behavior. These improvements can profoundly impact a child’s ability to engage with their environment and participate in social interactions, contributing to a higher quality of life. 

One article that discusses the positive effects of chiropractic care plus extinguishing primitive reflex exercises is Dr. Rubin’s article, “Combining Chiropractic Care with Extinguishing of Primitive Reflexes: A Case Series of 8 Children.” This study detailed eight children with various neurodevelopmental issues who received a combination of chiropractic care and exercises aimed at extinguishing primitive reflexes. Four of these cases were handled in a chiropractic university clinic, while the other four were treated in private practices. Each child had previously been diagnosed with neurodevelopmental conditions, and gentle, brain-based chiropractic care was given to ‘reconnect the disconnections’, while exercises were recommended to reduce retained primitive reflexes. The results were overwhelmingly positive, with seven of the eight children showing significant improvements. These improvements included enhanced coordination, better social interactions, increased independence, and improved academic performance. The study concludes that integrating chiropractic care with primitive reflex exercises could be highly beneficial for children with neurodevelopmental issues. You can find this article here, http://bit.ly/2RyUGnf or visit https://www.theadjustment.com/page/dr-rubins-published-articles.html for more information. 

In this blog post, we present a case study of a 10-year-old football player with bilateral plantar fasciitis who experienced significant improvement following a multimodal conservative approach involving chiropractic treatment. Plantar fasciitis is a common condition characterized by pain and inflammation of the plantar fascia, a thick band of tissue that runs along the bottom of the foot. It typically presents as heel pain, particularly with the first steps in the morning or after periods of rest. While plantar fasciitis can affect individuals of all ages and activity levels, it is particularly prevalent among athletes, including young athletes engaged in high-impact sports like football. The case highlights the potential benefits of chiropractic care in managing plantar fasciitis, particularly in young athletes, and underscores the importance of a comprehensive approach to achieve optimal outcomes.

A 10-year-old football player presented with bilateral plantar fasciitis characterized by three weeks of heel pain. Over a six-week period spanning six visits, a multimodal conservative approach involving chiropractic care and home rehabilitation exercises was implemented. Specific attention was given to the origin of the plantar fascia and the triceps surae bilaterally, with high-velocity, low-amplitude extremity adjustments targeting the restricted ankle joint. Following the six sessions, the patient reported bilateral foot pain resolution and enhanced daily functioning. Subsequent follow-up three months later indicated sustained improvement and the absence of pain. This case underscores the efficacy of a comprehensive chiropractic intervention coupled with exercise may effectively manage bilateral plantar fasciitis in young athletes.

Dr. Rubin is a board-certified pediatric chiropractor as well as a certified sports chiropractor, so we see athletes of all ages.  Success is seen across the board, ranging from pre-teens, teens involved in high level competitive sports (some of whom have gone on to play at the Division 1 college level), college students who play on Division level or are just playing intramural sports, and many adults who just want to improve their tennis and golf games or rank higher in their Cross-Fit gyms!

Reference: Daniels CJ, Morrell AP. Chiropractic management of pediatric plantar fasciitis: a case report. J Chiropr Med. 2012 Mar;11(1):58-63. doi: 10.1016/j.jcm.2011.06.009. PMID: 22942843; PMCID: PMC3315855.

The challenges posed by abnormal muscle tone in children are multifaceted and can significantly impact motor development and overall well-being. Whether hypertonic or hypotonic, these conditions can range from mild to severe. Hypertonicity is characterized by increased muscle tension and limited flexibility. It can stem from various factors, including intrauterine injuries or neurologic conditions affecting the motor pathways such as cerebral palsy. In a chiropractic case study, a four-month-old infant presented with hypertonicity in the arms and legs.

The infant's case history revealed a complex birth involving interventions such as forceps and suction which potentially contributed to the muscular tension. Through a chiropractic care plan involving spinal and cranial adjustments, along with home care exercises, significant improvements were noted over a six-month period. The infant showed gradual resolution of hypertonicity symptoms, with improved milestones, limb flexibility and primitive reflexes. This case underscores the potential of chiropractic care in addressing muscle hypertonicity in pediatric patients and highlights the need for further research in this area to better understand its efficacy and applicability.

Beyond addressing physical symptoms, chiropractic care may play a crucial role in supporting motor development associated developmental delays or disabilities. As such, continued exploration and documentation of chiropractic approaches for pediatric musculoskeletal disorders are essential for optimizing care and promoting the well-being of young patients facing these challenges.

Reference: Kylie Read, BChiro. Resolution of Hypertonicity in a Pediatric Patient Undergoing Chiropractic Care: A Case Report. Volume 12, No. 1, June 2011 Journal of Clinical Chiropractic Pediatrics.