ADHD in Children: Understanding the Root Causes and Drug-Free Management
Parents, if you have a child struggling with ADHD, whether they're diagnosed or not, whether they're on medication or not, please know that you are not alone. ADHD affects 6 million kids in the United States, and over 4 million of them are on medication that can have harmful short-term and long-term side effects.
So, we want to delve into the root causes of ADHD, including the neurology, chemistry, and physiology behind it, in a way that is easy to understand. This is specifically for parents who do not want to use medications to help their child with ADHD challenges. We nickname our ADHD kiddos "Raging Bulls" because they have a lot of energy and drive, and we absolutely love their personalities. If you resonate with this, then this is perfect for you.
We'll explore the causes of ADHD and how it can be turned into a superpower for your child. We'll also talk about the struggles that come with ADHD, such as difficulty with sleep. However, the most important message is that you can turn your child's ADHD into a superpower without medication.
We want to debunk the outdated medical theories surrounding ADHD and get to the root of the neurology that is causing it. It's important for parents to understand that once you know what's really behind ADHD, you can start working on drug-free solutions to balance your child's nervous system and help them thrive.
THE GENETIC AND CHEMICAL IMBALANCE THEORIES
It's alarming that there is no medical test for ADHD, and yet 6 million children have been diagnosed with it, and 4 million are taking dangerous medications based on two scientific theories that both lack evidence. The first theory is the genetic theory, which suggests that ADHD is purely genetic. The second is the chemical imbalance theory, which proposes that certain chemicals like dopamine, serotonin, and epinephrine are out of order, and medications are required for life to correct this imbalance.
This is where Neurologically-Focused Chiropractic comes in. Many people seek out chiropractic care for physical ailments, such as chronic neck or back pain. They may not even know they have ADHD, but will soon discover that a lot of times neurological challenges actually stem from these physical ailments.
Contrary to popular belief, the number one cause of ADHD is not bad genetics or bad chemistry. It's actually imbalanced neurology.
THE TRUE ROOT CAUSE - IMBALANCED NEUROLOGY
Our nervous system has two sides - the gas pedal fight or flight side and the brake pedal parasympathetic side. When the fight or flight side is overstimulated, it can lead to ADHD symptoms such as impulsivity, hyperactivity, and emotional dysregulation. This is because ADHD is a subtype that is impulsive or hyperactive in nature.
However, the other side of the nervous system called the parasympathetic side, is also known as the "brake pedal.” This side of the nervous system is responsible for rest, relaxation, focus, following directions, and emotional control. Unfortunately, for children with ADHD, this side of the nervous system is underactive, and their gas pedal side is overactive.
EARLY STRESSORS AFFECT NEUROLOGY
So why does this happen? During the first few years of life, the brain is highly plastic and moldable. If a child experiences a lot of stress during this critical period, it can wreak havoc on the brainstem and nervous system. This stress can begin all the way back to pregnancy, labor, delivery, and birth interventions resulting in birth trauma. Furthermore, if a child experiences early-life stressors such as a lot of antibiotics or challenges, it can shift the neurology and hardwire the brain to be excessively in sympathetic overdrive.
When the nervous system is in this overdrive state, it creates an imbalance of neurotransmitters in the brain. Neurotransmitters are responsible for transmitting messages within the nervous system. This imbalance leads to the classic symptoms of ADHD.
We have had the opportunity to discuss the real neurological differences between the gas and brake pedals of the brain with traditional medical doctors. This phenomenon is not merely a theory but a scientifically-backed explanation for ADHD, anxiety, sensory processing disorders, and other related conditions.
While chemical imbalances are present in these cases, they are not the root cause but rather a secondary effect. The chemicals involved are meant to regulate the nervous system, which in turn responds to stimuli with either a fight or flight response. In the case of individuals with ADHD, their nervous system is wired to respond with an excessive urge to move, talk, or engage in risky behaviors. This is where the neurotransmitters come into play - responding to the nervous system's signals.
Therefore, while the chemical imbalance theory is not inaccurate, it is incomplete as it fails to address the underlying neurological differences that lead to these behaviors.
AIR TRAFFIC CONTROL - THE AUTONOMIC NERVOUS SYSTEM
There is something deeper, the true root cause of these chemical imbalances in children lies in an imbalance in the central or autonomic nervous system, which is often caused by early stressors a child experiences. While genetics may play a small role, the stressful and toxic environment we live in today affects our children earlier than ever before, leading to what we call the Perfect Storm theory.
But here's the good news: by rebalancing and restoring function to the nervous system, we can address the true root cause of these imbalances using neurologically-focused chiropractic care. By focusing on the central nervous system, we can reactivate and wake up the "brake pedal" side of the nervous system, which is responsible for calming and regulating the body.
In our office, and in other pediatric chiropractic offices all across the world, we have developed a unique set of care protocols for children with neurological challenges, regardless of their specific diagnosis. We are not interested in simply treating or curing ADHD; our focus is on addressing the cause of the symptoms. We do this by using an adjusting protocol system that activates the parasympathetic side of the nervous system, which can help with concentration and calming.
The length and frequency of our neurologically focused chiropractic care plan depends on the severity and duration of a child's nervous system challenges. We work with each family to create a customized care plan that will help their child achieve optimal nervous system function.
In order for your child's brain and nervous system to calm down and function at their best, this care plan is necessary. It is commonly known as neurologically focused restoration chiropractic care. If your child is struggling in school with failing grades, a fried brain, and an inability to concentrate or sleep, and ADHD seems to be getting the better of them - there is HOPE. Neurologically-Focused Chiropractic care can turn their ADHD into a superpower.
We believe that every child with ADHD has so much potential. They possess a unique brain and drive that when properly harnessed, can be a superpower.
The world needs more raging bulls. But for those kids who are always on the go, it's important that they have the ability to slow down and take corners more smoothly when needed.
Chiropractic care is a drug-free option that addresses the root cause of your child's ADHD. By activating their brake pedal system and regulating their central nervous system, we can also regulate their chemistry, physiology, and overall body function. It's a transformative approach that can help children of any age and severity.
We encourage you to learn more about this approach by checking out our PX Docs website, where we have an informative article that goes deep into ADHD. Additionally, we offer our version of an ADHD test using a piece of technology called the INSiGHT scans, which can measure the amount of gas pedal versus brake pedal and provide insight into your child's unique challenges.
It's frustrating that traditional medicine often lacks a complete understanding of the chemical theory behind ADHD and doesn't offer a test for it. At Credence, we believe in providing measurable results, and our ADHD test does just that.
If you're ready to take the next step, please give our office a call! If you’re not local to our office, check out our directory and find a pediatric chiropractor local to you. Your child deserves to reach their full potential, and this can be achieved without relying on medication and looking forward to a brighter future. We're always here to support you and your child on their journey toward success.