By Dr. Holly Ruocco, D.C.

When a child develops learning disabilities, he or she is often automatically labeled whatever the catch phrase of the day happens to be. These days, the term Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) is the readily available mark applied to the forehead of any child exhibiting signs of study and concentration problems or simply an inability to “sit still” in a classroom setting.

Recently, the case of an 8-year-old child came to light in terms of his apparent learning difficulties and how those difficulties may have been related to an injury he suffered some 18 months prior. By the time the child was examined by his chiropractor, he’d already been diagnosed as ADHD due to concentration concerns and his inability to “sit still.”

The chiropractor’s physical examination of the boy revealed a variety of problems that were well within the range of a chiropractic doctor to treat. The child had limited ranges of motion in the area of his head and neck. He also exhibited problems in his lower back, showing a range of motion beyond the norm. Listening to the child’s complaints, the chiropractor discovered the child suffered headaches and had neck pain.

The child began weekly treatments. During each visit, he received adjustments to his upper back and neck area. He was also mildly adjusted in the area of his lower back.

Following two months of care, the child's mother began noticing very positive changes in his behavior, as well as fewer complaints of headaches and neck pain. The child's teachers also saw improvements in his behavior and academic performance.

While the authors of the case study  "Behavioral and Learning Changes Secondary to Chiropractic Care to Reduce Subluxations in a Child with Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder" were careful to draw broad conclusions regarding chiropractic care and the ability to help an ADHD child, they were very encouraged by the results of this single case study. At the very least, adjusting the child in a way that relieved head, neck, and spine discomfort allowed him to resume his ability to concentrate, learn, and “sit still.”

A growing number of case studies in which ADHD-diagnosed children have been helped by chiropractic care are appearing in the media. The researchers have put out a call for more study in this area to determine the breadth of the full positive impact that chiropractors are having in the world of education.

 About the author: Dr. Holly Ruocco, D.C. is owner of Chiropractic First PLLC in Salem, N.H.

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