ADD (attention deficit disorder) and ADHD (attention deficit hyperactivity disorder) are not psychological illnesses. They are actually neurological conditions that find their genesis in the central nervous system. This means that the key to restoring better functionality for children and adults alike who suffer from these conditions is to help the CNS function optimally.
Let’s take a closer look at the symptoms of ADHD (since doctors in modern times have been using this term as the medical diagnosis for both ADD and ADHD, we will only mention ADHD from here forward). Then we will examine how the alignment of the bones of the upper neck may play a role in these and other neurological disorders. Finally, we will consider a natural means of getting help that is providing hope for sufferers of ADHD.
The symptoms of ADHD depend on the type of ADHD that a patient is suffering from. Doctors divide the condition into three categories, so we will discuss each individually.
Primary inattentive type ADHD is the closest to ADD. In order to receive a diagnosis, a person must be suffering no fewer than 6 of these symptoms:
•Makes careless mistakes or doesn’t pay attention to details
•Frequently struggles to maintain attention
•Frequently struggles to organize activities or tasks
•Regularly fails to follow through on projects or instructions provided
•Frequently loses items that are vital to accomplishing activities or tasks
•Is forgetful regarding normal daily activities
•Gets easily distracted
•Is normally reluctant to get involved with anything that will require mental effort to be sustained for a length of time
•Often does not seem to be listening during a conversation
Primary hyperactive-impulsive type ADHD is probably what you usually think of first when a person has ADHD. Again, at least 6 symptoms must be present for a diagnosis:
•Squirms or fidgets
•Interrupts others
•Struggles to wait for his or her turn
•Leaves the room when expected to remain seated (i.e., a classroom or business meeting)
•Climbs on things or runs around in inappropriate situations
•Struggles to play quietly or enjoy quiet leisure activities (i.e., reading)
•Always seems to be on the go
•Blurts out responses
•Excessive speaking
We won’t relist all of the symptoms noted above for the third type of ADHD. It is combined type ADHD which involves having a mix of at least 6 symptoms from the two other types.
Clearly, these symptoms can make it difficult for a child to succeed academically in school or even socially with others. It can have similar debilitating effects when it comes to holding down a job or having good relationships as an adult. Therefore, it is important to learn what may be at the root of this neurological conditions so as to address it.
The top two bones in the neck could be the very region you need to focus on to get help for ADHD. Why is this the case? It has to do with the effect that a subluxation in this area can have on the function of the brainstem and the central nervous system in general. Here are three changes that can take place in the body when the C1 and C2 vertebrae are out of alignment.
The C1 and C2 protect the sensitive area where the brainstem meets the spinal cord. Even the slightest of misalignments can put pressure on the brainstem and inhibit proper function. Since all of the messages traveling to and from the brain come through here, it can lead to various neurological issues.
The cervical vertebrae have tiny loops of bone called vertebral foramen. These loops of bone provide safe passage for the vertebral arteries which bring oxygen-rich blood to the brain. A misalignment can inhibit this proper flow of blood and keep the brain from getting all of the oxygen it needs for proper function.
When an upper cervical misalignment inhibits the cerebrospinal fluid drainage, it can start to pool. This may, in turn, lead to increased intracranial pressure.
In order to relieve these changes and give the body proper time to heal, it is vital to have the misalignments corrected in a very precise manner. That is where upper cervical chiropractic care comes into play.
Upper cervical chiropractors focus on the C1 and C2 vertebrae. Imaging methods are used to pinpoint even the tiniest of misalignments. Then, low force adjustments are applied to correct these misalignments in a very precise manner. The result is a long-lasting correction that gives the body time to heal from any changes that took place due to the misalignment. Blood can flow properly, the brainstem may be restored to proper function, and cerebrospinal fluid can begin draining properly once again.
If you are suffering from any of the three types of ADHD explained above, especially if you have a history of head or neck trauma, you are a good candidate for this natural form of care. To learn more, you should schedule a consultation with a nearby practitioner. It doesn’t require a serious injury for the C1 and C2 to become misaligned, so don’t write this off as a possible cause simply because you don’t remember a serious injury. It is best to have an examination performed to see if this could be a contributing factor in your health.
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The content and materials provided in this web site are for informational and educational purposes only and are not intended to supplement or comprise a medical diagnosis or other professional opinion, or to be used in lieu of a consultation with a physician or competent health care professional for medical diagnosis and/or treatment. All content and materials including research papers, case studies and testimonials summarizing patients' responses to care are intended for educational purposes only and do not imply a guarantee of benefit. Individual results may vary, depending upon several factors including age of the patient, severity of the condition, severity of the spinal injury, and duration of time the condition has been present.
