How Chiropractic Care May Help Children with ADHD

How Chiropractic Care May Help Children with ADHD

Chiropractic treatment for ADHD

Updated: August 8/14/2020

As you probably know, ADHD is a topic of ongoing clinical trials. One 2019 study found some evidence that chiropractic care helped participating children with ADHD. You can see it here. Specifically, this particular trial focused on seeing if chiropractor care helped these children improve their reading. Many kids with ADHD have reading problems due to their inability to focus.

Chiropractic care can soothe the nervous system. While that may seem unrelated to ADHD and reading, it’s not. According to the study, “ADHD is a neurodevelopmental disorder that is associated with significant alterations in brain development and function.”

So, by soothing the nervous system, the brain can send and receive messages easier. And when the brain communicates with the body well, this can enhance motor skills and focus.

ADHD, also known as attention deficit disorder with hyperactivity, mostly affects boys between the ages of 4 and 17. (Source.)

You’re probably familiar with medications like Adderall and Ritalin. You may even know these are stimulates that can affect your child’s sleep, mood, and even growth patterns. Yet, chiropractic care may be able to help naturally.

According to a study in Explore, children aged 9-13 diagnosed with ADHD, experienced relief with regular chiropractic care. The best part of this study is that these young children were able to not use psychotropic drugs on their developing brains.

Why would chiropractic care help kids with ADHD?

Here’s one theory. During your child’s birth, he or she suffers a spinal trauma. This happens to roughly 5% of children. These spinal injuries may not be noticed at the time because they aren’t obvious. This means the children grow up with a slight imbalance that can become more significant later in life.

The other thing that can happen is active kids may experience a spinal injury via a fall or rough play.

In either case, the spine is out of alignment. If the spine tilts to the left or the right (and it can be the tiniest bit “off”) this affects the head and neck alignment. That misalignment affects the Central Nervous System in that communications don’t flow as smoothly from the brain through the body because there is interference in the communications channel.

Chiropractors, as you may know, are specialists in the Central Nervous System. They do far more than relieving back pain. They align the entire body which takes the pressure off nerves and allows for improved communication between the brain and the body. Improving that communication can provide a world of healthy benefits.

One study dating all the way back to 1989 reported, “Following chiropractic care, 57% showed an improvement in chiropractic radiographic findings; 71.4% showed a reduction in overt behavior activity; 57% showed improvement in the level of autonomic activity, and 57% showed improvement in parental ratings of hyperactivity.”

Some parents have been able to reduce or end their reliance on medication that controls their child’s behavior. If your child has been diagnosed with ADHD and you’re in Doylestown, Pa, why not schedule a visit to McQuaite Chiropractic?

Side effects of chiropractic care include a stronger immune system and the potential to prevent injuries. Why not try a healthy, natural solution for ADHD?

 

Can Chiropractic Care Help Your Sinusitis?

Can Chiropractic Care Help Your Sinusitis?

Sinusitis is another word for a classic sinus infection.  Fever, chills, headache, all the classic cold symptoms that can accompany it can make you feel miserable.

You probably know it’s due to a bacteria, virus, or other irritants that get through your nasal passages.

Your nose is stuffy due to inflamed tissues inside your sinus cavities.

These are the 8 hollow areas in your nose, face, and forehead. It’s the job of the sinuses to act as filters to keep dirt, dust, and pollen out of your body.

Yet, sometimes bacteria, viruses, and other irritants DO get through and when they do, you may find yourself with a stuffy nose or cold systems.

A 2012 study discussed in the Journal of Manipulative and Physiological Therapeutics found participants who received chiropractic care felt better, the adjustment helped open up their nasal passages so they could find relief.

Why Chiropractic Care is Good for Sinusitis

A chiropractic adjustment can remove obstructions from long periods of sitting and realign your neck and sinus cavities which can help you breathe easier.

When your chiropractor adjusts your neck, you may feel immediate relief since neck tension is released right away. This can also release any tension on your lymph nodes and cause them to start draining right away if you’re feeling stuffed up.

Chiropractic care works whether you’re suffering from seasonal allergies or chronic sinusitis. The re-alignment benefits are the same because in both cases you’re experiencing aggravated sinuses.

The other thing you may find interesting is that chiropractic care boosts your immune system because it regulates your nervous system (spine, nerves, brain) which takes care of your whole body. It reduces inflammation throughout because it re-aligns you from the crown of your head to your feet.

In my Doylestown practice, I’ve seen everyone from children to grandparent’s experience sinus relief from chiropractic care. Sometimes, it only takes one visit to open those sinus passages.

Other Ways You Can Treat Sinus Troubles Naturally

Acupuncture can help clear your sinuses too. Your acupuncturist will determine the proper placement of needles and pop them in, then you’ll sit quietly for anywhere from 15-45 minutes depending on the severity of your symptoms.

Steam helps too.

You’re probably familiar with a steamy shower opening your nasal passages. But you may not have thought about adding a few drops of eucalyptus essential oil to your shower to help open and soothe your sinuses. Boiling water on the stove works too, just hover your face in the steam to find sinus relief.

What’s your experience with chiropractic care for your sinusitis?

4 Tips for Kicking the Winter Blahs

4 Tips for Kicking the Winter Blahs

Here in Bucks County, Pa. it’s been raining and cold for a month. Couple that with election negativity and it’s enough to give anyone a bad case of the winter blues. It’s natural to want to stay in and cozy up on the couch with a blanket.

The short days do affect your body and can affect your mood. You might know that sunlight regulates the naturally occurring serotonin and melatonin in your body. These chemicals regulate your sleep cycles, your mood, your appetite, and other important functions within your body. When they’re out of balance as often happens in the winter, you can feel tired and low-energy.

Couple that with the post-holiday doldrums and by the end of January, it’s common to be ready for a change.

Whether or not a warm weather getaway is in the cards for you this winter, here are four other tips for you to take care of yourself this winter.

1—Go Out– While your inclination may be to hibernate like a bear during the long, cold months, it’s better for you to make plans with friends and get out and do something you enjoy. Laughing is a mood booster.

2—Exercise – Another way to boost your spirits is keep your body active. Whether you enjoy yoga, Zumba, or Crossfit, find something you enjoy and make a point to get it into your calendar. Schedule make it tough to get to the gym? There are numerous online opportunities to participate in regular exercise including YouTube channels and subscription services. You can even make the most of the winter weather by strapping on some beginner snow skis and going to the nearest skiing facility to you to get some exercise. If it’s going to be cold and snowy, you might as well embrace it!

3—Chiropractic care – This can boost your immune system and keep you pain-free by removing nerve obstructions.

4- Eat more omega 3’s – salmon and spinach have high levels of the so-called “good fats.” These are fats that lower your cholesterol levels and boost your mood. You’ve probably heard of the health benefits of omega 3’s, they can even help your joints, memory functions and eyesight. You do want to get more of them in your diet. Most of these foods also contain an amino acid called phenylalanine and one of the phenylalanine benefits is that it gives you a mood boost. It’s available as a supplement too.

5–Get a SAD light — Millions of people living in cold climates suffer with SAD or seasonal affective disorder. It’s a very real depression state that can cause you to feel low energy and lack of motivation. Since you can’t make like a bear and hibernate for the next couple of months, you might try a special light. Sometimes called a “SAD” light, these are special lights that emit a broad spectrum of light missing during the dark winter months.

6 – Take Vitamin D – It can help alleviate the low levels of Vitamin D you typically get this time of year too. Your medical practitioner can make individualized recommendations based on your medical history.

The important thing to know is if it’s more serious than the winter blahs – meaning if you or a family member shows symptoms of depression — that you get the medical assistance you need.

Otherwise, Spring is coming!

4th Year in a Row! McQuaite Chiropractic Wins Best of Bucks

4th Year in a Row! McQuaite Chiropractic Wins Best of Bucks

“You can always count on a cheerful welcome from Dr. Jeff’s staff. The office has a warm comfortable feeling. You can really tell when a person loves what they do and Dr. Jeff does. He is an excellent chiropractor. There is no better place to be when it comes to chiropractic care and feeling good. 🙂  This Yelp review is indicative of many of the reviews and testimonials patients have given Dr. Jeff McQuaite over the years.

The affable chiropractor always shows genuine concern for his patients and goes out of his way to try and help. It’s a combination of his skill, “bedside manner” and friendly staff that inspire his patients recommending him to their friends and family and voting him Best of Bucks for the 4th year in a row.

A Family Tradition

Dr. Jeff, a life-long resident of Bucks County, comes from a family of chiropractors. His father, Dr. Joe, opened the original McQuaite Chiropractic Center in Holland., Pa. It seems his father enjoyed his profession so much that instilled his love of helping others feel better in his children because Dr. Jeff and his sister became chiropractors. He even has an uncle in the profession and his brother-in-law.

Traditionally considered a back pain remedy, chiropractic care also helps clear up chronic sinus troubles, headaches, and many other health concerns.  Chiropractic treatments are a natural, pain-free solution, with a series of adjustments that realign the body so you’re no longer in pain.

The motto of McQuaite Chiropractic is “Helping the residents of Central Bucks rediscover a life without pain for over 15 years.”

Dr. Jeff says, “Thank you to everyone who voted us Best in Bucks – for the 4th year in a row! It is truly an honor to serve you, our patients, and we’re grateful you choose us as your family chiropractor. “

McQuaite Chiropractic is located on 295 Logan Street across from the Central Bucks West High School. You can make an appointment for your free consultation by calling 267-247-7000.