ADHD + Drug-Free Options
Trouble paying attention, controlling impulsive behaviors, and being overly active… all symptoms that so commonly get tested and bucketed into the diagnosis of ADHD. Having talked with hundreds of parents about this diagnosis and the natural ways to help it, there is still a lot of confusion regarding if a child actually has ADHD, what are the causes, and how can we help them without medications?
In this blog post, we will look at ADHD through a different lens than just a diagnosis. We will be unpacking the symptoms and how the brain and nervous system influence these systems of the body that bring about the attention, focus, and impulse control struggles.
Misconception #1: It’s Just A “Busy” Brain
ADHD isn’t just a busy, overwhelmed brain. In fact, our “brain” may not be the source of the stress. Many of us don’t know this, but the body can actually overwhelm the brain too! When we experience stress in our internal environment (body), it causes stress on our Central Nervous System (our brain to body connection).
The question most parents have is “where does this stress come from?” The quick answer is from 4 key stressors that are often overlooked early in a child’s life:
High stress and high risk pregnancy: this causes mom and baby to be in a defaulted sympathetic dominant state.
Birth interventions: forceps, vacuum extraction, c-section, or even induction places a physical component of stress (most commonly in the upper neck and shoulders), which overwhelms neuro-motor development.
Fussy or colicky as an infant: especially with reflux or constipation struggles, these issues continue to overwhelm our automatic (autonomic) nervous system.
Frequent ear and/or respiratory infections (before the age of 3 years old): along with antibiotic use, this further adds stress to the autonomic system and the Vagus Nerve (our brain to gut connection).
When the Nervous System gets overtaxed and overworked from dealing with these common stressors, the signals it sends to the brain are a protective “fight or flight” response that affects every area of the brain, including:
The cerebrum (motor centers) which causes kids to not be able to sit still.
The midbrain (limbic system, specifically the hippocampus) which affects focus and attention.
The prefrontal cortex regions that affect socialization, situational awareness and the ability to self calm and regulate.
Misconception #2: It’s Just Hyperactivity
ADHD isn’t just hyperactivity; kids with ADHD also commonly suffer from brain fog and focus/attention issues. If left addressed, this becomes a HUGE energy drain on our kids.
It is actually quite common to see with ADHD, especially if they have struggled with all 4 stressors mentioned above, to be more wound up and tired out instead of hyperactive. When our systems are in Sympathetic Dominance for a long time (high energy, low sleep, and constant stress), it eventually burns out, leading to de-motivation, tiredness and irritability.
Misconception #3: It’s Just Genetic
Yes, genetics can influence these behaviors, but not nearly as much as we think! The development of the nervous system and, more specifically, the Vagus Nerve, actually play a much greater role.
In studies by Dr. Bruce Lipton, a PHD Biologist who studies Epigenetics, it is estimated that no more than 15% of our genetic code determines our outcomes. This means that 85% is up to us, influenced by our internal and external environment. This is incredibly encouraging!
This means that even if ADHD is genetically predetermined, it has the potential and capacity to be influenced by the function of our nervous system for the better!
Drug-Free Solutions
Putting it all together, kids struggling with ADHD most commonly have a significantly imbalanced and dysfunctional nervous system. This condition is known as dysautonomia. The most common presentation of this is an overactive and excessive response within the sympathetic (gas pedal) nervous system… and thus, an underactive and under-stimulated parasympathetic (brake pedal) side of the nervous system.
Our work as Pediatric Chiropractors focuses on addressing the subluxation (stress) and Vagus Nerve (dysautonomic) challenges directly, helping stimulate the parasympathetic side of the nervous system with each and every adjustment.
We also make sure to create an in-depth, personalized case history on each child by directly measuring a child’s subluxation patterns and dysautonomia via our INSiGHT Scans! This is the most essential step in helping a child with ADHD find drug-free care options, as it allows us to narrow down to the foundational root cause elements.
