Health: Alternative Treatment For ADHD - Chiropractic Treatment Attention Deficit Disorder

Health: Alternative Treatment For ADHD
Aug 16, 2007
Stephanie Stahl
CBS 3

PHILADELPHIA School is right around the corner, which can be a tough time for kids with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder or ADHD. It is often treated with medication but now there's an alternative. Medical reporter Stephanie Stahl has the latest on a drug free treatment.

Freshman Sophie Bell is focusing on getting her opponents out during a game of softball. But just a few years ago, she couldn't concentrate on a game or anything else.

ÏSchool was getting more difficult and she was having a harder time keeping up,Ó said her mom Megara Bell.

Sophie started taking medication, the most accepted treatment for ADHD. It worked, but Sophie wasnÌt happy with one of the side effects.

ÏAll I remember, when I think back, was being really shaky,Ó said Sophie.

So her family wanted an alternative to medication and turned to Dr. Martin Rosen, a chiropractor.

He believes ADHD can start with a misalignment in the spine which affects the bodyÌs balance and ultimately how the brain functions.

ÏIt's irritating. So they start to move and they start to fidget in their seat. The system starts to fire off nerve endings and the constant firing will look very much like hyperactivity,Ó said Dr. Rosen.

In many patients, chiropractic adjustments can solve the problem.

ÏJust clearing out the nervous system imbalance will allow the brain to reboot itself,Ó said Dr. Rosen.

SophieÌs mom noticed a difference right away. And within months of starting chiropractic treatment, Sophie was able to stay focused on homework and stop taking her medication completely.

ÏI was on task and doing things, and I really felt great,Ó said Sophie.

More studies are now being done on this alternative treatment.

ADHD expert Ned Hallowell said he's open to new options.

ÏWhat I say to my patients is look, I'll learn along with you. As long as it's safe and it's legal, you know lets look in to it," said Hallowell.

SophieÌs mother said the benefits of chiropractic treatment were significant.

ÏIt was not just the difference in school. It was the difference in all the other things that she does. She does have her guitar practices every day, which I think is amazing," said Magara.

Sophie only needs periodic maintenance adjustments. The treatment for ADHD usually involves several sessions weekly for about six weeks and they are often covered by insurance.

But experts said you should always check with a doctor before trying an alternative treatment like chiropractic therapy.