Objective: Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) is extremely subjective in both diagnosis and treatment. No single cause has yet been determined for this disorder nor has there been a single treatment plan that is effective in a majority of cases. This paper proposes a possible etiology for some cases of ADHD with respect to concentration and hyperactivity along with a possible positive association with chiropractic adjustments.

Clinical Features: A case history is presented of an 8-year-old child with many learning and behavioral disorders that are associated with ADHD and temporally related to a fall incurred 18 months prior to being seen at this office. Physical examination revealed limited cervical ranges of motion, radiological examination noted a cervical base angle of 23 degrees, and sacro occipital technique examination had findings consistent with a sacroiliac hypermobility syndrome (category 2).

Intervention and Outcome: For the first two months of care the patient was seen once a week with every adjustment consisting of SOT pelvic blocking procedures and cervical adjustments. While prior to care the child’s symptoms had been stable for 18 months, following two months of care his mother noted positive changes in behavior and reduction in his complaints of headaches and neck pain symptoms. During the two month period of treatment, reports from his teachers at school remarked on the positive changes in his behavior and improvements in academic performance. There are many causes to ADHD as well as other learning and behavioral disorders; therefore conclusions cannot be conclusively drawn by a single case study. A possible conclusion that can be drawn in this case is that adjusting spinal lesions (e.g., subluxations) appeared to reduce the child’s pain and discomfort, which allowed him the ability to concentrate, learn and “sit still.” Further studies with controls need to be conducted in this area to determine the effectiveness of chiropractic care in aiding the symptoms of children who are classified as ADHD.

Conclusion: There are many causes to ADHD as well as other learning and behavioral disorders; therefore conclusions cannot be conclusively drawn by a single case study. A possible conclusion that can be drawn in this case is that adjusting spinal lesions (e.g., subluxations) appeared to reduce the child’s pain and discomfort, which allowed him the ability to concentrate, learn and “sit still.” Further studies with controls need to be conducted in this area to determine the effectiveness of chiropractic care in aiding the symptoms of children who are classified as ADHD.

Key words: ADD, ADHD, sacro occipital technique, SOT, Chiropractic, craniosacral, dural function, CSF flow, behavioral disturbances, learning disabilities, subluxation.

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