Chiropractic care helps ADHD and child avoids Ritalin

Three-year old shows marked improvement after one month

Chiropractic Care Helps Child
With Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder


(5/113/09 Covington, WA). A recent article published in The Journal of Pediatrics, Maternal and Family Health, March 2009, reports the case study of a 3-year old male patient who had been diagnosed with Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD).

The child’s mother indicated that her son’s birth was traumatic and complicated, including a fractured left clavicle during birthing. The boy showed signs of ADHD from the age of two, including falling out of bed as many as three times a night and having a history of ear infections and respiratory problems. The child’s pre-school teacher referred him to a psychologist because of temper tantrums and biting incidents with other children.

“The usual medical treatment for children diagnosed with ADHD is a psycho-stimulant drug, like Ritalin,” said Covington-based Dr. Treye Hovinga, D.C. “This type of treatment is reported to be about 70% effective, but there are serious side-effects of these drugs, like stunted growth, insomnia, loss of appetite, dizziness, stomach aches, and, in some instances, heart and blood pressure problems.”

In the case of this 3-year old, the mother wanted to try chiropractic care as a way to avoid using the drug regimen usually prescribed. The examining chiropractor, using a non-intrusive device known as an Insight Subluxation Station, conducted thermal scans of the child’s spine and found the existence of a subluxation in the child’s upper cervical area.

“A subluxation is a misalignment of the spine that disturbs normal nervous system function,” said Dr. Hovinga. “Many chiropractors, including myself, have this technology that allows them to conduct thermal and Surface Electromyography (sEMG) tests to assist in locating where such conditions exist.”

The patient underwent chiropractic care, including spinal adjustments, with frequency of care initially set at three times per week for the first three weeks, then once a week, then once every two weeks. After one month, the mother and teacher noted improved attention and less hyperactivity. The patient’s thermal scans also showed improvement. The child remains on a twice-monthly plan of chiropractic care, with no drug therapy, and continues to show improvement.

“This is just one case study,” explained Dr. Hovinga, and more studies are needed before any absolute conclusions can be drawn.”

Dr. Hovinga’s chiropractic practice features the Insight Subluxation Station. This technology is certified by the Space Foundation, which was co-founded by NASA, and is used by 8,000 chiropractors worldwide to measure nervous system health and performance.
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Editor’s note:
Anyone wishing more information may contact Dr. Treye Hovinga, whose office is located at 17039 SE 272nd St. STE 100, Covington, WA. 98042 (253) 639-9822.