ADD/ADHD and Focus

I have been writing on this topic extensively here in The Press because the questions just keep rolling in about the Spoelstra Family Chiropractic program called Focus.

The Focus program takes an integrated approach to addressing sensory integration issues such as ADD/ADHD, autism spectrum disorders, learning disorders and undiagnosed issues such as hyperactivity, inattentiveness and lack of productivity. The program provides services to children and adults alike.

What is "an integrated approach" you might ask? The answer is simple enough. The Focus program combines three tried and true methods in improving sensory integration problems into one drugless program. Those three methods are chiropractic, neurological integrated movements and nutrition. Three methods. One program. Integration.

You can surely get on Google and figure out very quickly that nutrition plays a huge role in sensory integration. There are thousands of studies that are pointing a very large finger at diet in relation to sensory issues (particularly ADD/ADHD). I'll let you fact find yourself, but the data is showing that a serious change in nutrition is needed for those affected.

Many people wonder why chiropractic care is part of the mix? It seems that there is an incorrect notion that chiropractic is only for back pain. While chiropractic is certainly for back pain, that's not all.

Chiropractic is about neural efficiency. Neural efficiency is about the function of your nervous system. The nervous system consists of your brain, spinal cord, and nerves. Your brain is processing millions of messages per second (some say trillions) and communicating with the rest of your body via the spinal cord. The spinal cord directs those messages to and from the brain. We all know what happens if you sever your spinal cord. You lose control of anything below the affected area. The brain can no longer communicate to the body.

Yet, there is something not as severe as a spinal cord break that can cause a lot of problems. It is called a subluxation. A subluxation is when one of the bones of your spine moves out of place and creates tension on the nerve that exits the bone. This restriction of the nerve reduces its ability to send messages. If your brain is unable to effectively communicate with your body, how do you think your body is to perform all its necessary duties?

Chiropractic is part of this program because it is proven to restore that vital nervous system function by eliminating subluxations with a gentle adjustment of the spinal bone(s) back into place. It is the basis of the Focus program because it is of great importance that your brain and body are able to communicate with one another. This is called neural efficiency and it is vitally important. Most of the basic sensory information that keeps you functioning comes from mechanisms happening in your body. If your brain can't receive that information, it can't decipher the messages that your body creates. This creates big problems.

Lastly, "neurological integrated movements" sounds overly complicated, but it really is not. Your brain processes information through a series of pathways. These pathways are stronger or weaker from person to person. Through an exam, the Focus program evaluates your brain's ability to process information. We can pinpoint the areas of weaker communication in the brain and work to build them back up with neurological integrated movements.

These "movements" are exactly that! They are exercises that work out your brain, your body and your ocular (eye) functions. Many people don't realize that the brain thrives on input. Neurological integrated movements provide that input and are pinpointed at the areas of need. Through these exercises, the Focus program is able to speed up the development of vital sensory inputs that the brain needs to function optimally.

Together, these three methods make up a drugless program to battle back against sensory integration issues. Many people believe that there are only two choices to address these issues. Medicate or manage. The Focus program offers a third choice.

If you would like to learn more about the Focus program, we are offering FREE meetings where you can get the inside scoop, talk to the Doctor personally, and have your questions answered before you decide if Focus is right for you or your family member.

Space is limited and meetings do fill up to capacity. Please give us a call at (208) 667-7434 for more information or to reserve a spot in the FREE Focus meeting. You can also find us on the Web at CDAHealth.com.