Saturday, September 06, 2008

Studies suggest chiropractic care can help dyslexia

Sept. 3, 2008 07:08 AM Special to the Republic

Question: My 6-year-old has been diagnosed with dyslexia. Can you tell me what causes dyslexia?

Answer: There are various theories such as the visual theory, cerebellar theory, etc. However, experts do not know exactly what causes a child to be dyslexic.


Q: I took my child to a psychologist who recommended special-education classes and psychological therapy. Talking to my child's pediatrician, he recommended that I consider placing my child on a stimulant medication. Are there any alternative therapies, including chiropractic, that can help my child?

A: There are several case studies that show the benefit of chiropractic care in treating children with dyslexia. The chiropractic approach is based on two models. The first is the vertebral subluxation/hemisphericity, which hypothesized to be a potential consequence of central nervous system dysfunction. The second model is vertebral subluxation/neurologic disorganization. This model is based on a theory that children with dyslexia and learning disabilities have a functional disturbance to the appropriate organization of higher centers of the central nervous system.

Another approach is to incorporate chiropractic with specific exercises to "train" the cerebellum to respond normally to information from the vestibular system, which is involved in balance.

Q: What is a subluxation?

A: The official definition of a subluxation is "a complex of functional and/or structural and/or pathological articular changes that compromise neural integrity and may influence organ system function and general health."

Q: Can chiropractic care help dyslexic adults, too?
A: Yes.

Q: I am afraid to take my child to a chiropractor and let him/her "snap" his neck. Are there any other techniques?
A: Chiropractors use many non-force techniques where there is no twisting, snapping, crackling and popping sounds.

http://www.azcentral.com/community/westvalley/articles/2008/09/03/20080903gl-askexpert0903-ON.html

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