Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is the most common behavioral disorder that happens in childhood, according to the Centers for Disease Control. There are many theories as to the cause of ADHD, such as poor diet, too much electronic stimulation, not enough outdoor time and others. One big factor that is often overlooked is poor posture.

Poor posture means that the child’s brain and nerves are under too much tension. The wisdom of the child’s body will force the child to slump in order to lessen this tension. Having that much pull on the spinal cord is dangerous and of course, will make it hard to concentrate and focus. Poor posture is a red flag that the child’s nervous system has not been able to recover from one or possibly multiple stressors.

A difficult childbirth can often initiate problems with a child’s nervous system that become worse with added stress over time. Stressors include falls while learning to walk or bike ride, sports injuries, or bullying at school. Also ongoing stress in the home such as divorce, depression, addiction, financial stress or loss of a loved one can cause the child’s safety to feel threatened and the posture will then pull forward. No child can concentrate, focus or learn if their nervous system is not at ease.

A nervous system in survival mode and the resulting poor posture can cause or exacerbate such things as aggression, bed wetting, social anxiety, irritability, poor sleep and digestive and breathing problems. The body has an amazing ability to recover, but if the child’s posture is poor, then something has gotten in the way of their nervous system resetting. By the time the extreme tension shows up as poor posture, the problem has been there for some time and is likely to get worse without intervention.

The good news is that kids respond very rapidly. All children should have their nervous system evaluated by a chiropractor, especially one familiar with working with children. A healthy and energy efficient nervous system will facilitate optimal learning, social engagement and self-esteem.

Dr. Joanne Haupert, of Inspired Healing, in Tucson, gives many presentations a month on health and wellness. See calendar for more details. Connect at 520-584-0343 or InspiredHealing.org.