Why You Should See a Chiropractor for Ear Infections

If you’re a parent, you’ve likely experienced the common but unpleasant phenomenon of an ear infection. Typically found in children six and under, ear infections can be a normal childhood ailment, but they can also lead to complications and, in some cases, surgery. Antibiotics are often prescribed to aid recovery, and while efficient and effective, they can also cause harmful side effects. Each year, 500,000 children have a surgery to implant tubes in their ears due to chronic ear infections, but they rarely eliminate the problem altogether.  If your child is exhibiting symptoms of an ear infection or continually suffering from them, chiropractic care is a proven way to address these concerns without the same dangers as many other treatment options.

What Is an Ear Infection?

An ear infection occurs when the Eustachian tubes are blocked, cutting off the connection between the back of the throat and the middle ear. As we age, these tubes tilt and become less likely to clog, but a child’s Eustachian tubes are parallel to the ground, making them particularly susceptible to poor drainage.

A backup of fluid can cause bacterial growth and result in a bacterial ear infection. In this case, doctors may prescribe an antibiotic to get rid of the infection. However, sometimes the ear infection is viral, in which case it cannot be treated with antibiotics. Doctors may give pain medication to help relieve the discomfort of the infection, but the viral infection simply must resolve itself on its own.

For both types of ear infections, chiropractic care can lead to long-term relief for your child. The very top bone in the spine is known as the Atlas bone. When out of alignment, this bone can directly impact the Eustachian tubes and cause a fluid backup. A proper adjustment can lead to fluid draining quickly and provide long-term relief of symptoms and chronic ear infections ailing your child.

Stopping Ear Infections for Good

While medication can provide some relief, they do not address the root cause of the issue. The Eustachian tubes remain susceptible to blockages, meaning that ear infections will likely come back time and time again, creating long-lasting discomfort or the need for drastic measure such as surgery. Chiropractic care addresses the vertebrae that surround Eustachian tubes, adjusting them to allow fluid to drain properly. Studies indicate that by performing a gentle adjustment, chiropractic care can align the spine in such a way that ear infections are much less likely to occur going forward.

If your child is experiencing his first ear infection or his one hundredth, visiting a chiropractor should be one of your first considerations.

Dr. Micheal Bryan is a Johnson City chiropractor who offers a wide range of services, including spinal adjustments for children. He has been able to successfully eradicate ear infections in many pediatric practice members. You can find Dr. Bryan at Integral Chiropractic, which serves Johnson City as well as Kingsport, Jonesborough, and Greeneville, TN. Contact the office for information on pediatric chiropractic services and to find your child relief from ear infections.

Sources

Cohen, A. & Fedorchuk, C. “Resolution of Chronic Otitis Media, Neck Pain, Headaches & Sinus Infection in a Child Following an Increase in Cervical Curvature & Reduction of Vertebral Subluxation.” J. Pediatric, Maternal & Family Health, June 2009 (1-8). https://www.vertebralsubluxationresearch.com/2009/06/17/resolution-of-chronic-otitis-media-neck-pain-headaches-sinus-infection-in-a-child-following-an-increase-in-cervical-curvature-reduction-of-vertebral-subluxation/.

Snyder, B.J. & Zhang, J.Q. “Effect of the Toftness Chiropractic Adjustments for Children with Acute Otitis Media.” J. Vertebral Subluxation Res., March 2004 (1-4). https://www.vertebralsubluxationresearch.com/2017/09/10/effect-of-the-toftness-chiropractic-adjustments-for-children-with-acute-otitis-media/.