Relieving the Pressure: How Does Chiropractic Treatment Heal Ear Infections?

So many children suffer from chronic ear infections that this condition accounts for more than 35% of pediatrician visits in the United States.1 Surprisingly, while the infection develops within the inner ear, the root cause may be a subluxation, which is a “stuck” or misaligned vertebrae.

While antibiotics are somewhat effective in the short term, many pediatricians are leaning away from their use for ear infection treatment in children. There are valid concerns about the medical and societal health impacts of overusing antibiotics, and many ear infections may actually be due to a virus. Taking a wait-and-see approach relies on the child's immune system to win the battle against this common viral or bacterial infection.

However, there are other treatment options which can provide relief from an existing ear infection and stop the cycle of repeated infections without the use of antibiotics. Chiropractic treatments have been used for more than 100 years with positive results, and recent research provides even more evidence that this approach can treat and prevent chronic ear infections.1
 
Why does spinal alignment influence ear health? Read on to find out.

What Causes Ear Infections in Children?

A bacterial ear infection develops when bacteria multiply inside the small spaces of the inner or middle ear. Fluid buildup, inflammation, and pressure cause intense pain. Symptoms sometimes follow a cold or allergy attack because swelling of the throat and Eustachian tubes prevents fluids from draining normally.
 
Ear infections can begin shortly after birth and peak around two years of age. One chiropractic theory suggests that during the birthing process or other daily micro traumas, the child develops subluxation of the spine. Misaligned vertebrae, particularly of the upper neck, may reduce nerve flow and impede proper ear drainage.

What Are the Symptoms of an Ear Infection?

You should consider the possibility that your children have ear infections if they show these symptoms:
 

• Ear pain which is worse when lying down, causing difficulty sleeping.
• Drainage of fluid from the ear or tugging, rubbing, or pulling the ear.
• Reduced hearing; ignoring questions or favorite sounds.
• Crying more often, sudden changes in mood, and becoming irritable and easily frustrated.
• A fever of more than 100 degrees.
• Dizziness; noticeable problems with balance or coordination.
  

How Does Chiropractic Care Treat an Ear Infection?

​Chiropractic adjustments treat vertebral subluxations, relaxing the muscles that surround the Eustachian tubes. With a gentle adjustment to the neck and spine, the ears begin to drain naturally, sometimes even noticeably on the day of the treatment.

Studies have shown that almost 80% of children who received chiropractic treatment for ear infection did not experience another infection for at least six months afterward when they received regular adjustments every four to six weeks.1 Regular chiropractic care also boosts immune system function in children and adults.

Helping Your Child Heal Naturally

Rather than just waiting for natural healing to occur, it helps parents to know that there are gentle chiropractic treatments available that can provide relief from ear infections in children. Either as a first line of treatment or in conjunction with a course of antibiotics, correcting subluxation in the neck and spine will support the natural healing processes and allow the ears and sinuses to drain as intended

As we enter cold and flu season, preventative care and immune system health are key. At McCann Family Chiropractic, we are here to help keep you and your loved ones healthy throughout the year, and we support wellness as a family lifestyle. If you have questions about treating your child's ear infection by chiropractic methods or are curious about family chiropractic care, give us a call or schedule an appointment today.

Source:

1. https://www.healthychild.com/chiropractic-for-chronic-ear-infections/