Chiropractic Treatment for Ear Infections in Children

Ear infections in children are often treated with antibiotics and surgery, but research shows that chiropractic therapy may also be an effective treatment option for infants and toddlers. Antibiotics may not be as effective as the body’s own immune system for warding off any viruses, and surgery can be risky. Many parents now consider chiropractic therapy to help children with chronic ear infections, and there are several studies that support the theory that chiropractic treatment can help improve the condition.

 

The American Chiropractic Association reports that over 10 million new cases of ear infections are reported every year, and ear infections are the most common illness affecting babies and young children, accounting for more than 35 percent of all pediatric visits in the United States. (Source: ACAToday.com)

Some of the most common signs and symptoms of a chronic ear infection include: runny nose, fussiness during the day or night, waking up at night, complaints of hear loss or ear pain, recurring fever, and ear drainage. The most common causes of an ear infection include a cold that causes blockage of the nasal passages, bacterial invasion of the Eustachian tube, and pus buildup in the ear drum. In the short term, the pain caused by an ear infection can be treated with pain relievers, a warm compress, and anesthetic eardrops.

 

A combination of upper-cervical manipulation and adjustments of the first vertebra of the neck are commonly used to treat chronic ear infections in children. Infants and toddlers may benefit from adjustments either every day or every other day depending on the severity of their condition, and then follow a maintenance treatment program to reduce the risk of a relapse.

 

According to Dr. Joan Fallon’s research in chiropractic treatment, nearly 80 percent of the children treated with chiropractic therapy were free of ear infections after six months of visits. Dr. Fallon states that “chiropractic mobilizes drainage of the ear in children, and if they can continue to drain without a buildup of fluid and subsequent infection, they build up their own antibodies and recover more quickly.” (Source: MassChiro.org)

According to HealthyChild.com, many chiropractors believe there is a strong link between the birthing process and the risk of developing an ear infection. Researchers believe that the cervical vertebrae can become misaligned as the baby moves through the birthing canal, thus resulting in excess fluid buildup in the middle ear. This excess fluid buildup increases the risk of an ear infection throughout the child’s formative years, and antibiotics are not always effective at treating the condition. (Source: HealthyChild.com)

 

If your child gets an ear infection on a recurring basis, or is experiencing discomfort from a chronic ear infection, they may be a good candidate for chiropractic care. Set up a consultation with your chiropractic doctor and family physician to discuss the options and benefits of chiropractic therapy for your infant or toddler.