Ear Infections
Ear infections, or Otitis Media (i.e. inflammation of the inner ear), can be extremely painful and are common but not normal in young children. Most parents recognize it as a fussy child with a fever, and they may show other signs like tugging at their ear or increased redness over the affected area. Commonly antibiotics are prescribed, even though many ear infection cases are viral. The drainage of your child’s ear tube is controlled by a small muscle that is innervated by important cranial nerves. When there is irritation or interference with the nerves controlling that muscle, drainage of the ear tube is less efficient. That creates a perfect environment for unwelcome bacteria or virus particles to proliferate and become an infection. Chiropractic can significantly improve not only a child’s ear infections, but overall nerve system function. For example, In a study, 93% of all episodes improved for children under the age of five who suffer from ear infections and were supervised under a chiropractor’s care. 43% of the children were better within one to two visits, and 75% were better within 10 days or fewer.
Dunn-Sigouin K. (2015). Resolution of recurrent acute otitis media in a child undergoing chiropractic care: A case report. J Clin Chiropr Pediatr. Oct 15(1) p1203-1204. http://jccponline.com/Recurrent-otitis-media.pdf.
Fallon, JM. (1997). The Role of the Chiropractic Adjustment in the Care and Treatment of 332 Children With Otitis Media. J Clin Chiropr Pediatr. Oct 2(2):167-183. www.icps4kids.org.
Feranti, M. Alcantara, J. and Brinkley, C. (2016). Chronic otitis media, failed tympanostomy tube surgery and resolution following adjustment of vertebral subluxation [case report]. J Pediatr Matern & Fam Health. Win;2016(1):5-8. http://chiropracticpediatrics.sharepoint.com/Pages/2016_1410_earinfections.aspx.
Stone-McCoy, P.A., Boutilier, A. and Black, P. (2010). Resolution of otitis media in a nine month old undergoing chiropractic care: A case study and selective review of the literature [case report; review]. J Pediatr Matern & Fam Health – Chiropr. Sum 2010(3): p99-106. http://chiropracticpediatrics.sharepoint.com/Pages/2013_1264_otitis.aspx.