Ear infections are an unfortunate, all-too-common source of pain for children. About 35 percent of all pediatric visits in the U.S. are for a suspected ear infection.
Eustachian tubes, which link the nasopharynx to the middle ear, are more level and smaller in children, which makes it difficult for fluid to drain out properly. A respiratory illness can swell or block the tubes, which increases the risk of an ear infection.
These infections can sometimes occur before a child has developed their speaking skills, which is why it is important to watch for signs of an ear infection, such as:
- Difficulty sleeping
- Fever
- Fluid draining from the ear
- Tugging or pulling at the ear
While your first instinct as a parent is to take them to their pediatrician right away, new evidence suggests there is another medical professional you should seek out.
Ear Infections and Chiropractic Care
There may be an underlying cause of your child’s ear infections. Misalignment of the spine, if left untreated, can irritate or exacerbate the nerves affecting the Eustachian tube, causing even more fluid build-up. The misalignment of the spine may occur during childbirth or from a fall at a young age.
If a child, or even adult, has a misaligned spine, chiropractic care could be a treatment option. An adjustment may help your body heal without the need for surgery or medication.
A Retrospective Study Examining Improvement from Chiropractic Care
Two studies have noted that chiropractic treatment can help children with ear infections, and may even work better than medication. The Centers for Disease Control & Prevention actually notes that antibiotics are not recommended for children with recurring ear infections.
A study published in 1996 revealed that a majority of the children in the study saw improvements in their recurring ear infections. Forty-six children under the age of 5 completed three sessions of chiropractic treatment for one week, followed by two treatments the second week week, and then one treatment during the final week.
Ninety-three percent of the parents reported improvements in their child; 75 percent reported improvements within 10 days and another 43 percent saw improvements with only 1 or 2 chiropractic sessions.
The next year, a larger study involving more than 332 children under the age of five was completed. Depending on the type of ear infection the child was suffering from, the number of sessions completed varied. Children with chronic ear infections received more adjustments that those with acute infections.
Researchers found a solid correlation between the chiropractic adjustments and the recuperation of the children from their ear infections.
Taking care of your child and curing their ailments is always a priority. Seeking out a chiropractor could prove to be a great alternative to treating their chronic or current ear infection.
Contact Chirocare of Florida at 1-800-724-6800 to schedule an appointment for you or your child.
