Otitis media, also known as an ear infection is one of the most common childhood ailments in the world. Sadly, many people don’t know that natural remedies such as gentle chiropractic care can help. Instead, children are given antibiotics on a regular basis which can actually lead to more ear infections down the road and resistance to antibiotics. A Pelham chiropractor like Dr. Will McKenna can perform adjustments to treat and prevent ear infections.
Symptoms Of Ear Infections
Ear infections are most common among children under the age of 6, with a peak around age 2. If chronic ear infections go untreated, however, they can persist into adulthood. The typical symptoms are:
- Soreness, discomfort, and pain the ear and surrounding area
- Fever
- Fluid drainage
- Trouble sleeping
- Loss of appetite
- Grumpy behavior
With children, it can be hard to understand how they are feeling. You can ask them if they have ringing or popping noises in the ear. You may also notice that your child often rubs their ears, this can indicate that they are feeling uncomfortable due to the pressure buildup. More signs that your child might have an ear infection are difficulty hearing, dizziness, balance problems, and incoordination.
Babies with an ear infection may be fussier than usual especially when lying down, and show the following symptoms:
- Pulling on the ear
- A Change in eating or sleeping habits
- Low-grade Fever
- Fluid draining from the ear
- Lack of response to loud noises
In most cases ear infections are not too severe, however, they can result in hearing loss and even death if they get severe enough. If an ear infection is left untreated, the eardrum can rupture which is extremely painful.
What Causes Chronic Ear Infections?
Ear infections happen when the eustachian tube becomes plugged. This tube is supposed to drain fluid from the middle ear, but when it becomes plugged it can lead to infection. The fluid buildup in the middle ear causes pressure on the eardrum which causes pain.
During childbirth, your child’s vertebrae can get misaligned which disrupts nerve function, affecting the eustachian tube. This misalignment can lead to the fluid buildup that causes ear infections. Also, the eustachian tubes in babies and children are small and more horizontal, making them more difficult to drain making them more susceptible to ear infections.
Acure ear infections often come during or after a cold. Bacteria or viruses cause the eustachian tubes to become inflamed or swollen. This inflammation prevents the tubes from draining like they should, which leads to the buildup of fluid that causes infections.
Treatment For Ear Infections
Most commonly ear infections are treated with oral antibiotics, antibiotic ear drops, ear wicking, or surgery. Getting tubes placed in the ears are used for chronic cases or when the child starts to have hearing loss or a speech delay.
Sometimes medical or surgical intervention is necessary, but in many cases, chiropractic care can be a cure. Many doctors do not know about more natural interventions, but that is starting to change. President Obama even launched a plan to promote more natural healing and prevent the overuse of antibiotics.
Chiropractic care has been shown to treat ear infections. A study performed in 1996 evaluated forty-six children who received regular chiropractic care to treat chronic ear infections. It was determined at 93 percent of the cases improved. 43% improved with only one or two adjustments.
Chiropractic care includes diagnosing and correcting spinal misalignments 
by adjusting the spine and skeletal system. The purpose is not to treat conditions or diseases, instead, the focus is on restoring the normal anatomy and function of the body. When your body is supported the way it is supposed to be, it should function at optimal level. If something is off, you are likely to feel pain or other physical symptoms. Chiropractic adjustments for ear infections can realign the ear canal, helping the eustachian tubes function like they are supposed too. Millions of people are finding relief from ailments without the need for medication with the help of chiropractors.
Dr. WIlliam Mckenna is a Pelham chiropractor at McKenna Family Chiropractic that can treat children with chronic ear infections. Wouldn’t you rather treat your child naturally before giving them medications that have side effects? It can’t hurt to give chiropractic a try; it could even save your child from an unnecessary surgical procedure. Check out our website to learn more about Dr. McKenna’s services, and how to make an appointment.
