Statistics show that ear infections are the number one cause of childhood doctor visits. Additionally, five out of six children will have at least one ear infection by their first birthday. Kids up to age 6 are the most likely to get ear infections, with the likelihood peaking around age 2. It is estimated that about 80% of ear infections will go away on their own within a few days, yet medical doctors are still regularly prescribing antibiotics to treat these infections, many of which are viral and are not affected by antibiotics. Thankfully, most doctors nowadays support “watchful waiting” with most ear infections, meaning they wait 1-2 days before prescribing an antibiotic to see if symptoms lessen on their own.
Research has proven that chiropractic is a more effective way to treat ear infections than medication, warm compresses, and any other at-home treatment. Whether a child has one singular ear infection in their lifetime or chronic ear infections over the course of many years, chiropractic care offers a natural, drug-free, safe, and effective solution to ear infections. And unlike medication or tubes, chiropractic seeks to get to the root of the problem and provide an actual solution to the problem, rather than just treating the symptoms.
Why Do Kids Get Ear Infections?
Ear infections, medically known as otitis media, occur due to a problem with the Eustachian tubes and are either viral or bacterial in nature. The Eustachian tubes are the pathway responsible for connecting the back of the throat to the middle ear, and they are responsible for balancing the pressure inside the ear with the exterior pressure. An ear infection occurs when the Eustachian tube is blocked, often by mucus during a cold, and fluid pools nearby, creating an ideal environment for bacterial growth. Ear infections also bring about inflammation in the inner ear, leading to more problems with drainage of fluid, which can result in longer-lasting or recurring ear infections.
Children tend to get more ear infections than adults due to the anatomy of their inner ear. Their Eustachian tubes are nearly parallel to the ground, leading to more problems with fluid drainage. As we age, our Eustachian tubes tilt slightly to improve drainage, minimizing blockages and the likelihood of getting an ear infection.
Why Is Chiropractic the Best Ear Infection Treatment?
Chiropractic care focuses on proper alignment of the spine. Since the spine houses the spinal cord and billions of nerves, any shift of vertebrae can interrupt communication between the brain and the body’s functions, leading to sickness, disease, and dysfunction. The atlas vertebra, or the top bone of the spine, is in close proximity to the Eustachian tubes and the nerves that run through the atlas lead to the ear. So if there is even a slight misalignment of the atlas, the middle ear, the Eustachian tubes, and all related pathways and functions will be affected.
Chiropractic adjustments have no risk involved, and they are completely natural, drug-free, and effective. The benefits of chiropractic care for ear infections are endless, particularly when compared to the risks, side effects, and efficacy of medication and surgery for this common and easily preventable childhood ailment. Multiple studies have found significant improvements in the effectiveness of treating ear infections with chiropractic care, so be sure to contact Dr. Ron Bolar at Vital Life Chiropractic in Lithia Springs, GA for more information and to set up a consultation for your child.
Sources
Froehle, R.M. “Ear Infection: A Retrospective Study Examining Improvement from Chiropractic Care and Analyzing for Influencing Factors.” Journal of Manipulative Therapeutics, 1996 Mar-Apr; 19(3): 169-177. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/8728460/.
Pohlman, K.A., Holton-Brown, M.S. “Otitis Media and Spinal Manipulative Therapy: A Literature Review.” Journal of Chiropractic Medicine, 2012 Sep; 11(3): 160-169. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3437347/.