Ear Infections and Chiropractic

Chronic ear infections? Listen up!

Ear infections are one of the most common diagnoses for a child under the age of 15 and they are one of the top reasons moms bring their children to come see me as a pediatric chiropractor. Results from a study in the Journal of Clinical Chiropractic Pediatrics indicate a strong correlation between the Chiropractic adjustment and the resolution of otitis media. So how is it that Chiropractic could actually help resolve ear infections in children?

As chiropractors, we work with joint dysfunction on a daily basis. Joint dysfunction of the upper cervical vertebrae in the neck can lead to muscle spasming of the tensor veli palatine muscle which can cause occlusion of the eustachian tube in the ear. Anatomically, a child’s eustachian tube is much shorter and more horizontal so this occlusion poses big problems. Without proper drainage, liquid can pool in the middle ear resulting in a perfect environment for bacterial/viral growth and infection. When a western approach such as antibiotics is taken to treat this condition, the bacteria may be killed off but a perfect breeding ground may certainly remain unless we adjust the cause of the issue rather than address the effects. This can be a reason why you hear of children being on rounds and rounds of antibiotics and not getting better in the long term.

I believe every mom deserves to know the options available for their children so please share with a mama you think this information could help!

In health,

Dr. Binder