Chiropractor for Ear Infections in Children: How Does It Work?

Millions of kids around the country will experience ear infections at some point in their lives. According to the National Institute on Deafness and Other Communication Diseases (NIH), eight out of ten children will come down with ear infections of some kind before they reach three years old.

The condition is one of the most common reasons for childhood visits to the pediatrician. During these visits, physicians often recommend antibiotics even though they may not be the best solution.

However, more people are now choosing to visit a chiropractor for ear infections in children. Are they right?

Woodstock’s pediatric chiropractic care team at Ribley Family Chiropractic provides a non-invasive, non-addictive solution that doesn’t involve giving your child antibiotics unnecessarily. Keep reading to learn more.

What Are Ear Infections?

Ear infections are inflammations that occur in the middle ear. The infection often leads to fluid buildup behind the child’s eardrum. The medical term for ear infections is Otitis Media.

Otitis media is a bacterial infection that occurs when there is swelling and blockage in the Eustachian tube. The swelling and blockage cause an accumulation of fluid in the middle ear behind the eardrum.

Common reasons for the blockage in children include excess mucus, allergies, swollen adenoids, and a change in air pressure. However, most children develop ear infections when they come down with viral infections in the upper respiratory tract, such as a sore throat or cold.

Why Are Children So Vulnerable to Ear Infections?

Everyone is vulnerable to ear infections. However, children are the patients for most OM-related trips to the hospital. There are a couple of reasons for this.

First, children have smaller Eustachian tubes than adults. Thus, fluid drains out of children’s ears more slowly. Secondly, children have a weaker immune system than adults, so they can’t fight off ear infections as well.

Top Signs Your Child Has Ear Infection

Some of the symptoms of ear infections in children include the following:

• There’s pus-like fluid draining from one or both ears.
• The child cries often and is uncharacteristically fussy.
• The child tugs and pulls at a particular ear.
• The child has sleep problems.
• The child’s body temperature is higher than normal.
• The child demonstrates difficulty hearing from one side.
• The child demonstrates a lack of body balance.

If you notice any of the above signs, you should take the child to see a professional as fast as possible. Most infections resolve on their own. However, it’s essential to take the child to a physician for evaluation as it is the best way to confirm that there are no serious underlying problems.

How Chiropractic Care Can Help Children with Ear Infections

Seeing a chiropractor for ear infections may sound counterintuitive, but chiropractic care offers relief from the pain and discomfort associated with the condition. In addition, it provides children battling OM with a safe, non-invasive alternative to antibiotics and pain medications.

How Does it Work?

The chiropractor delivers gentle adjustments to reduce joint restrictions and misalignments in the spine. The treatment improves function in the nervous system and reduces inflammation.

The chiropractor will also perform chiropractic ear pulls to dislodge blockages and reduce swelling in the Eustachian tube. They may also recommend natural remedies for combating bacteria.

Some of the natural solutions they may recommend include:

Garlic Oil Drops

Garlic is a natural antiviral and antibacterial agent. Chiropractors recommend using the drops once the child shows signs of sickness. It’s also a good remedy for children with chronic ear infections, as it can help stop a recurrence.

Basil Oil

Basil oil is another antibacterial agent. However, it can also help alleviate pain.

By the end of the treatment, the child will experience increased joint flexibility, improved spinal health, and better nervous system function. There is also a reduced risk of re-infection.

The Scientific Evidence

A study of 46 children aged five and under highlighted the efficacy of using chiropractic care to treat ear infections in infants. The study looked at how chiropractic adjustments improved the symptoms of ear infections. 

The results showed that 93% of the test participants experienced an improvement in their symptoms. 75% of them experienced an improvement within ten days.

Thus, antibiotics are not the only treatment option for ear infections in children.  

Bring Your Child for a Professional Evaluation

Does your child come down with an ear infection following every cold? Visit Ribley Family Chiropractic today to see a chiropractor for ear infections.

Ribley Family Chiropractic is the leading name in chiropractic care in Woodstock, GA. Children who visit always enjoy a pleasurable experience because of the kid-friendly process and atmosphere.

Schedule a consultation today!