Chiropractic Care May Help Ease Ear Infections in Children
Ear infections can be extremely painful for children and are the most common illness that affects babies and children—with 10 million cases of ear infections reported every year. Traditional treatment usually involves drugs and in some severe cases, surgery, but research shows that chiropractic treatment may help, and may even be more effective than the two aforementioned treatments.
According to the American Chiropractic Association, nearly half of all children will have at least one middle ear infection before they turn one, and two-thirds will have had one by the time they are 3. Some children will develop them regularly, which can result in hearing damage and speech and developmental problems.
Ear infections are either viral or bacterial. Antibiotics are typically used to treat the infections themselves, but are ineffective if the infection is viral. Taking antibiotics regularly also can cause drug-resistant bacteria and might not be a good idea. Frequent ear infections can also be treated using surgery, and are the second most common reason for surgery in children under 2. However, if the thought of sending your young child into a heavy routine of antibiotics or surgery makes you cringe, you may want to consider chiropractic care as a viable option.
A study published in the Journal of Clinical Chiropractic Pediatrics suggested that chiropractic treatment may significantly decrease the number of reoccurring ear infections in children. Each study participant, ranging in age from 27 days to 5 years, was given a series of chiropractic adjustments. The study showed that 80 percent of the 332 children in the study did not experience another ear infection for six months after their initial visits. During the six-month period, the participants received maintenance treatments every four to six weeks.
While this study produced staggering numbers, the author of the study, Dr. Joan M. Fallon, who also treated the children, thinks that this is just the starting point that will lead to further research and treatment options of these types of infections in the Chiropractic world. According to Fallon, “Chiropractic mobilizes drainage of the ear in children, and if they can continue to drain without a buildup of fluid and subsequent infection, they build up their own antibodies and recover more quickly.” In other words, rather than attacking the infection with medicine, a process which can allow the infection to return due to a weakened immune system, Chiropractic treatment addresses the source. Using the strength of one’s own body and immune system is one of the pillars of good Chiropractic care. In the case of treating an ear infection, it works!
There are some other great ways to naturally decrease your child’s risk or lessen the frequency of ear infections, which can compliment regular visits to the Chiropractor. Some of the best ones are breastfeeding, avoiding crowded daycare centers, keeping your child’s nasal passages clear by using saline drops, and improving their day-to-day diet if they’re old enough to eat solid foods.
Infections of any kind can be serious things, so please don’t hesitate to contact us if you feel like your child is showing symptoms. Chiropractic care is both safe and beneficial for children of all ages, and can not only help your child get well, but actually prevent them from getting sick in the first place.
Thanks to the OSCA for their tireless work in advancing chiropractic awareness, accessibility and understanding. We chiropractors cannot do it alone and you are always there to support us!
