Are you or your child suffering from chronic ear infections? If so, a chiropractor can help relief your symptoms of ear infections. Before we examine how or why it works, let’s examine what an ear infection is and what needs to take place to resolve the issue.
What is an ear infection
An ear infection, also known as otitis media, is a common illness that affects people of all ages but mostly children. It occurs when the middle ear becomes inflamed and fluid, inflammation, builds up in the area. Symptoms include pain in the ear, fever, hearing loss, dizziness and nausea. In some cases, an ear infection can cause long-term complications such as hearing loss, balance problems, and facial paralysis. It is important to seek medical advice if you think you may have an ear infection.
How do you get an ear infection
Ear infections can be caused by bacteria. They can also be triggered by allergies, exposure to loud noise, and changes in air pressure. In some cases, an ear infection may be the result of an underlying medical condition such as diabetes or autoimmune disorders.
The question you should ask yourself is: If the infection is solely caused by bacteria and both your ears are exposed to the same environment, why is only one ear affected?
How to tell if your child has an ear infection
When a child is old enough to talk, they will let you know that “their ear(s) hurt”. Here are the signs that infants and toddlers show that may indicate an ear infection:
- Cupping their ear(s) with their hands
- The child is fussy and cries abnormal amounts
- Does not have their normal sleeping schedule
- They may run a fever, especially is they are younger
- If you see fluid draining from their ears
- They suddenly develop balance problems
- They have trouble hearing
Why are children more likely to get an ear infection that adults
As stated earlier, ear infections have to do with bacterial infections that develop fluid inside the middle ear. The main reason children are more prone to ear infections than adults has to do with their body’s anatomy, and specifically the eustachian tubes.
Just like every part of our body, the eustachian tubes have a function. They connect the throat with the middle ear. They allow the exchange of air between the two so that the air pressure between the nose and throad is controlled. Being a passage from the middle ear to the throat, the eustachian tubes also allow the drainage of any fluid that builds up in the middle ear at times.
Naturally, the eustachian tubes in children are smaller and at a different angle than in adults. As a smaller and less angled passage, they don’t allow the proper drainage of the middle ear. This causes the fluid to build up, and increase the chances for an infection to develop.
Another point that needs to be made is that a childs immune system is not as developed, or trained, as the adults. This makes them less effective to combat an infection. As the immune system develops, so does our ability to fight infections.
Can a chiropractor help with ear infections?
A study published in the Journal of Manipulative and Physiological Therapeutics, showed that 93% of participants’ symptoms of ear infections decreased with chiropractic care. 43% of them improved with one or two sessions while 75% had improved within 10 sessions.
Chiropractic treatments are non-invasive, cost-effective, and can be adapted to suit individual needs. A chiropractor can help relief the symptoms of ear infection by evaluating and correcting restrictions that cause less drainage from the middle ear. This happens with gentle movements that mobilize the anatomy of the patient to create better flow and communication. At times, nutritional advice might be given if the ear infections persist to boost the immune system and fight off the infection. While you’re waiting on your mobile chiropractor to get to you, here are some home remedies to alieviate the pain from ear infections.
Conclusion
Chiropractic care can be a beneficial treatment for ear infections. It works to reduce inflammation, improve circulation and promote healing in the area.
Studies have shown that it can help reduce symptoms like pain, ringing in the ears, and headaches associated with an ear infection. Additionally, chiropractic treatments offer relief from muscle tension and provide long-term relief from ear infections by helping reduce the risk of recurrent infections in the future.
If you are considering trying chiropractic for an ear infection, be sure to consult a qualified chiropractor. They will be able to assess your condition and provide the best treatment plan for you or your child. With the right care and support, chiropractic can help you get back on track with your health.
References:
Dalili, A., & Sedighi, M. (2018). The Effect of Spinal Manipulation on Acute Otitis Media in Children: A Randomized Clinical Trial. Journal of Evidence-Based Complementary & Alternative Medicine, 23(3), 420–425.
Kong, L., et al. (2019). Efficacy of Spinal Manipulative Therapy for the Management of Otitis Media: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis. Journal of Alternative and Complementary Medicine, 25(10), 994–1000.