Chiropractic + Ear infections

Being a parent is hard. Caring for a sick kid is even harder. 

Ear infections are reported as the number one reason a child will go see a pediatrician today. We want to help change that. If your child has been suffering from ear infections, especially if this is the second, third or sometimes tenth time, you're definitely wondering if there is anything else at this point you can do to help. Enter chiropractic, although chiropractic care is not often associated with ear infections or kids in general for that matter. In our experience with the families in our office vitalistic, pediatric chiropractic care may be a healthy alternative to support a child experiencing frequent ear infections and help to prevent them in the future. Here's what you need to know about chiropractic care and ear infections.

First, let us state that chiropractic can be a healthy alternative to drugs and surgery when associated with ear infections, but chiropractic does not treat an ear infection itself, nor does it treat anything for that matter. Chiropractic as a whole is a natural tool that focuses on putting the body and nervous system in an environment for it to heal and function at its best. Even though they are very common in children, ear infections are not a normal process of child development. So the real question is not, "how do we treat this ear infection?" It is, "why is it there to begin with?" If we can figure out why these infections keep reoccurring or where they are coming from in the first place, then resolving them and preventing future infections is inevitably the byproduct.  

You may be unaware that chiropractic care may provide a gentle and natural alternative to antibiotics and surgical interventions for the treatment of ear infections in children. Although in certain situations those treatment options are necessary, they can have harmful side effects, and we believe it is good practice to first explore natural options that have also shown benefit. If you are worried if a chiropractic adjustment is safe for children, adjustments for kids are probably not what you would imagine. An adjustment for an infant or small child is very gentle, there is not any twisting, cracking or popping done on kids. A lot of the time when in the hands of a skilled pediatric chiropractor, you as a parent will not even know when the adjustment is happening. Infant adjustments are often performed by applying gentle pressure to affected areas. In our office we often have many babies sleep through their whole visit. 

There are two major things a pediatric chiropractor will be addressing when providing for children experiencing ear infections. The first is caring for the child's entire nervous system and making sure that it is not overly locked into a stress response. We know when your nervous system is in a state of fight or flight, immune function plummets. So first things first, balance the nervous system so the immune system has a chance for it to do its job.

The second focus will be on the structural integrity and motion of the upper neck. Proper motion of the skull and upper bones of the spine allows for ease and relaxation of the muscles and associating tissues that can aid with lymphatic drainage of the head, neck and shoulders. When these two approaches are coupled together they provide an ideal environment for a child’s ear to potentially drain properly and their immune system to be stronger and fight infection. 

In many cases, parents report positive results for their child soon after receiving care.

Along with regular chiropractic adjustments, there are a few other strategies you can employ to reduce the effects of ear infections and possibly prevent them in the future. To aid in a child's overall healthcare regime, incorporating certain oils, like garlic, to or around the affected area may help to lower inflammation. Also, eating a healthy diet packed with vitamins and minerals, and supplementing with quality probiotics can support better gut health and a child's immune system overall. All these natural remedies will go a long way toward helping your kid’s body stay healthy.

Parents more and more, are seeking natural health alternatives for their kids, so it's natural to consider chiropractic care as it relates to a common struggle like ear infections. Chiropractic is a wholistic option that can provide huge benefits. Proper care is tailored to fit the needs of the individual and designed to provide safe and natural care that will have long-term effects in improving overall health. By focusing on natural approaches to help children with ear infections, you as a parent are able to give your kids a safer and more natural way to alleviate symptoms, while avoiding the use of antibiotics and other medications.

If you need help finding a pediatric, family wellness centered chiropractor near you, send us a message and we will find you one.