Chiropractic Adjustments for Chronic Ear Infections

In the October 1998 issue of the Ladies Home Journal appeared an article entitled, “Chiropractic Adjustments for Chronic Ear Infections.” This article reviewed several studies showing the effectiveness of chiropractic care for preventing re-occurring ear infections known as Otitis Media or OM.

According to the article, reoccurring ear infections account for over 35% of all pediatrician visits in the United States. Sometimes these infections are due to bacteria and sometimes these are due to a virus. The most common medical care for this situation has been antibiotics, even though antibiotics have no effect on viruses.

While the article mentions that the antibiotic may be effective in an acute bacterial infection, they do nothing to stop repeat infections.

Research and statistics is now showing that repeated use of antibiotics is contributing to future infections by creating drug-resistant infections. The surgical approach has met with little long term results as the “tubes” placed in children’s ears often come out and usually require a child to be put under general anesthesia to do the surgery.

The article in the Ladies Home Journal states, “Chiropractic care is thought to prevent recurrent infections by correcting misalignments (called subluxations) and allowing normal fluid drainage from the middle ear.” What the article took special note of was that 6 months after the chiropractic care was given to the children in the study, 80 percent had not suffered a recurrence of ear infections.

In closing the article did make a profound statement. They made a recommendation to parents on this subject. “If your child is between ear infections and his doctor suggests ear-tube surgery, ask if you can try chiropractic treatment first.” While we agree with that sentiment, we suggest you not wait for a period between episodes, and you don’t have to “ask” permission from any other doctor to seek chiropractic care. As the sneaker company said, “just do it!”

IN SUMMARY: Traditional medical treatment of antibiotic usage, especially broad-spectrum antibiotics, may temporarily appear to relieve the symptoms your child is experiencing. However, the long-term effects are not as simple and clear cut. Would you rather your child try natural treatments first the enhance and boost immunity like chiropractic adjustments or probiotics? Or would you rather risk your child’s health, lungs, and immune system to go with the traditional approach of antibiotics?

I can say with all honesty, my children will never receive antibiotics for an ear infection, the cold, or the flu as I have seen far too many complications with them and I have witnessed far too many benefits with the safer, natural alternatives that are well researched and well documented. If you are considering antibiotic treatment for you or your child, please contact us so you can make an informed, educated decision!