What is Otitis Media?
The scientific name for an ear infection is otitis media (OM). An ear infection is an inflammation of the middle ear, usually caused by bacteria, that occurs when fluid builds up behind the eardrum. Anyone can get an ear infection, but children get them more often than adults. Five out of six children will have at least one ear infection by their third birthday. In fact, ear infections are the most common reason parents bring their child to a doctor.
Eustachian tubes are smaller and more level in children than they are in adults. This makes it difficult for fluid to drain out of the ear, even under normal conditions. If the eustachian tubes are swollen or blocked with mucus due to a cold or other respiratory illness, fluid may not be able to drain.
Numerous case studies and some clinical studies are revealing that there is a relationship between abnormalities in the spine, the nervous system and the various problems related to ear infections.
These types of structural problems in the upper part of the neck cause a back-up of the lymphatics and problems with the tubes draining the middle ear. By removing the structural imbalance chiropractic helps these fluids drain and improves nerve supply and range of motion.
Abnormal position or movement of the spinal vertebra can develop, and this can lead to nerve interference. It is this interference, that chiropractors correct.
With everything we know about the dangers of antibiotic abuse and over the counter remedies being used on children, chiropractic intervention makes perfect sense in the case of childhood ear infections. In fact, chiropractic is the treatment of choice for dealing with the structural and neurological aspects of ear infections.
Chiropractic Helps Child with Ear Infections
The 2-year-old male in this study had been experiencing developmental delays and altered crawling patterns. He was previously diagnosed with otitis media. He also had limited vocabulary and avoided interaction with others. He had been on medications and antibiotics which did not help.
The chiropractor examined him and found ear infection, tight muscles, abnormal reflexes, and structural shifts in his upper neck, lower back, and sacrum. Decreased range of motion confirmed the findings. These structural shifts can lead to obstruction of the nerves, and it is this obstruction, that chiropractors correct.
Following chiropractic adjustments, he experienced improvement in his symptoms. He became more vocal, became more comfortable with social interaction, and his sleep pattern improved.
The study’s author called for additional research to investigate the clinical implications of chiropractic in this population.
Reference
Improvement in a Child with Otitis Media and Developmental Delays Following Chiropractic Care: A Case Study. Tamika Adams-Sajdak, DC. Journal of Pediatric, Maternal & Family Health, Chiropractic ~ Volume, 2023.