Treat Ear Infections With Chiropractic Care

Schedule an Appointment

Chiropractic treatment for childhood ailments

Ear infections are the most common reason parents bring their children to a doctor. Five out of six children will have at least one infection before reaching age three (Source). A chiropractor can help treat your child when dealing with chronic ear infections.

What is an ear infection?

An ear infection is an inflammation in the middle ear that causes fluid buildup behind the eardrum. They are especially common in children because their Eustachian tubes are smaller and their immune system is still developing. The medical term for an ear infection is Otitis Media.

Symptoms of otitis media include:

 
  • Ear pain
  • Impaired hearing
  • Dizziness
  • Impaired balance

What causes an ear infection?

Fluid builds up behind the eardrum when a bacterial infection causes your child's Eustachian tubes to swell and become blocked. This swelling and blockage could come from the common cold, allergies, etc.

Children's Eustachian tubes are significantly smaller than those in adults because they have not fully developed. In children, these tubes lay flatter and hinder proper fluid drainage. This can make children more prone to ear infections than adults.

 
  • Ear infections are more likely to occur with upper respiratory infections, sore throat, cold, etc.
  • Children are susceptible to ear infections because their ears are still developing.

Chiropractic care for
children's ear infections

Ear infections are a common problem that each child may experience differently. Chiropractic care can make a substantial difference for children that are more prone to these infections.

Typically, children are prescribed antibiotics or ear tubes if they suffer from infections that keep coming back. Children are usually placed under anesthesia to receive ear tubes, and they can still experience infections after receiving them.

Chiropractic treatment for ear infections is a non-invasive, non-addicting method of care. Chiropractic adjustments correct misalignments that lead to poor drainage and infections. Restoring your child's balance and ear drainage can lead to fewer infections occurring.

Before taking drastic measures with surgery, consider visiting a chiropractor to explore additional treatment options for your child.


 
Schedule an Appointment

Symptoms of an infection

Your baby may not be able to tell you their ear hurts, but he will make it known in other ways. Here are some signs that may indicate an infection:
 
  • Tugging or pulling at the ear(s)
  • Trouble sleeping
  • General fussiness and crying
  • Fever (especially in infants and younger children)
  • Pus-like fluid draining from the ear
  • Clumsiness or problems with balance
  • Mood swings
  • Trouble hearing or responding to quiet sounds

Your child may also experience pain in the ear or a feeling of pressure inside the ear.

How do I get rid of an ear infection?

There are a few common types of middle ear infections.
  • Acute Otitis Media – is the most common ear infection causing an earache and sometimes fever.
  • Otitis Media with Effusion – is when fluid stays trapped behind the eardrum.
  • Chronic Otitis Media with Effusion – is when fluid remains in the middle ear for a long time.

Most ear infections treat themselves over time, but your family doctor or pediatrician may prescribe antibiotics if the symptoms persist. Children who suffer recurrent infections may receive medical advice to insert ear tubes or surgically remove adenoids.

Routine care from a chiropractor can help improve ear canal drainage and prevent ear infections in children that suffer from them often. We recommend trying chiropractic treatment before committing to surgeries to improve your child's health.
Artboard 4

Chiropractic care for children

A chiropractor can offer alternative or integrated health care for childhood ailments like ear infections, colic, and growing pains. To learn more about children's health issues that can be treated with chiropractic care, see our treatment options.
Learn More

Get chiropractic treatment for ear infections

Schedule an Appointment