Chiropractic Care for Ear Infections

If you have children of any age, it’s likely that you have intimate experience with ear infections. Five out of six children will have experienced at least one ear infection before they are three years old. Younger children are far more prone to ear infections, and as they age, they may “grow out” of them.

Researchers believe that younger children are more susceptible to ear infections because their eustachian tubes are shorter and angled. This makes them more prone to bacteria that can cause an ear infection.

While ear infections are the most common in children, they are a common ailment that affects many of us throughout our lives. Ear infections are particularly painful and bothersome because of the sensitive nature of our ears. They also threaten to leave lasting damage if they aren’t adequately treated.

Many people jump automatically to medications to correct the issue. However, some of the complications associated with medications, especially for children can be a cause for hesitation. If you are considering alternative options, chiropractic care is worth looking into.
 

Symptoms and Causes of Ear Infections

Ear infections are caused by a virus or bacteria that infects the middle ear. This can cause the middle ear to become inflamed and hold fluids that lead to a buildup of pressure. This pressure can be excruciating. Colds, flu, and allergic reactions can all lead to ear infections. These illnesses can result in a swelling of the ear that blocks fluid from draining from the eustachian tubes, nasal passages, and throat.

While ear infections are often straightforward to diagnose in our own bodies, they often manifest in children that haven’t yet conquered the ability to communicate their discomfort. In these situations, it’s important to know the range of symptoms for an ear infection.
 

• Fever

• Ear redness

• Ear pain (infants may pull or rub their ears) 

• Difficulty sleeping

• Fluid drainage from the ear

• Loss of balance

• Headache

• Diminished hearing
   

Treatment Options for Ear Infections

Medical treatment is often the first option that people use to heal their ears. Pain can be significant, and in some of these situations, doctors may prescribe pain medications that contain opioids. Opioid medications have been the target of many news reports and government policies due to their destructive nature.

Opioids are very addictive and have the potential to cause severe damage or death if they are not used properly. Many patients have found that the potential risks are not worth their benefits. If you are concerned with using these medications, you may want to consider a safer treatment option.

Chiropractic care is a great option for many individuals that suffer from ear infections. In fact, chiropractic care may even reduce the effects of chronic ear infections, or prevent you from ever getting an infection.

A 1996 study found that patients that used chiropractic treatment for their ear infections had a 93% improvement rate. With the success rate of chiropractic care, the lack of exposure to potentially harmful medications, and no invasive procedures, chiropractic care might be the successful treatment that you’ve been looking for. Chiropractic care for the treatment of ear infections is safe for children and adults.
 

How it Works

Your chiropractor will explain how they are going to help alleviate your ear infection in more detail. Typically, your chiropractor will review your case and then perform a series of adjustments in specific areas that are targeted to align the joints and reduce pressure on the nerves. When the nerves can fully function, they can help to alleviate the issues that are causing your ear infection more quickly.
 

Overview

It’s very likely that you or your children are going to fall victim to an ear infection at some point. You may want to consider a trip to the chiropractor to evaluate your condition for their services. Chiropractors offer safe, drug-free options for the treatment of several health conditions, including ear infections for people of all ages. Call to schedule an appointment with a licensed chiropractor today.