Chiropractic and Ear infections
Chiropractic care and ear infection
Chiropractors typically work along the spine. So, let’s follow this specific problem from the cervical region back to the problem area, the ear. Cervical alignment is crucial for the correct anterior and posterior lymphatic drainage. If there is any obstruction to the fluid flow this could cause a back up of fluid (mucus) in the head/sinus and eustachian tubes. Fluid/mucus in the eustachian tubes causes drainage problems from the ears. Fluid/mucus in the ears allows bacteria to be trapped and the perfect environment for more bacteria to grow, thus causing infection. Infection typically causes pain and inflammation which may lead to an ear drum rupture if the pressure is too great and cannot drain down the eustachian tubes. Now that we better understand how everything is connected, let’s talk about traditional treatment vs. chiropractic care for ear infections.
- Traditional care: Once the ear hurts you go to the MD and get antibiotics and pain medication. If this occurs several times you are referred to the ENT in which case the ear is further assessed. If it is a fluid problem, then ear tube surgery is likely completed to drain the ears externally.
- Chiropractic care: Spinal adjustments including neck are completed. Often sinus work is completed with manual massage of the face and neck. Natural homework is given to help increase fluid drainage and stop unnecessary mucus production. This treatment is most ideally used to prevent severe infection from occurring. This means maintenance or wellness care to try to stay healthy before true infection occurs.
Although we understand and need the traditional care for ear infection, it is important to understand there are other treatment options. Much of the chiropractic philosophy is focused on staying healthy to try and avoid the need for medication or surgery. I hope this helps further understand an alternative way to look at the ear infection cycle. Happy adjusting.
Posted In:
Chiropractic
