Children are very vulnerable to health issues until they build resilience and their immune system. One of the most frequent complaints in toddlers and small children is ear infections. It affects up to 80% of all children. This is a painful condition that, if left untreated, may lead to serious complications, including hearing loss. In this article, the specialists at our clinic will explain the benefits of chiropractic care for ear infections in children.
How Do Ear Infections Occur?
An ear infection is, practically, a buildup of fluid in the middle ear. As you may know, the ear consists of three parts:
• The outer ear, or the ear shell
• The middle ear, which starts just behind the eardrum
• The inner ear, contains very important organs for the sense of balance.
Ear infections of the middle ear are called otitis media and represent the number one complaint when parents bring their children to an ENT doctor.
By downloading the Digital Patient Chart mobile app you can better control your patient portal.
Why Are Children More Vulnerable to Ear Infections?
There are several reasons for the high percentage of kids suffering from ear infections. First of all, their Eustachian tubes, which help drain fluids from the ear, are still under development and, thus, very narrow. When they get blocked by mucus, the fluids remain trapped in the middle ear and generate an ear infection.
Secondly, a small child is still learning to master the movements of their body. It is a trial and error process, which involves many tumbles and falls. While most of them are quite harmless, some falls may lead to slight misalignments in the upper body joints and spine.
Chiropractic Care for Ear Infections in Children Is Safe
Now, as a responsible parent, you want to be sure that your child is safe during the treatment sessions. And, from what you may have read on the internet, you understand that chiropractic involves firm and powerful manipulations of the spine. You are already picturing your child in the strong hands of a chiropractor, and you are suddenly not sure that you want to try this type of therapy.
In reality, chiropractic care for ear infections in children is a very specific technique, which takes into account a child’s small and delicate body. Our chiropractors received special training to qualify for working with children.
How Effective Is Chiropractic Care for Ear Infection?
Since we explained that chiropractic is safe, your next question is: does it really work? We can say two things. One is that we have successfully treated chronic ear infections in children in our clinic over the years.
Secondly, a clinical study on a group of children conducted by The University of Calgary in Canada showed that 75% of the little patients who received chiropractic care for ear infections experienced an improvement in the symptoms in only 10 days.
The study involved both chiropractors and medical researchers specializing in ENT.
When Should You Bring Your Child for Chiropractic Care for Ear Infections?
Ear infections are of two types: acute and chronic. Acute ear infections are unique episodes that will heal by themselves in a short time. The liquid buildup in the child’s ear will clear by itself, without the need for treatment.
However, if your child suffers from repeated episodes, this is a chronic ear infection. This condition should not be ignored. We recommend you bring your child for chiropractic care for ear infections as soon as possible – after the second or third episode.
It is always better to be on the safe side and get the chiropractor’s confirmation that, at the present, your child does not need special treatment or therapy.
Our chiropractors are always ready to help you understand the benefits of chiropractic care for ear infections and give you any other explanations you need. Call us now to book an evaluation appointment for your child!
Leave a comment