Chiropractors and middle ear infections (Otitis Media)
Colder temperatures are often a time of increased viral illnesses in the younger generations. Unfortunately, many viruses can lead to middle ear infections (Otitis Media).
Parents with children who suffer with, often recurrent, ear infections will know that they can be painful and often seem to occur without warning, and there is an 80% chance that a child who develops otitis media before the age of 6 months will have persistent middle ear problems.
What is Otitis Media (OM)?
OM is the infection of the middle ear, the space behind the eardrum that contains the vibrating bones of the ear. In OM the eustachian tubes (the tubes that connect the middle ear to the back of the throat) become swollen, which can lead to a mucus build up, and this mucus can get infected and cause the painful symptoms we associate with ear infections.
The recommended treatment for OM is pain relief and fluids, as a healthy immune system should be able to fight off the infection, but for those cases that don’t clear up by themselves antibiotics are often prescribed with Tympanostomy tubes ‘grommets’ recommended for reoccurring infections.
While antibiotics and grommets are effective at fighting infection, many parents with children who suffer reoccurring infections often find themselves looking for alternative approaches, as they are weary about the effects of antibiotics at a young age.
Antibiotics can affect gut health and increase bacterial resistance. Studies have also shown a link between early antibiotic use and the development of allergies and asthma. There are also the concerns over the effect reoccurring ear infections may have upon development, including cognitive delays, speech/language delays and disruption to psychosocial development.
How can Chiropractic help?
Many people have turned to chiropractic care for the prevention and recovery of Otitis Media. Here at Spine, our approach is a holistic one and looks at the whole body. At each adjustment your ABC Practitioner undertakes a full body examination for any subluxations (misalignments of bones). Therefore ear infections may be reduced if these subluxations are in or are causing compensations in areas that aid the drainage of the ear. For example, research has identified a link between proper jaw movement and ear infections, when your jaw moves correctly it assists on equalising the pressure of the ear drum and allows the eustachian tubes to drain the fluid from your ears, preventing mucus buildup. Therefore any adjustment that improves the function of the jaw could have a positive effect on otitis media.
A good posture is not only beneficial for your bones and joints, but your organs as well. Your ABC Practitioner is a specialist in evaluating and addressing subluxations that are causing interference within the nervous system in the upper neck. This allows your nervous system to effectively undertake its role as regulator of the immune system, which may aid in preventing and recovering from Otitis Media.
Chat to your ABC Practitioner today if you or anyone in your family suffers from ear infections.
References
- Caye-Thomasen P., Tos M. Eustachian tube gland tissue changes are related to bacterial species in acute otitis media. Int J Pediatr Otorhinolaryngol. 2004;68:101–110. [PubMed] [Google Scholar] [Ref list]
- Fysh P.N. 1st ed. International Chiropractos Associatiotion Council on Chiropractic Pediatrics; Arlington, VA: 2002. Chiropractic care for the pediatric patient. [Google Scholar
] [Ref list] - Chonmaitre, T, et al (2016). Acute Otitis Media and Other Complications of Viral Respiratory Infection. Pediatrics, 10.1542/peds.2015-3555
- Boone, K, et al (2016), Feeding at the Breast and Expressed Milk Feeding: Associations with Otitis Media and Diarrhoea in Infants. The Journal of Pediatrics, http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.jpeds.2016.04.006
- https://www.cdc.gov/antibiotic-use/ear-infection.html
- Pohlman KA, Holton-Brown MS. Otitis media and spinal manipulative therapy: a literature review. J Chiropr Med. 2012 Sep;11(3):160-9. doi: 10.1016/j.jcm.2012.05.006. PMID: 23449823; PMCID: PMC3437347.
