Ear infections are the No. 1 reason for doctor's visits each year, according to the American Academy of Pediatrics. Although adults can get ear infections, too, children are more susceptible to them because of their immaturely shaped Eustachian tubes and weaker immune systems. Some parents may wish to pursue complementary or alternative medicine treatments, and chiropractic care is touted by many as an effective treatment for ear infections. Parents should be sure to speak to their pediatrician first and together come up with an appropriate treatment plan.
Ear Infections Defined
A feverish child who complains of ear pain, who is irritable and cannot sleep likely has an ear infection. Discharge may also be present. The AAP says ear infections are usually secondary infections caused by unresolved respiratory or sinus infections. Allergies can also contribute to ear infections.
Chiropractic Care Defined
Chiropractors believe that misalignments, or subluxations, in the spine prevent the nervous and musculoskeletal systems from proper function. A variety of maladies may result, including ear infection. Chiropractors use a gentle touch when adjusting children with ear infections, focusing on the first vertebra in the neck and the back of the skull. Treatments may be as frequent as daily for the first two or three days of the infection. Most chiropractors prefer their patients be on a monthly preventative schedule.
Dual Statements
The American Academy of Pediatrics does not endorse chiropractic treatment for ear infections. Instead, the AAP asks pediatricians to wait for two to three days to see if the infection heals itself. If it does not, they should prescribe antibiotics. Children 6-months-old and younger should be treated with antibiotics immediately.
The American Chiropractic Association does not endorse antibiotics for treatment of ear infections. Antibiotics can only fight bacteria, but bacteria and a virus cause ear infection. The ACA warns that repeated exposure to antibiotics weaken the immune system and make the body more susceptible to "super bugs" that are resistant to any kind of drug treatment. The ACA says chiropractic treatment successfully combats ear infections 80 percent of the time.
Research
Research on the efficacy of chiropractic care for the treatment if ear infections is also mixed. A June 2010 "Chiropractic & Osteopathy" study notes that chiropractors often treat ear infections in children but says its efficacy has yet to be proven. The "Journal of Manipulative Physiological Therapy," however, says that "chiropractic care may decrease the symptoms of ear infection in young children."
Warning
While parents may wish to pursue alternative medicine for the treatment of their child's ear infections, they need to maintain contact with their pediatrician so symptoms can be closely monitored. Ear infections that do not improve can sometimes be serious and warrant more invasive treatment.
References
- Pub Med: "Chiropractic & Osteopathy"; Chiropractic Diagnosis and Management of Non-Musculoskeletal Conditions in Children and Adolescents; RJ Ferrance, J, Miller; June 2010
- Pub Med: "Journal of Manipulative Physiological Therapy"; Ear Infection; RM Froehle; March 1996
- American Academy of Pediatrics: Diagnosis and Management of Acute Otitis Media
- American Chiropractic Association: Chiropractic Approach to Ear Infections
