Earaches are a painful affliction for both adults and children. In fact, up to 25 percent of children under the age of 10 have at least one episode of ear infection. Repeated infections will affect hearing, cause balance problems and impede speech. Studies sponsored by the American Chiropractic Association show that chiropractic treatment for earaches may help many avoid drugs and invasive treatments.
Anatomy
The ear is composed of external, middle and inner sections. The external ear is what is visible at the sides of the head. Inside your mouth, on either side, are the Eustachian tubes that connect directly to the inner ear. Infections from the nasal sinuses draining through the Eustachian tubes can settle in the inner ear. Chronic earaches as a result of blocked Eustachian tubes can be made worse by poor alignment of the neck vertebrae.
Alignment Correction
Chiropractors treat the misalignment with manipulation designed to restore normal pressure to discs and nerves that pass through the vertebrae. The top vertebrae of the spine effect pressure on the Eustachian tubes. According to Bruce Chester, chiropractor in Fremont, California: "Restoring normal orientation on these vertebrae, also called the atlas, can cause stagnant fluid to drain from the inner ear. This may help clear up infections." Treatment usually takes three or four visits to show improvement.
Children
In children, the Eustachian tubes are shorter and aligned horizontally from the ear to the inside of the mouth. This makes it easier for bacteria and viruses to enter the inner ear. If you seek treatment for your child, find a chiropractor who specializes in treating pediatric patients. Look for referrals from other parents or the American Chiropractic Association. Your child's chiropractor should work with your child's pediatrician to make sure the pain and infection resolve with no lingering symptoms.
Complementary and Alternative Medicine
Chiropractic treatment for earaches is seen as an alternative to pharmaceutical and surgical intervention. Since not all ear infections come from bacterial causes, a prescription of antibiotics may be ineffective and at worst, cause resistance to the drugs. Chronic blocked ears are sometimes propped open by tubes. Since most tubes are placed into children, they can become dislodged as the child grows or participates in sports. Many pediatricians will refer to a chiropractor in order to avoid these complications if possible.
References
- "Journal of Manipulative Physiological Therapy"; Ear Infection: A Retrospective Study Examining Improvement from Chiropractic Care and Analyzing for Influencing Factors; R.M. Froehle; March 1996
- Bruce Chester, D.C.; Associate Dean, Life Chiropractic College West; Fremont, California
