Chiropractic and Ear Infections/Aches

Problems with the ears can be extremely painful, especially for children. In fact, there are an estimated 10 million new cases of ear infections each year in babies and young children. Ear aches and ear infections are the number 1 reason for visits to a pediatrician. For many children, ear aches and ear infections can develop into chronic problems. Medical doctors will usually prescribe antibiotics for the treatment of ear infections. However, antibiotics are typically ineffective. When antibiotics fail and the ear pain persists, surgery is often the next step in order to insert ear tubes. As with any surgery, there are risks involved and no guarantees of success.

Frequent ear infections are also the second most common reason for surgery in children under 2 (with circumcision being the first). Specialists sometimes prescribe myringotomy and tympanostomy, more commonly known as "ear tubes." During the surgical procedure, a small opening is made in the eardrum to place a tube inside. The tube relieves pressure in the ear and prevents repeated fluid buildup with the continuous venting of fresh air. In most cases, the membrane pushes the tube out after a couple of months and the hole in the eardrum closes. Although the treatment is effective, it has to be repeated in some 20 to 30 percent of cases. And this kind of surgery requires general anesthesia, never a minor thing in a small child.

Before yet another round of "maybe-they'll-work-and-maybe-they-won't" antibiotics or the drastic step of surgery, more parents are considering chiropractic to help children with chronic ear infections. Recent studies have shown after receiving a series of chiropractic adjustments, nearly 80 percent of the children treated were free of ear infections for at least the six-month period following their initial visits (a period that also included maintenance treatments). Chiropractic mobilizes drainage of the ear in children, and if they can continue to drain without a buildup of fluid and subsequent infection, they build up their own antibodies and recover more quickly. Chiropractic is safe and effective and something that parents should try, certainly before inserting tubes in their children's ears.

Doctors of chiropractic are licensed and trained to diagnose and treat patients of all ages and will use a gentler type of treatment for children.

Give Dr. Brad at The Adjustment Club a call with any questions you might have regarding chiropractic and your family.

The Adjustment Club – Maple Grove’s #1 Wellness Care Provider

Dr. Brad Griffore, DC

Maple Grove, MN 55311

763-777-8269

www.TheAdjustmentClub.com

www.facebook.com/adjustmentclub