Study Proves Positive for Chiropractic Treatment of Ear Infections

View PDF | Print View
by: bsullivan
Total views: 0
Word Count: 656
Date: Sat, 9 Apr 2011 Time: 12:08 AM
0 comments

More than 10 million ear infections (otitis media) occur in children each year. In fact, they are the number one reason for pediatrician visits. And, if left untreated, ear infections can become a serious and chronic problem for some children and may even lead to hearing damage, and associated speech and developmental problems.

While antibiotics are commonly the first line of offense, many research studies suggest that antibiotics are typically no more effective than the body's immune system. In some cases, surgery may be suggested to insert ear tubes.

As we become more aware of our healthcare options, more and more people are opting to avoid the use of antibiotics, and certainly wish to avoid invasive and costly surgeries. As a result, some parents are embracing chiropractic to help their children with these chronic ear infections.

One chiropractor, Dr. Joan Fallon, practices in Yonkers, New York and published research in the "Journal of Clinical Chiropractic Pediatrics" showing that, after receiving a series of chiropractic adjustments, nearly 80 percent of the children treated were free of ear infections for at least a six-month period following their initial visits (a period that also included maintenance treatments every four to six weeks).

Dr. Fallon says that, "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." She would like to see her pilot study used as a basis for larger-scale trials of chiropractic as a therapeutic modality for otitis media.

Dr. David Nygaard of Atlas Family Chiropractic in Asheville, North Carolina agrees that chiropractic care is a viable alternative for ear infection treatment and he does so through a series of gentle chiropractic adjustments to improve never function and ear canal drainage.

Nerve Function Plays a Role in Ear Infections

Some of the nerves that control, regulate and monitor the ear begin in the brain stem and continue down the spinal cord; they exit from between the bones of the spinal column. Functional changes to the bones, muscles and soft tissues of the upper neck can compromise the quality of the nerve signals to and from the brain. In turn, this may affect the ability of an organ or tissue, in this case - a child's ear - to defend against infection.

Chiropractic Can Help with Drainage

Nerve compromise is often accompanied by abnormal tension to the muscles that support the spine. Besides protecting the spine from additional compromise, muscle spasms can exert pressure on nearby lymphatic drainage ducts. This prevents natural drainage, compounding the problem even more.
"Our approach is simple," Dr. Nygaard says. "When parents bring their child in to be checked, we first look for distortions in the upper spine. If nerve tension is detected, we gently reduce it with safe and natural chiropractic adjustments. For a child or infant, this usually requires a very light touch with a fingertip at just the right place and in the right direction. Of course, we communicate closely with the parent at all times to ensure they are comfortable and aware of what is happening."

Asheville Chiropractor Gets to the Root of the Problem

Many chiropractors work to get to the root cause of a health problem instead of just treating its symptoms. And, misalignments of the spine (subluxations), if left untreated, can irritate the nerves and eventually disrupt the body's ability to function properly (i.e., ear drainage). The purpose of a chiropractic adjustment is to help to restore the normal functioning of the nervous system so the body can heal itself without the use of drugs or surgery.

For more information please visit:
http://atlasfamilychiropractic.net

About the Author

Bryan Sullivan is the Executive Vice President of Write Away, Inc. - Editorial and content firm based in Weaverville, NC. He often writes for regional & national publications about cooking, local history, farming, culture and food and beverage industry. He graduated with a degree in communications from Alfred University in New York State and then went on to attend culinary school in NYC where he graduated in the top percent of his class. He proceeded to work in high-end restaurants in New York City, Martha's Vineyard, MA and Naples, FL. Bryan currently lives in Asheville, NC with Liisa his wife and their Black Lab, Annie.

For more information please visit:
http://atlasfamilychiropractic.net