MPR Chiropractor Dr. Nicole Yarbenet explains in the above video that ear infections are one of the most common childhood illnesses, most often occurring in children up to age 6. Without treatment, the condition can persist into adulthood.
Symptoms can include:
- Soreness, pain, and discomfort in the area surrounding the ear
- Fever
- Fluid drainage
- Trouble sleeping
- Loss of appetite
- Grumpy behavior
- Popping and ringing in the ears
- Pressure buildup
Some children may be too young to communicate these symptoms, so parents can usually tell if their child is pulling at their ear, they are having difficulty hearing, or experiencing balance problems and dizziness.
Research has shown that antibiotics are not effective in treating ear infections in the long term. This is where chiropractic comes in, getting to the root of the problem.
Chiropractic adjustments are known to boost the immune system and promote overall wellness, but on top of that, proper alignment of the spine allows the muscles around the infected ears to relax. The Eustachian Tube is responsible for draining fluid from the ear. The nerves coming out of the upper cervical spine (the neck) influence the muscles surrounding the Eustachian Tube, and if any of the upper cervical bones are out of place, the muscles become tight and put pressure on that tube. This pressure makes it difficult for fluid to drain from the tube, which may cause an infection. Upper cervical adjustments are key in preventing the pressure buildup and subsequent ear infections, plus releases any pressure to relieve infections that may already be present.
No child is too young or too small to be adjusted by a chiropractor. Chiropractic is a safe and healthy approach for all ages, from newborns to children and adolescents, all the way through adulthood. Chiropractors alter their force depending on the age and size of their patient, and the chiropractic team at MPR is gentle enough to ensure your child has a comfortable and calm experience.
If you would like to make an appointment for your child to get adjusted at Monmouth Pain & Rehabilitation, to relieve or prevent ear infections, to help with another condition, or just to promote improved health and a strong immune system, please call 732-345-1377.