Posted by: Dr. Jessica L. Caruso
According to a recent article in the Ladies Home Journal, 35% of ALL visits to the pediatrician in the United States are for reoccurring ear infections. Sometimes these ear infections are due to bacteria and other times they are due to viruses. Well, then why is the same course of treatment [antibiotics] used for both ‘causes’?
Research and statistics are showing an alarming overuse of antibiotics, leading to super -resistant bacteria which in turn leads to future infections and eventually…TUBES. This surgical approach to ‘treat’ reoccurring infections has miniscule long term results since the tubes placed in the child’s ear often come out and usually require the child to be put under general anesthesia in order to perform the surgery.
Ear pain is the number one reason for child visits to chiropractors. Many chiropractors believe that there is a strong link between the birthing process and recurrent ear infection, also known as otitis media. During the birthing process, cervical (neck) vertebrae can become misaligned, disrupting nerve function, which can affect the eustachian tube. This may lead to fluid buildup in the middle ear and cause otitis media. Misalignments left untreated can irritate the nerves and eventually disrupt the body’s ability to function properly. 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. (www.chiropracticresearch.org)
The article in the Ladies Home Journal states, “Chiropractic care is thought to prevent recurrent infections by correcting misalignments (called subluxations) and allowing normal fluid drainage from the middle ear.” What the article took special note of was that 6 months after the chiropractic care was given to the children in the study, 80 percent had not suffered a recurrence of ear infections.
Eighty (80%) percent sure sounds like a better alternative than putting a child under anesthesia for a surgical procedure that has little long term effects.
To learn more about how chiropractic care can help your child, please visit www.HealingHandsNH.com or call Dr. Jessica L. Caruso at 603-434-3456.