How Does Chiropractic Care Help with Ear Infections?

For anyone who still associates chiropractic care only with back pain, they have a hard time understanding how an adjustment can have any effect upon an infection in a child's ear.  It comes down to the fact that the nerves are responsible for communication in all areas of the body.  Simply, if the nerve coming from the brain and going to the tissue around the Eustachian tube (the tube that drains the fluid from the inner ear) is being irritated, it can cause inflammation around the Eustachian tube and not allow it to drain properly.  When the fluid, that is naturally present, is not allowed to drain it builds up in the middle ear.  This excess fluid is a great place for microbes like viruses and bacteria to grow.  If an antibiotic is given, it may kill the bacteria but will do nothing for the fluid.  Chiropractic adjustments on the other hand restore the normal communication of the body, reduce the inflammation and allow the fluid to drain.  If the fluid is not allowed to build up the microbes have nothing to grow in.

 

Understanding The Problem of Antibiotic Resistance

Antibiotic resistance in bacteria that cause ear infections (otitis media), pneumonia, and other disease, is one of the biggest concerns in the health care world. By improving the over all health and caring for illnesses in a natural way, chiropractic care can help stem the tide of growing resistance. By limiting the reliance and unnecessary use of antibiotics, we can save the use of antibiotics for when they are needed, i.e. to save a life.

Facts About Antibiotic Resistance from the CDC

"Antibiotic resistance has been called one of the world’s most pressing
public health problems.
The number of bacteria resistant to antibiotics has
increased in the last decade. Many bacterial infections are becoming resistant
to the most commonly prescribed antibiotic treatments.
Every time a person
takes antibiotics, sensitive bacteria are killed, but resistant germs may be
left to grow and multiply. Repeated and improper uses of antibiotics are primary
causes of the increase in drug-resistant bacteria.
Misuse of antibiotics
jeopardizes the usefulness of essential drugs. Decreasing inappropriate
antibiotic use is the best way to control resistance.
Children are of
particular concern because they have the highest rates of antibiotic use. They
also have one of the highest rates of infections caused by antibiotic-resistant
pathogens.
Parent pressure makes a difference. For pediatric care, a study
showed that doctors prescribe antibiotics 65% of the time if they perceive
parents expect them and 12% of the time if they feel parents do not expect them.
Antibiotic resistance can cause significant danger and suffering for people
who have common infections that once were easily treatable with antibiotics.
When antibiotics fail to work, the consequences are longer-lasting illnesses,
more doctor visits or extended hospital stays, and the need for more expensive
and toxic medications. Some resistant infections can even cause death."