Ear infections are the number one reason why a child will go see a pediatrician. Oftentimes, children will get multiple ear infections, and as a parent, you may be asking “why is my child getting these ear infections?” and “what can I do to help prevent them from getting more ear infections?” Ear infections occur when inflammation causes fluid to build up within the middle ear because it is not able to drain. Children are more susceptible to ear infections because their Eustachian tubes, which connect their ear to the back of their throat, are wider, shorter, and more horizontal than in adults.

Chiropractic care can be a healthy alternative to drugs and surgery when associated with ear infections, but it does not “treat” the ear infection. Rather, a chiropractic adjustment helps to facilitate the body and the nervous system to be in a better state to heal. Now you may be thinking “I thought chiropractic focuses on the spine. How is it helping with the nervous system?” Well, the central nervous system, which regulates many of the body systems, is housed in the spine. When subluxations, or spinal misalignments, occur, especially in the upper neck region, it can affect the function of the nerves that control the middle ear and Eustachian tubes (the opening from the back of the throat to the ear). Misalignments can affect the flow and drainage of the ear contributing to frequent ear infections.

Chiropractic adjustments work to remove these subluxations, or interferences, within the spine to better facilitate the communication of the nervous system with other nerves, muscles, organs, and glands. In addition to helping during an active ear infection, regular chiropractic care can help with the prevention of future infections by supporting overall health and function of the nervous system.