Ear Infections
Ear infections account for over 35% of all pediatrician visits in the US. The typical treatment for an ear infection is a course of antibiotics. Antibiotics are often not effective and lead to a vicious cycle of ear infections and antibiotics. The over use of antibiotics is leading to resistant strains of bacteria and depleted immune systems of chronic users. Antibiotics also eliminate healthy, “good” bacteria from the body, which then causes a whole different set of issues.

An ear infection happens when fluids do not drain from the middle ear via the eustachian tube. This becomes a breading ground for germs. The eustachian tubes are a pair of tubes that run from the middle ear to the back of the throat. These tubes help to regulate pressure, refresh the air in the ear and drain the normal secretions of the middle ear.

When the eustachian tubes become blocked they do not allow the middle ear to drain and “breathe”. There are several reasons for an eustachian tube to become blocked such as, allergies, swelling, mucus caused by another illness such as viruses, colds etc. The eustachian tubes in infants and children are much smaller and also angled differently than adult eustachian tubes. This can make it harder for them to drain properly and easier to get blocked. In addition, adenoids (a small pad of tissue high in the back of the nose), can become inflamed and block eustachian tubes.

There is growing evidence that one contributing factor in healthy, well functioning eustachian tubes is breast feeding. The amount pressure needed for the infant to get milk from a breast vs a bottle helps to keep the eustachian tubes clear. Also, the antibodies passed from mother to baby via breast milk helps keep bacteria and viruses at bay.

More good news is that chiropractic adjustments are shown to be both safe and effective in preventing and treating ear infections. Chiropractors work to get to the root cause of a health problem rather than just treat the symptoms. Misalignments of the spine (also called subluxations) can occur during childbirth, from tumbles or falls, or from any other normal activity. 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.

A promising study published in the Journal of Clinical Chiropractic Pediatrics indicates that there is a strong correlation between chiropractic adjustments and the resolution of ear infections. 332 children with chronic ear infections participated in the study. Each child, ranging in age from 27 days to 5 years, was given a series of chiropractic adjustments. The results show that close to 80% of the children did not experience another ear infection within the six-month period following their initial visits. The six-month period included maintenance treatments every four to six weeks.

If someone you love has a child with ear infections, tell them about the healthy treatment option of Chiropractic Care at American Family Spine and Health. Dr. Clark’s research based approach has helped dozens of parents avoid and treat ear aches in their children. Call 704-792-2700 to see if chiropractic care is the solution you are looking for.

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HOURS OF OPERATION

Monday

9:30 am - 12:30 pm

3:00 pm - 6:00 pm

Tuesday

3:00 pm - 6:00 pm

Wednesday

9:30 am - 12:30 pm

3:00 pm - 6:00 pm

Thursday

9:30 am - 12:30 pm

3:00 pm - 6:00 pm

Friday

8:30 am - 10:30 am

Saturday

Closed

Sunday

Closed

Monday
9:30 am - 12:30 pm 3:00 pm - 6:00 pm
Tuesday
3:00 pm - 6:00 pm
Wednesday
9:30 am - 12:30 pm 3:00 pm - 6:00 pm
Thursday
9:30 am - 12:30 pm 3:00 pm - 6:00 pm
Friday
8:30 am - 10:30 am
Saturday
Closed
Sunday
Closed