chiropractic for ear infections in toddlers?

Question

I have a 15 month old with an ear infection and fluid buildup. He's on round 3 of antibiotics. Now the doctor wants to send him to an ENT who will want to put tubes in his ears. Surgery will be a last option for us. I have read that chiropractic adjustments can be successful in treating this problem. Does anyone have any info or personal experience with this? Any advice would be appreciated. Thanks!

Answer 1

Chiropractors work on your bones and joints, so any treatment by one will have no effect on an ear infection. Go to the ENT and listen to what is said and advised. I was skeptical myself, but my son has done very well with his tubes. He got an ear infection every other month from birth until two. That's when he had the tubes put in and hasn't had any problems since. Since ear infections are usually caused by fluid build up behind the eardrum, the child is unable to hear normally, which lasts as long as 30 days after the infection clears up. That can seriously harm your child's speaking ability. Getting the tubes and draining that fluid works wonders.

Answer 2

I see both sides to this argument. While it can't hurt to try chiropractic, provided your child remains on antibiotics to treat the infection, don't delay the ENT appointment if things do not improve.

The advice the chiropractor gave is sound regarding probiotics.

The bottom line is this, if your son actually needs tubes to drain the fluid, no amount of chiropractic manipulation will help this. It can't hurt to try, but I would not wait too long if it does not work. Otherwise, your son will risk scarring in his ears and hearing loss.

Give it a try with a reputable Chiro, but keep the appointment with the ENT. You will need to follow up with the MD anyway, as Chiro's cannot prescribe antibiotics, and may not be able to access the situation properly. You can try dietary advice, although it may be a hit and miss. Many have food allergies and no ear infections, and vice versa. Can't hurt to try, though. An MD can screen for allergies via blood tests. This will avoid tedious "elimination" diets, and are more accurate. Some Chiro's may be ND's and also do blood testing for allergies.

Answer 3

Hi luvbabys. I am a retired Chiropractor. I have had success treating children with chronic ear infections (including ones that had been told they needed 'tubes'). Subluxations (misalignments and/or loss of motion) of the upper cervical (neck) vertebrae are usually involved and can easily and gently be adjusted by an experienced Chiropractor.

I concur with the other answerer about the possibility of food allergies - especially dairy/milk products (this would also include reactions to citrus fruits that 'cross-react' with diary).

My experience in treating children with ear infections is that improvement is rapid (within 2 or 3 treatments - although more treatment may be needed to stabilize the spinal corrections). Food allergy intervention is a lot more challenging, but should be included in any assessment of chronic ear infections. You may need professional guidance (your Chiropractor or a good, licensed Nutritionist) to assist you in properly evaluating this.

Best wishes and good luck.

P.S. all of the antibiotics will have disrupted the normal microflora living in your child's gut. These commensal organisms are critical for overall immune function and health of the gut. Ask your Chiropractor or Nutritionist for a recommendation of a good probiotic to help normalize your child's intestinal function (if this is left untreated, you can expect more food allergies to develop over time).

Answer 4

I agree with john boy about the food allergies, the same thing happened with one of my nieces when she was very little. I have went to the chiro often, for asthma, sinus infections, back pain,- anything and everything; and it has helped EVERY SINGLE TIME- especially with the sinus infection. I think the key is finding one who is very experienced and knows what she/he is doing. I happened to find one that was great- I cannot speak for all of them. Just because one person had a great experience with tubes in their childs ears, or one person had a great experience with the chiro really doesn't mean anything for you. My other niece has tubes in her ears and has MAJOR problems with infection, that did not respond to treatment- that has led to some hearing loss that will never be regained. I would really suggest that you go and see the chiro though. What do you have to lose? With getting the tubes, its permenant- seeing the chiro a couple of times is either going to work, or not. It is worth a try. Good Luck!!

Answer 5

Chiropractors are awesome helpers when it comes to treating ear infections. They are great at helping relieve fluid build up.

I would also suggest trying to figure out what the cause of the fluid build up is.

Many parents have found that food allergies are the culprit when it comes to chronic ear infections.

I hope that these links will help you out.
http://www.mothering.com/articles/growing_child/child_health/healing-ear-infections.html

http://www.unhinderedliving.com/earinfections.html

Answer 6

How about using Garlic, mullien, St Johns wort oil to help your childs earache.
Frequent use of antibiotics can actually make chronic ear infections worse.

And the food allergy advice above mine is silly. You really need to try elimination diets.
Dairy caused my first son to have ear infections. AS soon as we figured that out bam they were gone!

Research research research..

Answer 7

No. No, no, no.

Are you going to let someone who is NOT a medical doctor push and crack your child's bones?