Ear infections (otitis media)

In certain cases otitis media may be caused by improper drainage of the deep neck lymphatics.  This is what causes fluid to build up behind the ear drum which in turn causes it to bulge and inflame. The most common treatment parents choose for their children is antibiotic therapy, usually amoxicillin.  However, amoxicillin treatment was shown to be ineffective for the treatment of persistent asymptomatic middle-ear effusions (fluid) in infants and children in the December '91 issue of the Journal Of The American Medical Association.  In fact, after administration of amoxicillin, occurrence of fluid in the ear was two to six times greater.

When the drainage of the lymphatics are blocked fluid builds up in the inner ear and becomes a breeding ground for viruses and bacteria.  The major factors for this improper drainage are increased muscle tone or spasms.  Since there are no drugs that kill viruses and the antibiotics used on bacteria seem ineffective, a more natural approach is a Chiropractic adjustment.   A Chiropractic adjustment applied to the neck can relax tense musculature responsible for blocking the drainage of fluids from the ears and neck allowing the infection to heal.  This also decreases or eliminates the recurrence of future ear infections.

In addition, proper nutritional diet can also be a key element in the prevention of reoccurring ottis media. Many children are allergic to foods such as wheat and milk which can cause fluid in the ears. As fluid collects, bacteria begin to breed allowing an infectious reaction to occur within the ear canal. Nutritional counseling may be required along with conservative Chiropractic treatment.