Ear infections are the worst! They cause tremendous discomfort for your child, and most of the time, they don’t just happen once—they tend to come back again and again. Just because ear infections are common doesn’t mean they’re normal, and the cycle of infection-antibiotics-reinfection can go on for months or years because this approach doesn’t address the underlying cause of the problem.
What Causes Ear Infections?
Most ear infections are caused by viruses in the middle ear. The virus then creates a buildup of fluid due to poor drainage of the middle ear, eustachian tubes, and respiratory and lymphatic systems.
Our body is designed to flush things out through our lymphatic system—the body’s plumbing system. But when the lymph system is unable to function properly to eliminate the virus, bacteria or fluid can build up, leading to long term congestion, inflammation, recurring infections, and many other illnesses.
Often, the dysfunction within our body’s “plumbing” is due to poor communication in the neural pathways. If the nerves that control the muscles responsible for assisting in the drainage of fluids and foreign materials are interfered with, it leads to improper drainage. Things then become clogged and backed up, leading to infection.
Why Infections Recur?
Taking antibiotics can set your child up for a vicious cycle of chronic, recurring ear infections because not only do the antibiotics kill the “bad” bacteria, but they also kill the “good” bacteria. This weakens their immune system, making them more susceptible to re-infection and perpetuating the cycle. And since many ear infections are caused by viruses, the antibiotics prescribed will be of no use.
Eventually, if the cycle persists, the medical approach is to recommend tube surgery. This is never an ideal solution because it comes with many risks, such as:
- Scarring of the eardrum
- Hearing loss
- Blockage of the tubes from blood, mucus, or other discharge
- Tubes falling out early
- Failure of the eardrum to properly heal and close up
- Reinfection
That’s right! Even after the ear tube surgery, your child could still experience a re-infection. Luckily, there is another option!
Identifying the Underlying Cause
The root cause of the interference in the neural pathways leading to ear infection is often subluxation in the upper neck. A subluxation is a misalignment of one or more vertebrae, causing fixation and tension between the joints of the spine and surrounding soft tissues, and neurological imbalance as the nerves in the associated area are irritated.
The first subluxations are usually caused by birth trauma. Our babies are brought into this world with hands, forceps, or vacuums pulling on their head and neck, causing subluxations that can have long-lasting effects on their health if not corrected. This is a very delicate area with many vital neurological structures, which is why every baby and kiddo should be seen by a pediatric chiropractor—we can address these subluxations to help prevent long-term health problems and illnesses.
At Evolved Chiropractic, we offer neurologically-focused pediatric chiropractic care as a natural alternative to the traditional medical approach of antibiotics and surgery. We take the time to get to the root cause of the ear infection to restore proper balance and function of the nervous system. Not only will this help improve the function of the nerves and muscles responsible for draining the middle ear, but it will also boost the immune system, making it easier to fight off future infections or illnesses.
Preventing Future Chronic Ear Infections
Prevention goes a long way! The key to health and wellness is a well-balanced, functioning nervous system—which helps keep the immune system, lymphatic system and respiratory system healthy as well. An accumulation of stress, inflammation, and subluxations in the body weakens the nervous system and shifts it out of balance.
The best way to keep the nervous system functioning optimally is to receive regular chiropractic care and live a natural, clean lifestyle. Then your kiddo will be able to fight off many illnesses quickly and without the use of antibiotics. Overcoming illnesses without resorting to antibiotics strengthens their immune system further, making it better equipped to defeat future bouts of sickness. It’s no fun to watch our kiddos struggle with infections now, but helping their body learn how to defeat illnesses naturally sets them up for a lifetime of better health.
Schedule Care Today
Contact us today to schedule your child an appointment with us to get their nervous system balanced and functioning at its best and say goodbye to ear infections!