Monday, May 7, 2012

Can chiropractic help ear infections?

Dr. Laura Vanloon and Synergy Wellness of Birmingham, MI truly care and are grateful to be a portal of health and wellness information. For more information about Dr. Vanloon or her practice, visit us on the web at www.drvanloon.com!


How many children do you know that have NEVER had an ear infection?


Let me ask you an easier question ~ how many children do you know who HAVE had an ear infection?  Or multiple ear infections?  Sadly, that is the norm now for babies and children to have to visit to their pediatrician for treatment.  In fact, ear infections (also known as Otitis Media) account for approximately 1/3 of all pediatric visits.  The cause of the recurrent ear infections is variable, from birth trauma to being associated with the drop in immunity you experience after having a cold or flu, and many things in between.


The most common go-to defense for an ear infection is, of course, antibiotics.  Let's think for a moment about how effective that treatment is.  After taking antibiotics, does that protect the child from getting another ear infection?  No.  Not only does it not prevent future recurrences, but it wipes out the "good" bacteria that is necessary for our system to function optimally, but overuse of antibiotics has several negative side effects.  Namely, the child may have or develop an allergy to that particular medication.  Second, taking antibiotics frequently allows development of "super bacteria" that are able to resist normal types and quantities of antibiotics.  Third, and I believe most important, studies indicate that most children have the same outcome from the ear infection without taking an antibiotic at all.  Unfortunately, that research isn't well-known and many parents still seek traditional medical intervention.


But fortunately, I do have an alternative, less-intrusive and pain-free way to help your child heal from an ear infection and possibly prevent them from recurring ~ get your child adjusted by a chiropractor!  How can chiropractic help?  By removing the misalignments to the bones that are interfering with the nerves that supply the ear, it can allow your body to heal itself.  When the nerves are functioning optimally, the fluid should drain from the middle ear.  With regular chiropractic care to help keep your child's spine in alignment, your immune system can strengthen its own defenses and be more capable of fighting off subsequent infections.


Does someone you love suffer from ear infections?  Let us help!  We offer very gentle chiropractic treatment in our office that children LOVE!  The adjustments are pain-free and they will feel so much better ~ many of the children in our practice tell their parents when they need an adjustment!  Come experience Synergy Wellness in Birmingham today.

Health and happiness,
Dr. Laura Vanloon

**This article does not substitute for medical advice.  Please consult your chiropractor or medical professional of choice to help decide the best course of care for yourself or your child.