[dcwsb inline=”true”]

Austin Chiropractor says when the spine is misaligned it affects the normal draining of the Eustachian tubes. Stagnate water left in the ears provides a breeding ground for bacterial growth. A chiropractic adjustment releases the pressure on the tubes allowing normal drainage to occur and reduces the incidence of ear infections.

45 children with ear infections were treated with chiropractic care. 93% of the cases resolved under care. 75% within 10 days or less. J Manipulative Physiol Ther. 1996 Mar-Apr;19(3):169-77.

Austin Chiropractor Dr. Daniel Gonzalez has treated hundreds of infants and children with ear infections.  Chiropractic is safe, effective and established as a natural treatment.

austin chiropractor natural ear infectionEar infections can clear up without antibtiotic treatment.  Here's a good “wait-and-see” approach:

Children 6 to 23 months with mild inner ear pain in one ear for less than 48 hours and a temperature less than 102.2 F (39 C)
Children 24 months and older with mild inner ear pain in one or both ears for less than 48 hours and a temperature less than102.2 F (39 C) (source)

If you choose to support the immune system naturally while focusing on comfort measures. For those that prefer to avoid Tylenol and other pain medications that may delay the healing process, here are some natural alternatives . . .

Garlic & Mullein Oil

According to a recent study conducted by Washington State University, garlic is 100 times more effective than two popular antibiotics at killing bacterial strains related to foodborne illness. They also found that it often worked in a fraction of the time. Use a dropper to put 2 to 3 drops in the ear. (Sing a song to keep the child distracted, since they will need to lay there for 30 seconds to allow the oil to get all the way in the ear canal.) The warmth of the oil helps to reduce the pain (as does the lavender oil) and can be used once an hour. Use at least four times a day, but preferably six or more, until the child is well.

Massage

Massaging the outside of the ear and face/jaw/neck area with diluted essential oils is thought to reduce inflammation and facilitate the drainage of excess fluid. “Massage in a downward direction behind the ear on the neck and apply gentle inward pressure in front of the ear toward the cheek (about where sideburns would be).” 

Chiropractic Care

The lymph nodes need properly functioning muscles to contract with your baby’s head movements in order to flush out lymph fluid and congestion that pools in the area.  If the bones in the top of your baby’s neck become restricted (due to birth, or any other type of physical stressor), the muscles around that area cannot contract and work correctly.  If the muscles don’t contract perfectly, then the body has a hard time flushing out the fluid in the ear canals.  Adjustments also boost the immune system and help the body to function optimally.