According to a recent article in the Ladies Home Journal, 35% of ALL visits to the pediatrician in the United States are for reoccurring ear infections. Sometimes these ear infections are due to bacteria and other times they are due to viruses. Well, then why is the same course of treatment [antibiotics] used for both ‘causes’?

Research and statistics are showing an alarming overuse of antibiotics, leading to super -resistant bacteria which in turn leads to future infections and eventually…TUBES. This surgical approach to ‘treat’ reoccurring infections has miniscule long term results since the tubes placed in the child’s ear often come out and usually require the child to be put under general anesthesia in order to perform the surgery.

Ear pain is the number one reason for child visits to chiropractors. Many chiropractors believe that there is a strong link between the birthing process and recurrent ear infection, also known as otitis media. During the birthing process, cervical (neck) vertebrae can become misaligned, disrupting nerve function, which can affect the eustachian tube. This may lead to fluid buildup in the middle ear and cause otitis media. Misalignments left untreated can irritate the nerves and eventually disrupt the body’s ability to function properly. The purpose of a chiropractic adjustment is to help to restore the normal functioning of the nervous system so the body can heal itself without the use of drugs or surgery. (www.chiropracticresearch.org)

The article in the Ladies Home Journal states, “Chiropractic care is thought to prevent recurrent infections by correcting misalignments (called subluxations) and allowing normal fluid drainage from the middle ear.” What the article took special note of was that 6 months after the chiropractic care was given to the children in the study, 80 percent had not suffered a recurrence of ear infections.

Eighty (80%) percent sure sounds like a better alternative than putting a child under anesthesia for a surgical procedure that has little long term effects.

Author's Bio: 

Dr. Caruso graduated from New York Chiropractic College in Seneca Falls, NY. She is the director at Healing Hands Chiropractic, a family wellness center in Londonderry, NH.
She has a solid background in examination and diagnosis of the musculoskeletal system. Her background in personal training has provided her with a thorough and diverse knowledge base in rehabilitation exercises for many of her patients.
Dr. Caruso grew up in Weymouth, MA and made the move to Manchester, NH in February 2005. As a resident of Manchester, she has become avidly involved in community organizations such as Manchester Young Professionals Network and Southern New Hampshire Women’s Business Network, as well as coordinating health workshops and community awareness programs. This involvement has allowed her the opportunity to share her knowledge with the community about the tremendous benefits of natural healing through chiropractic.
Dr. Caruso has taught Anatomy & Physiology and Nutrition at a local New Hampshire college as an adjunct faculty member.
She has had the pleasure of working as the local chiropractor for the cast and crew of groups including “So You Think You Can Dance” and “Dancing with the Stars.” She recently participated in a round table healthcare discussion with a 2008 presidential candidate.
Along with her husband, Dr. Caruso owns the online organic store Organic Virtues (www.OrganicVirtues.com), which provides affordable organic, natural and eco-friendly products for the home, garden and office.
She also practices reiki energy healing and teaches meditation classes at Healing Hands Chiropractic. She is Webster Technique Certified; a very specific technique used with expectant mothers. Being certified in this technique has allowed her to work closely with many other healthcare practitioners in her community such as midwives, doulas, naturopathic doctors, acupuncturists and childbirth educators.