Otitis externa
Otitis externa is an inflammation of the external auditory canal (between the eardrum and the outside of the ear) . It is caused by a bacterial infection and is characterized by itching, pain and a feeling of fullness in the ear.
Otitis media
Otitis media is an inflammation of the eardrum, the membrane located in the middle ear . There are two types of otitis media:
Acute otitis media
This type of otitis occurs as a result of a bacterial or viral infection and often accompanies an influenza or respiratory infection . Microorganisms can migrate from the respiratory tract to the ear, which causes the infection. It is very common in children from 3 months to 3 years.
The main symptom of acute otitis media is significant and persistent pain. Whether the infection is viral or bacterial, chiropractic care is beneficial.
Serous otitis media
Serous otitis media is an accumulation of fluid behind the eardrum due to incomplete healing of acute otitis media or poor drainage of the Eustachian tube . Since this type of otitis is not infectious, antibiotics are not an effective solution to treat this type of problem.
More than 40% of childhood ear infections are serous in origin. The chiropractor is able to diagnose the type of otitis that your child is suffering from.
Otitis: long-term consequence
Unhealthy ear infections can lead to perforation of the eardrum, decreased hearing and tinnitus (tinnitus) . Other more important complications (labyrinthitis, facial paralysis) may occur.
The chiropractic approach
Chiropractic can help decrease the intensity and / or frequency of ear infections by stimulating the nervous system to help with ear drainage . Indeed, a subluxation located at the level of the high cervical vertebrae alters the flow of information circulating between the nervous system and the structures of the ear and harms the proper functioning of the innervated structures. Since nerve impulses do not circulate properly, the fluid can not flow normally from the ear, which favors the accumulation of fluid behind the eardrum. Chiropractic adjustments of the upper vertebrae of the neck allow drainage of the ear by promoting good communication of the nervous system. If the child is able to drain fluid accumulations himself, he avoids subsequent infections and promotes the action of his own immune system, not that of an antibiotic.
Source: ACQ – Association of Chiropractors of Quebec – ACQ
