New study connects Chiropractic , Ear Infections and otitis media

2009-07-01 15:52

Recent research reporting on improvement in an 8 year old girl with ear and
sinus infections, headaches and neck pain undergoing chiropractic care
reveals that chiropractic may play an important role in managing children
with complicated health problems.

The research, reported in the Journal of Pediatric, Maternal & Family Health –
Chiropractic, describes a child with longstanding health problems related to a
loss of the normal curvature in her neck. Following the introduction of
chiropractic care to restore this neck curve her illnesses resolved.

“Numerous case studies and some clinical studies are revealing that there is
a relationship between abnormalities in the spine, the nervous system and
the various problems related to ear infections” stated Dr. Crtis Fedorchuck,
the lead author of the paper. “These types of structural problems where the
child does not have a normal curve in the neck can cause a host of problems
like those found in this young girl. Nerves supplying muscles in the neck and
head are affected, as are lymphatics and the tubes draining the middle ear.
By removing the structural imbalance chiropractic helps these fluids drain,
and improves nerve supply and range of motion.”

The chiropractor also checked to see if the curve in her neck was normal – it
was not. As a result the care included painless procedures to restore the
normal curve to the child’s spine. Abnormal position or movement of the
spinal vertebra can develop and this can lead to nerve interference. It is this
interference, called vertebral subluxations, that chiropractors correct.

“The unique aspect of this case study is the relationship between the neck
curve and the resolution of the child’s symptoms” stated co-investigator Dr.
Aaron Cohen. “After several rounds of antibiotics and surgeries the parents of
the child brought her to a chiropractor who checked the child’s spine for
vertebral subluxations, found them and then reduced them. The child’s neck
curve was also restored.”

The spine is supposed to be straight when looked at from the front or back.
But from the side there are supposed to be curves in the neck, mid and low
back that give support an stability to the spine. Research shows that any loss
of these curves can put tremendous stress and strain on the nerves and
spinal cord.

“With everything we know about the dangers of antibiotic abuse, chiropractic

intervention makes perfect sense in the case of childhood ear infections. In
fact, chiropractic is the treatment of choice for dealing with the structural and
neurological aspects of ear infections.” remarked Dr. Matthew McCoy, a
chiropractor, public health researcher and editor of the journal that published
the study, “This child was experiencing a multitude of illnesses all stemming
from pressure in her neck as a result of an abnormal curve. One can only
imagine how miserable this child was. Obviously the medical interventions
were not helping and it wasn’t until the chiropractic intervention that the
child improved dramatically and in a very short time.”

The child in this study presented to the chiropractor with complaints of

severe, debilitating middle ear infections with constant headaches and sinus
pressure for the previous 3 years. Previous treatment included 2
tympanectomy surgeries on both ears, several rounds of antibiotics, and
sinus surgery. Due to persistent headaches, neck pain, continued middle ear
and sinus infections the child’s parents sought chiropractic care for her. X-
rays of the neck revealed severe reversal of the child’s neck curve.

The child underwent a specially designed chiropractic care program based

upon published research protocols. As a result the parents and patient
reported a resolution of the headaches, sinus, and ear pain. The patient also
demonstrated a significant improvement in her neck curve upon review of a
follow-up x-ray. The authors call for increased research funding to study how
chiropractic can help these children.