EAR INFECTIONS

Infection of the middle ear, or acute otitis media, is a common symptom among children. In fact, it is the most common cause of fever in the early years of life. This condition may be very painful and after several recurring infections, may result in permanent damage.

THE MEDICAL APPROACH: 
A popular medical method of treatment of otitis media is prescription of oral antibiotics, usually amoxicillin. According to the Journal of American Medical Association (December 1991), however, amoxicillin with and without decongestant is not effective for the treatment of persistent asymptomatic middle-ear effusions (fluids) in infants and children. In fact, after administration of amoxicillin, occurrence of fluid in the ear was two to six times greater.  Children often end up on a vicious cycle of inflection who are then given antibiotics which kill normal flora in the gut weakening the body's immune system.  The weakening of the body's "innate" immune system results in a re-infection.  More antibiotics are given which causes more killing of normal flora in the gut (you see where this is going?).  I'm sure you've heard stories of children of co-workers or friends that have been on 10, 11, 12 rounds of antibiotics for ear infections.  Now you know why.

A DIFFERENT APPROACH TO CHILDHOOD EAR INFECTIONS: 
Research shows that upper respiratory infections, including otitis media may be caused by improper drainage of the deep neck lymphatics. In these cases, a doctor looking in your childs ear will see a build up of fluid behind the tympanic membrane (ear drum), with the inside of the ear appearing inflamed and the ear drum bulging. The most recent research suggests reduced drainage or blockage in the drainage system of the cervical (neck) lymphatic chains causes a reduction in the lymphatic outflow from the eustachian tube. This allows fluid to build up in the inner ear, making it an inviting environment for bacteria and viruses. Improper drainage of this fluid is caused by a combination of events. Increased muscle tone or muscle spasms, coupled with a childs already small drainage system, appear to be the major factors.

THE CHIROPRACTIC APPROACH: 
Vertebrae fit together so that the nerve supply produced by your brain may filter down your spinal cord and out over your nerves. This nerve supply is responsible for growth, repair, and healing your entire body. When vertebrae are out of their natural alignment, nerves become stretched or twisted and this vital communication system in the body is disrupted.

Correction of the vertebral subluxations is performed by Drs. Will & Tammy Tickel, DC's. This is done by laying hands on the back and spine and gently lining up the vertebrae in their natural position. Chiropractic adjustments applied to the neck corrects subluxations, restores normal function, and reduces or eliminates the tense neck musculature responsible for blocking the normal drainage of the fluid. As this obstruction to the lymphatic system is removed, the excess fluid in the ears drains. The inviting environment for bacteria and viruses to grow is removed, and the infection can be healed. Once normal drainage is restored, the recurrence of the ear infection is diminished or nonexistent. There are simple supplements to give children who have been on antibiotics to replenish normal flora in the gut. 

If your child is suffering from chronic ear infections or you know a child who is, call us today...  Drs. Will & Tammy Tickel at Tickel Chiropractic 218-284-3030.  Same day appointments available.

A Testimonial from one of our patients......

I had a year and a half of constant ear infections, surgeries, and medicines,  which included narcotics. It eventually went into chronic pain. I saw many E.N.T. specialists from Fargo to Minneapolis and finally the Mayo Clinic. I was told I would have to live with the infections and pain the rest of my life by top specialists in the world. Since seeing Dr. Tickel I have been infection free for over 5 months, where as before Dr. Tickel I had an infection every month. My pain is under complete control through chiropractic care. I no longer need narcotics or painkillers. Without Dr. Tickel's care I wouldn't have been able to stand it. I would have become addicted to drugs and not been able to be back in school or anything because of the pain and the drugs. Chiropractic care makes me know my spine and all it's nerves regulate my health. You don't need narcotics to control your health. You need to keep your spine and body clean and healthy. His office is like going home to be taken care of. I know this is where people are that care about me and that with Dr. Tickel's care I will stay healthy. I'm not just another patient.

-Mariah S., Fargo, ND

Click below to see previous "Thoughts of the Week"...

Suffering From Headaches?  End the Suffering!

Cholesterol is Necessary for Life