On your response to alternative treatments for ear infections you mentioned chiropractic. Since the problem lies in the eustachian tube and middle ear, how does chiropractic help? I thought that chiropractic was only useful for treating injuries due to nerve impingements, etc.?

A.

Chiropractic or osteopathic manipulation can be helpful in some cases of chronic ear infections. This is because misalignment of the skull bones and/or the neck vertebrae can result in blockage of the eustachian tube (the small tube that runs from the middle ear to the back of the throat). Chronic ear infections result when the eustachian tube is blocked, either by a mechanical problem like misalignment, allergy or inflammation. By relieving the blockage, drainage from the middle ear is improved and fluid can drain from the middle ear preventing the conditions for bacteria to grow.

If you decide to utilize manipulative treatment, be sure to select a qualified chiropractor or osteopathic physician, preferably someone experienced with chronic ear infections. Also remember that there may be additional contributing factors like allergies and poor immune function. A good alternative doctor can help you to treat these as well.

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