According to the American Academy of Pediatrics, over 5 million children suffer from chronic ear infections, resulting in 30 million visits to doctors’ offices and over 10 million prescriptions of antibiotics each year. Half of all antibiotics prescribed for preschoolers are for ear infections. Frequent ear infections are the second leading cause for surgery in children under two, right behind circumcision.
The Eustachian tube acts as a valve that connects the back of the nose to the middle ear and allows air to enter behind the sealed eardrum. This muscular tube normally opens and closes to equalize pressure changes in the outside air.
The ability of the inner ear to open or “pop” is essential in preventing ear infections or other inner ear disorders. The only muscle responsible for opening the Eustachian tube (tensor veli palatini) is directly controlled by nerve fibers at the top of the neck.
According to the CDC, the American Academy of Family Physicians, and the American Academy of Pediatrics, ear infections with fluid build-up do not require the use of antibiotics. In fact, one study with 3,600 children found that children who did not take antibiotics had a higher rate of recovery than those who did. Despite such clear guidelines, many pediatricians continue to prescribe unnecessary antibiotics for the treatment of ear infections.
When antibiotics are not successful or if a child has multiple infections, specialists often prescribe “ear tubes.” During this surgical procedure, general anesthesia is used and a small opening is cut into the eardrum to place a tube inside. If the infection persists even after tube placement and rejection, the entire surgical procedure is performed again, or children may undergo adenoidectomy (surgical removal of the adenoids).
The most common misconception about Upper Cervical care is that it only helps back and neck pain.
Although our doctors can certainly help those who come to us seeking relief from back and neck pain, these patients represent a small percentage of who we help. Patients suffering from a variety of conditions, including ear infections, have had their health restored through our care.
Upper Cervical care is based on the universal law of cause and effect. For every effect or symptom, physical or mental, there must be a cause.
Upper Cervical doctors recognize that the body is a self-healing organism, controlled and coordinated by the central nervous system, which is protected by the skull and spine.
Using a gentle technique, Upper Cervical doctors locate and remove interference to the nervous system, allowing the body to heal itself naturally without drugs or surgery.
Misalignments in the upper cervical spine (neck), often caused by birth trauma, have been shown to affect the ability of the Eustachian tube to open and close correctly.
Dr. Hilpisch will help you and your family get healthy and stay healthy.
