Upper Cervical Chiropractic and Ear Infections in Babies

Some small children and babies have low immune system due to which they are more vulnerable to different forms of infections. Otitis Media (OM) mostly occurs in babies who have been ill due to the flu or cold. Viruses and bacteria find a way into the middle ear leading to ear infections. Sometimes mechanical obstructions caused by the structural misalignment inside the ear such as skull, jawbones and cervical spine lead to blockage. In such cases, fluid builds up near the eustachian tube and eardrum providing a place for the microbes to grow and create an infection in the ear.

Other Reasons for Ear Infection

One of the biggest causes of OM is birth trauma. Babies born with traumatic births or interventions such as vacuum extraction and forceps or by pulling the neck are more at risk of facing cranial or spinal cord injury. Cesarean sections also can put a severe strain on the neck as the baby is pulled from the incision site. In the U.S, alone 35 percent of infants born through C-section suffer from ear infections. Drugs given to the newborn can further aggravate the condition. In 50 percent of the children over 10 months, use of pacifiers or sucking mechanism has been found to be the cause behind such infections. Some research also shows that the overuse of vaccines and medications such as the antibiotics can cause infection in the ear.

How can Upper Cervical Chiropractic Adjustments Help?

To ensure that the ear infections do not occur in the newborn children, doctors suggest chiropractic adjustments. In the upper cervical chiropractic approach, the doctor corrects the interference in the nervous system by adjusting the misalignments of the upper neck. This procedure also has an influence on the jaw, cranial bones and spinal column without using any surgical procedure or drugs.

These corrections also decrease inflammation, muscle tension and increase mobility. Due to this proper flow of blood and drainage of lymph is made possible which is necessary for the smooth functioning of the Eustachian tube and middle ear. According to a study conducted by Dr. Joan Fallon, upper cervical chiropractic mobilizes the process of ear drainage with children and regular draining stops the buildup of fluid which is the main cause of infection. This gives the body time to build antibodies and recover much faster. One study showed that 80 percent of children did not show any further infection after undergoing upper cervical chiropractic adjustments.

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Dr. Young Chung of NUCCA Wellness Clinic of Chicago, with a location in Chicago and a 2^nd location in Wheeling is an Upper Cervical Specialist trained by the National Upper Cervical Chiropractic Association (NUCCA). His upper cervical clinic also serves Northbrook, Long Grove, Lincolnshire, Buffalo Grove and Vernon Hills. He is uniquely trained to correct problems in the upper cervical spine (upper neck). This vital area is intimately connected to the central nervous system and problems in this area have been shown to be an underlying cause of a variety of different health problems, including migraines and other headaches, whiplash injuries, post-concussion syndrome. This type of care has also shown benefits for athletic performance and pregnancy outcomes. More information can be found on our website at http://www.NUCCAwellnessChicago.com/