Resolution of Otitis Media After Chiropractic Care

The Journal of Pediatric, Maternal & Family Health published the results of a case study on February 28, 2022, documenting the complete resolution of otitis media in a child receiving chiropractic care. Otitis media is an infection of the middle ear, and is more common in children.

The study begins by pointing out how common otitis media by saying, "...approximately 80% of children will experience at least one episode of acute otitis media, AOM, before school age." They report that globally there are 10.8 new episodes of otitis media per 100 people each year.

In this case, an 8-year-old girl suffering with right ear pain, sinus problems, and upper neck pain was brought to a chiropractor by her mother. The girl had been previously diagnosed with otitis media which she seemed to get with colds. In three previous occasions of ear aches, antibiotics were use to alleviate the situation.

A chiropractic examination was performed which focused on checking the girl's spine for subluxations. The examination revealed the presence of subluxations in multiple areas of her spine. Based upon these findings, chiropractic care was started to address the subluxations.

The girl was seen for chiropractic care on four consecutive days. By the third day, it was reported that her ear infection was completely gone. The study also reports that the girl's neck pain decreased, and neck range of motion had improved.

This study also reviewed a number of previous studies on chiropractic care and otitis media issues. In each of these cases, the results were consistent with the results of this study in that the patient recovered from the episode of otitis media. In one, hearing loss was restored, and in most cases, there were no further incidences of ear infections.

In the study conclusion the authors wrote, "There is some evidence that suggests chiropractic care is an effective technique for reducing the frequency and severity of recurrent otitis media in children as this case described the successful management and resolution in a young child undergoing chiropractic care."