Can Chiropractic Care Help Babies with Ear Infections?
Ear infections are very common in infants and young children. Additionally, babies’ immune systems are still developing. They may not fight off bacteria or viruses as effectively, which increases the likelihood of infections in the middle ear, especially following a cold or upper respiratory infection. Ear infections, or otitis media, often develop when the Eustachian tube (the canal that drains fluid from the middle ear) becomes blocked or does not function properly. In infants, this tube is shorter and more horizontal, which makes them more prone to fluid buildup and infection. Parents often seek out chiropractic care as a supportive option when ear infections become frequent or recurrent. Spinal adjustments aimed at improving function, possibly influencing structural tension or neural and lymphatic flow, which some believe may help the ear, throat, Eustachian tube, middle ear fluid and inflammation.
Symptoms to Watch For
Babies can’t tell you their ear hurts, so parents often need to look for subtle signs of an ear infection, such as:
- Tugging or pulling at the ear
- Fussiness, irritability, or excessive crying
- Difficulty sleeping
- Fever
- Fluid draining from the ear
- Trouble hearing or responding to sounds
- Loss of appetite (sucking and swallowing can increase ear pressure and cause pain)
Some parents report that after chiropractic visits, their child experiences fewer ear infections, less irritability, and improved sleep. These anecdotal outcomes drive interest in exploring chiropractic care as part of a holistic approach. In addition, chiropractic care is non-invasive and drug-free, which can appeal to parents who want to minimize repeated antibiotic use in their young children.
American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) – Otitis Media Clinical Practice Guideline:
Lieberthal, A. S., et al. (2013). The diagnosis and management of acute otitis media. Pediatrics, 131(3), e964–e999.
