Ear infections (otitis media) are a common occurrence among young children, particularly among those who are three years old or younger. In fact, 10 million cases are diagnosed every year, accounting for over 35 percent of all pediatric visits in the United States.

A middle ear infection often causes a high fever, hearing difficulty, fluids draining from the ear, and ear pain in young children, among other discomforts. In the event that your child exhibits the previously mentioned symptoms, a visit to the doctor’s office is a must.

For the most part, antibiotics are the most common treatment method. However, studies show that this can become a problem, as mentioned in this article from the website of The American Chiropractic Association:

Standard treatment for most cases of otitis media is with antibiotics, which can be effective if the culprit is bacterial (antibiotics, of course, do nothing to fight off viruses). But, according to many research studies, antibiotics are often not much more effective than the body’s own immune system. And repeated doses of antibiotics can lead to drug-resistant bacteria that scoff at the drugs, while leaving the child screaming in pain.

When facing persistent and/or frequent ear infections, you should consider alternative treatment methods. Among the available alternatives, many experts recommend seeing a certified Fort Wayne chiropractor.

At first, it may seem unlikely that a chiropractor can help clear ear infections. However, the middle ear is comprised of three bones, making it well within the scope of chiropractic care. In fact, studies have shown that it is quite effective at treating ear infections, provided that there are no irregularities like an abnormally shaped Eustachian tube. Furthermore, chiropractic adjustments help improve the body’s ability to heal itself. As a result, children who undergo adjustments usually do not have to deal with recurring infections.

Contrary to what many people believe, chiropractic care can be used to treat young children. A licensed Fort Wayne chiropractor, such as Dr. Kraig C. Keys or Dr. Kim Keys Lenhart of Keys Chiropractic, has been trained how to adjust his or her methods to accommodate the still-developing bodies of children. The next time your child exhibits the telltale signs of an ear infection, put the antibiotics on hold and see if chiropractic care can resolve the situation.

(Source: Chiropractic Approach to Ear Infections; The American Chiropractic Association)

Congratulations on your pregnancy! Right now, you may be feeling an overwhelming sense of joy, and a pinch of unease. You’ve probably heard that pregnancy brings about a number of changes to your body, and you may be wondering just how your body will take the coming changes.

Don’t be nervous. Many of the changes the female body undergoes during pregnancy are normal. Luckily, most of these upcoming “problems” can be addressed by chiropractic care.

Back and shoulder pains are two conditions associated with pregnancy that chiropractic care can resolve. There are, however, other issues that can be treated through adjustments. Here are two common pregnancy issues that an experienced chiropractor in Fort Wayne, Indiana can help you with:

Breech Position

For most of your pregnancy, your child will be in the breech position, where the baby exits the pelvis with the buttocks or feet first. Don’t panic as this usually resolves itself by the time you enter the third trimester. However, there are times when this doesn’t happen and the child remains in breech presentation.

In response to this, Larry Webster, Founder of the International Chiropractic Pediatric Association (ICPA), developed a new treatment method for pregnant women, the Webster Technique. This technique helps reestablish balance in the pelvis, uterus, and surrounding ligaments and structures. In turn, the child is provided more space to move into the occiput anterior position, the most preferable position for childbirth.

The Webster Technique is widely used, and studies show that it has a favorable rate of success. The following excerpt is from AmericanPregnancy.org:

The Journal of Manipulative and Physiological Therapeutics reported in the July/August 2002 issue an 82% success rate of babies turning vertex when doctors of chiropractic used the Webster Technique. Further, the results from the study suggest that it may be beneficial to perform the Webster Technique as soon as the 8th month of pregnancy when a woman has a breech presentation.

Constipation

Eventually, your body will produce more progesterone, a hormone that relaxes smooth muscles; unfortunately, your digestive tract is made of smooth muscles. When these muscles are relaxed, they don’t move food through your system quickly.

To counter this issue, a Fort Wayne, Indiana chiropractor, like Dr. Kraig C. Keys or Dr. Kim Keys Lenhart of Keys Chiropractic, can adjust a section of your lower back. This relieves pressure from nerve roots in the area, some of which control the intestines. As a result, the intestinal muscles respond to stimuli better and function correctly.

Chiropractors undergo extensive training that includes how to provide care for pregnant women. If you are interested in chiropractic care during pregnancy, be sure to look for an experienced and certified chiropractor in your area.

(Source: Chiropractic Care During Pregnancy; AmericanPregnancy.org)