Avoidance of Ear Surgery & Tubes Through Chiropractic Care
A 13-month-old male was presented for chiropractic care with signs and symptoms of acute infections in both ears. Since the age of three months, he had experienced recurring ear and sinus infections, treated with multiple rounds of antibiotics. Due to the persistence of these infections, an ENT specialist had recommended immediate bilateral tympanostomy tube surgery, which was scheduled prior to the chiropractic consultation.
Seeking a non-surgical alternative, the child’s adoptive parents opted for chiropractic care. The chiropractor conducted an examination that included otoscopy, paraspinal thermography, static and motion palpation and thermal scanning. Care was delivered using the Gonstead technique, employing spinal adjustments to address vertebral subluxations.
The child responded quickly to care, with a marked reduction in symptoms following the first adjustment. By the fourth visit, the redness and inflammation of the tympanic membranes had resolved. As a result, the scheduled tympanostomy surgery was canceled. The child remained under ongoing chiropractic care and experienced no recurrence of ear infections or complications.
This case highlights the potential role of subluxation-based chiropractic care in resolving recurrent otitis media and preventing unnecessary surgical intervention in pediatric patients. The study’s author called for additional research to investigate the clinical implications of chiropractic in this population.
Reference:
Avoidance of Tympanostomy Tubes & Resolution of Recurrent Otitis Media in a Toddler Following Chiropractic Care to Reduce Vertebral Subluxation: A Case Study & Review of the Literature Christie Hafer, DC. Journal of Pediatric, Maternal & Family Health, Chiropractic ~ Volume 2025.
Otitis Media – FACTS
Otitis media, a common pediatric condition, involves inflammation and infection of the middle ear and often leads to recurring pain, hearing difficulties, and frequent medical interventions such as antibiotics or tympanostomy tube surgeries. While traditional medical treatments aim to manage the symptoms or provide temporary relief, they may not address underlying causes such as poor drainage of the middle ear or compromised immune function. This is where chiropractic care offers a unique and conservative approach that focuses on the nervous system and spinal health.
The nervous system controls and coordinates all functions of the body, including the immune response and the mechanisms that regulate ear drainage. Structural shifts in the spine can occur that obstruct the nerves and interfere with their function. These structural shifts can lead to obstruction of the nerves, and it is this obstruction, called vertebral subluxations, that chiropractors correct. In pediatric patients, especially infants and toddlers, these subluxations can develop from birth trauma, developmental stressors, or environmental factors like poor posture and prolonged bottle feeding.
When vertebral subluxations are present, they may affect the muscles responsible for opening the eustachian tubes, which help drain fluid from the middle ear. Impaired drainage leads to fluid buildup, creating an environment for infection. Chiropractors use gentle and specific adjustments to remove the structural shifts, improving nerve supply and function. As the nervous system returns to a more optimal state, the body is often better able to drain fluid, reduce inflammation, and mount a more effective immune response.
Chiropractic care does not treat the infection itself, but rather enhances the body’s natural ability to function and heal. Many case studies report improvements in children suffering from recurrent otitis media following chiropractic care, with reduced frequency of infections and avoidance of recommended surgeries. This natural approach supports overall health while potentially reducing the need for medication and invasive procedures.
