Ear infections are a secondary disease due to complications of other conditions such as the common cold. Ear infections affect two thirds of American children by two years of age making it the most common diagnosis of children and the second most common diagnosis in medicine. Children are more susceptible to ear infections because of the angle of the drainage tube called the Eustachian tube. In a child, this tube is horizontal allowing for germs to more easily invade. In addition, the horizontal tube makes it more difficult for fluid to drain properly from the middle ear also promoting infection.
By treating the neck in a child, chiropractors can help alleviate and/or prevent ear infections. Chiropractic adjustments promote drainage of fluids within the middle ear, preventing bacteria from having the opportunity to reproduce.