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Manoa Chiropractic and Therapeutic Massage

2851 E Manoa Road Suite 1-205

Honolulu, HI 96822 US

808-988-6113

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Ear Infections

  • Created in Common Conditions Treated, Pediatric Ailments
image of young boy covering his ears in pain
If your child experiences recurrent ear infections, chiropractic can help by restoring normal drainage of the lymphatic vessels.

Almost half of all children will suffer from at least one middle ear infection (otitis media) before they're a year old, and two-thirds of them will have had at least one episode by age three. The symptoms of otits media include ear pain, fever, and irritability. If you look into the ear of a child who has otitis media, you will be able to see a buildup of fluid behind the ear drum, and the inside of the ear will appear inflamed. Otitis media is caused by either a bacterial or viral infection and frequently results from another illness such as a cold. For many children, it can become a chronic problem, requiring treatment year after year, and putting the child at risk of permanent hearing damage and associated speech and developmental problems.

Otitis media commonly emerges when there is improper drainage of the lymph system in the neck, or when the muscle that is supposed to keep bacteria or viruses from entering the eustacean tubes (the tubes in the back of the throat that lead to the inner ear) doesn't work correctly. While both of these things can happen in adults, it usually does not result in an ear infection for two reasons: First, the shape and the length of the eustacean tubes are different in adults, allowing easier drainage and making it more difficult for a bacteria to invade. Second, adults tend to spend more time upright than young children do, which also encourages better drainage and decreases risk of infection.

In either case, the underlying root cause of otitis media is usually a mechanical problem. There is either a reduced or blocked drainage of the lymph vessels in the neck lymphatic chains that causes a build up of fluid in the inner ear, or a loss of normal function of the small muscle at the opening of the eustacean tube in the throat that allows bacteria and viruses from the mouth to enter the inner ear. Instead of treatment that tries to kill the bacteria or virus, a more natural approach would be to restore normal drainage of the ears and neck lymphatics. This is most effectively done through chiropractic.

Unfortunately, the current treatment of choice for medical doctors is to prescribe oral antibiotics, usually amoxicillin, which can be helpful to get rid of a bacterial infection. 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.

Most people have heard about the common practice of placing 'tubes in the ears' to relieve the pressure, and therefore pain, of otitis media. During this surgical procedure, a small opening is made in the eardrum and a small tube is placed in the opening. This opening helps to relieve the pressure in the ear and prevents fluid buildup. After a couple of months, the body pushes the tube out and the hole closes. Although the treatment is often effective, it does not address the underlying cause of the infection, which is the abnormal mechanical functioning of the lymphatics, muscles and nerves.

If your child experiences recurrent ear infections, it is important that you talk to your chiropractor. Doctors of chiropractic are licensed and trained to diagnose and treat patients of all ages and will use a gentler type of treatment for children. By helping to restore the normal function of the tissues of the neck, otitis media can usually be significantly reduced or completely eliminated in most children, without the use of antibiotics and surgery.

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Office Hours

*Please note that we are only open every other Saturday at the moment. Please view our Google listing to verify we are open!

Monday:

9:00am - 5:00pm

Tuesday:

9:00am - 5:00pm

Wednesday:

9:00am - 5:00pm

Thursday:

9:00am - 1:30pm

Friday:

9:00am - 6:00pm

Saturday:

9:00am - 7:00pm

Sunday:

Closed

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  • "First time trying a chiropractor, and needless to say I was not disappointed. They are very professional and quick to respond, great availability for my busy schedule!"
    Ella K.
  • "Dr. Kim is amazing! He's helped me through many different body injuries and is always such a joy! Definitely recommend seeing him!"
    U'ilani L.
  • "I've visited Dr. Kim and Charles about 30 times so far. They have done wonders for my chronic lower back pain that I've suffered with for the past 15 plus years. I highly recommend them and in fact many of my family members and friends have become their patients since my first visit in July 2018."
    Carlos Kaukahi S.
  • "Dr. Kim and his team of massage therapists and front desk assistants are the hidden gems of therapy. A good friend of mine introduced me to Manoa Chiropratic over a year ago. Since then my body has thanked me each time I walk out of there. Skilled, efficient and friendly! Plus, many folks don't know that this may be a coveted benefit through your insurance. Give them a go!"
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