Tag Archives: children’s health

Chiropractic and Childhood Ear Infections

Childhood ear infections, or otitis media, are a frequent concern for parents seeking gentle and natural approaches to support their children’s health. Chiropractic, rooted in the philosophy of optimizing the body’s innate ability to heal, offers an approach centered on nervous system function and spinal alignment.

Chiropractic and Childhood Ear Infections

Ear infections often involve fluid accumulation and pressure in the middle ear, which is frequently linked to Eustachian tube dysfunction. The Eustachian tube plays a vital role in maintaining ear health, and its function is closely connected to the alignment of the cervical spine. Misalignments, or subluxations, in the upper cervical region, may interfere with the nerves that regulate these structures. By addressing subluxations through chiropractic adjustments, many parents report improvements in their children’s ear health, as the body’s natural drainage and immune responses are better supported.

The relationship between chiropractic care and pediatric ear infections

A study published in the Journal of Manipulative and Physiological Therapeutics examined the relationship between chiropractic care and pediatric ear infections (1). It was found that children receiving chiropractic adjustments experienced fewer episodes and less severity of ear infections over time. The authors suggest that this may result from restoring nervous system balance and enhanced fluid movement in the ear, allowing the body to resolve infections more effectively (Mills et al., 2003).

Chiropractors work with children by carefully assessing spinal alignment, particularly focusing on areas affecting the head and neck. The adjustment process is gentle and tailored to each child’s unique needs, respecting their developing systems. This philosophy emphasizes that the body functions optimally when interference in the nervous system is minimized.

Parents often find value in chiropractic for ear infections, not just in symptom relief but in fostering overall health. While the results can vary, many families appreciate the proactive focus on allowing the body to perform as it was designed. Chiropractic aims not to “treat” the infection directly but to support the nervous system’s communication pathways, encouraging natural resolution.

The growing interest in chiropractic for children underscores a desire for approaches that align with the body’s inherent potential to thrive, reflecting a trust in its remarkable design.

Call today for an appointment!

If your child suffers from ear infections, you may be able to find relief through chiropractic care.

(517) 627-4547


  1. Mills, M. V., Henley, C. E., Barnes, L. L., & Carreiro, J. E. (2003). Chiropractic care and otitis media: A systematic review. Journal of Manipulative and Physiological Therapeutics, 26(3), 160-169.

The Negative Health Effects of Heavy Backpacks, And How Your Kids Can Avoid Them

This article originally appeared on The Active Times by Katie Rosenbrock.backbacks

Back to school means back to the books, which is great for kids’ brains, but not so much for their backs.

According to the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP), a child’s backpack shouldn’t weigh more than 10 to 20 percent of their weight, but often this limit is exceeded, and it could certainly lead to strain and even injury.

There are several research studies showing the long-term effects of carrying a heavy backpack.

Wearing a heavy backpack for prolonged periods may cause excessive strain in one’s neck, back and shoulders. Over time, muscles may fatigue, and the wearer may fall into poor posture, which may lead to muscle imbalances, which, if long-term, may cause increased risk of injury.

Additionally, children who wear heavy backpacks have a tendency to lean forward to support the weight, which further implicates their posture. Plus, for small children, heavy backpacks increase their risk of falling.

Clearly there are a handful of risks involved with bearing the brunt of a backpack that’s just too heavy for a kid to handle, yet a 2002 study out of Texas found that most parents (about 96 percent) don’t inspect the weight of their kid’s backpacks.

Determining an Appropriate Backpack Weight and Avoiding Back Painbackbacks

The AAP recommends a child’s backpack weigh no more than 10 to 20 percent of their body weight, but according to The New York Times, a recent survey from Consumer Reports suggests aiming for the lower, 10-percent end of that spectrum. Quinn agrees.

Also worth noting, that same report found girls and shorter children may be most at risk for back pain resulting from heavy backpacks, so for smaller-statured kids, it’s especially important to find a backpack that fits well.

It’s important to make sure the straps are wide, padded and adjustable, so the backpack fits the child well

The backpack should be close to the body and should not hang too far below the waist. The best advice for older kids is to wear the straps on both shoulders and evenly distribute the items in the backpack.”

The risk for injury increases, Quinn explains, when the backpack is worn over one shoulder or when most of the items are packed to one side, which often causes the carrier to shift or bend to the side to bear the weight.

She emphasized the importance of carrying the backpack with both straps to distribute the weight evenly over both shoulders.

Removing unnecessary items from the backpack daily is also key..

Relieving Neck and Shoulder Strainbackpacks

Prevention is of utmost importance, but for kids who are already experiencing strain in their necks, shoulders and backs due to a heavy backpack, Quinn offers a few restorative stretches and exercises that may help.

“Heavy backpacks may cause the wearer to bend forward, causing increased strain on the lower back,” she explains. “It may cause a forward head and rounded shoulder posture, which may result in tight pectoralis muscles and excessive strain on the cervical spine (neck). Pec and upper-trap stretches may improve the flexibility of these muscles and prevent long-term postural deficits.”

As chiropractors we cannot stress how important it is that back packs are worn correctly, as well as carried correctly.   We can always check that your child pack is correct for them if you bring them into the office.  Let’s catch problems before they develop.  Dr C

How Can You Tell if Your Child Has a Subluxation?

There are many simple things that can tell you. Let us count the ways….How Can You Tell if Your Child Has a Subluxation

  • Does one foot turn out or turn in when she walks?
  • Does he have trouble concentrating?
  • When she is laying face up (supine) does one leg appear longer than the other?
  • Is one shoulder higher than the other?
  • Does one arm appear longer than the other when touching palms together and placing hands in front of the body?
  • Is he fidgety? Clumsy? Unable to stay still?
  • When she stands on one foot for a few seconds, then switches her feet, does she have trouble balancing?

But there’s much more to consider too; children exhibiting any neurological or immunological condition need to be checked by a chiropractor for subluxations (and adjusted if any are found).

Subluxations relate to:

  • allergies
  • asthma
  • ASD
  • ADD
  • poor immune function
  • headaches,
  • even cancer (see below)
  • colds
  • heart conditions
  • eye/vision problems
  • ear/hearing problems
  • digestive problems
  • poor energy
  • and much, much more.

Got it? Your children get their eyes, teeth, etc. checked – how about their spines? All children need to be checked for subluxations. Bring in the whole family.