Otitis Media

Case study and selective review of literature show positive correlation:

Resolution of Otitis Media in a Nine Month Old

Undergoing Chiropractic Care

(October 4, 2010, Bemidji, MN). A nine-month-old boy with a history of recurring ear infections who received chiropractic care during an episode of otitis media which resulted in the reduction of symptoms within a week.  Additionally, according to the case study published in The Journal of Maternal & Family, no ear infections have been reported since.

            Bemidji-based Dr. Mike Headlee, who has seen similar results in his own practice stated, “Chiropractic care has historically had favorable and lasting results for patients with otitis media. Unlike the typical allopathic method of attempting to kill the bacteria or virus, chiropractic seeks to restore normal function of the nervous system which in turn results in a stronger immune system.”

            Acute otitis media results in inflammation of the middle ear and is caused by bacteria is 70% of the cases.  The most common cause of childhood hearing loss is chronic otitis media and can result in developmental impairment affecting linguistic, behavior, motor and social skills.

            In 1990 there were more than 20 million prescriptions for otitis media-related antibacterials prescribed and 25 million visits made to office-based physicians in the United States for this condition.  Approximately 10% of infants by 3 months of age will have an episode of acute otitis media and 50% of children by 3 years of age will have had more than three episodes of acute otitis media.  The annual costs associated with management of pediatric otitis media has been estimated at $5.3 billion.

            “Prescribed treatment is typically a course of antibiotics.” Dr. Headlee related.  “Problems with antibiotic use include allergic reactions and cross-reactions, GI upset and the increased resistance of pathogens to antibiotics necessitating stronger antibiotics.”

            In this study the 9 month old patient was brought into the chiropractic clinic by his

Resolution of Otitis Media                                                      Dr. Mike Headelee

October 4, 2010                                                                          (218) 333-8811

Page 2 of 2                                                                                  mikeheadleedc@gmail.com

mother who stated he was having recurring ear infections.  She also relayed that there was a possibility of having tubes placed in his ears in the future.  The patient’s mother stated that the ear infections started after four months of vaccinations; he was four months old at the time.  The child was administered antibiotics and was afflicted with ear infections about every three weeks. 

“Within the first week of regular adjustments the child was sleeping better,” said Dr. Headlee.  An examination performed on the second week found both ears clear, with some wax, but no fluid.  The child was adjusted three times that week as well as the next and twice a week for the fourth week of care.  Both ears were clear and the patient was assessed as showing improvement. 

A re-examination performed in the fifth week of care found no infections and the mother reported his naps were longer and he was getting better quality sleep.  On the seventh week of care the patient visited his ENT and his ears were reported as clear with no need for tubes. 

            “Chiropractic literature has several studies showing the benefit of chiropractic adjustments and otitis media,” explained Dr. Headlee, “and these studies show that there is a strong correlation between the resolution of otitis media and chiropractic adjustments.  That being said, further research concerning the efficacy of chiropractic care and otitis media should be pursued.” 

            Anyone wishing more information may contact Dr. Headlee, whose office is located at 223 Third Street N.W., Bemidji, MN  56601 (telephone 218-333-8811).