It is estimated that nearly 75 percent of children under the age of three years will experience at least one ear infection. Ear infections are the most common reasons children are taken to their pediatrician. While ear infections are clearly “common” they are in no way without pain and discomfort to the child experiencing them. Ear infections occur when there is fluid build-up and inflammation in the middle ear and as a result of fluid stagnation results in possible bacteria build-up within the ear. 

Symptoms and Causes

Bacteria or virus in the middle ear is generally what results from congestion of fluid as a result of less than optimal flow of lymphatics within the head and neck areas. This causes ear infections, which can be painful due to inflammation and a build-up of fluids. Allergies, flu, and colds can produce an overproduction of fluids and hence, ear infection from the congestion and swelling of nasal passages, throat and eustachian tubes. Commonly the symptoms of fluid stagnation develops quickly. The most common symptoms include:

• Ear pain, worsened when lying down
• Difficulty sleeping
• Feeling of fullness in the ear
• Diminished hearing
• Loss of balance
• Fever
• Headache

Symptoms to Look for in Children

• Tugging or pulling on the ear
• Crying more than usual
• Irritable/changes in mood
• Lack of response to sounds
• Fevers over 100° F

Antibiotics are generally the first line of treatment when a child is seen for an Ear Infection. Along with antibiotics the physician may also recommend over-the-counter pain relief medications, ear drops, administering of heat and other interventions. 

Through Pediatric Craniosacral Therapy and other alternative manual hands-on techniques Ear Infections can be prevented and quickly eradicated.  How exactly? Be mindful of 2 things, (1) spinal and cranial misalignment can cause undue pulling on the child’s neck muscles creating fascial tension within the head and neck drainage canals, effecting the eustachian tubes; and (2) this tension leads to dysfunction of lymphatic system around and inside the ears that drain lymphatic fluid causing a build-up and creating an unhealthy environment and risk for infection.

Craniosacral Therapy will reduce the tension of misalignments all throughout the body–restoring normal muscular physiology. Gentle spinal adjustments to the musculoskeletal system reduce stress related interferences thereby enhancing overall body function. The Body’s systems (respiratory, circulatory, muscular, glandular, digestive, hormonal, eliminatory, and immunological) rely on the optimal functioning of the craniosacral system. 

Dr. Kaminsky’s care will allow the body to restore its natural state of function and health. The best course of action is to support the body in regaining its balanced flow within the lymphatic system. The science of physiology has made clear that the body is an intricate ecosystem. The care focuses on returning the body to normal physiological function. Once balanced your lymphatic system flow functions at optimal efficiency.

It’s important to understand that imbalance in the internal tissues of the cranium influence the structure and integrity of the Eustachian Tube. The Eustachian Tube is a small channel that drains fluid and mucous build up from the middle ear into the back of the throat.

For babies and children who suffer with ear infections Craniosacral treatment focuses on the fluid flow, re-alignment and balance of the cranial and facial structures that correlate to the Eustachian Tubes. This is because it’s critical that the Eustachian Tubes themselves is freely mobile and able to drain the middle ear.  Craniosacral Therapy has effectively treated children suffering from chronic ear infections. Craniosacral treatment addresses factors causing stress to the immune and nervous system which may be driving increased susceptibility to infection. These stressors are removed by releasing stagnation restrictions and fluid flow congestion in the cranium and the ears.

A healthy cranium is a balanced cranium where the Eustachian tube is a free channel that drains efficiently, keeping the middle ear clear and clean.   It’s when the Eustachian Tube is blocked that the middle ear can become infected, inflamed and swollen, becoming a perfect environment for the proliferation of bacteria and viruses.

Seeking out alternative means of treatment can be beneficial for the child and the parents. Craniosacral therapy for children with chronic Ear Infections can experience immediate improvement and relief long-term.