Get Rid of Your Child's Ear Infection Without Antibiotics

Is your child pulling on their ears or complaining of ear pain, running a fever, or irritable? Then you are one of 10 million parents whose children are affected by ear infections every year. Middle ear infections also known as otitis media account for more than 35% of all pediatric visits, as a result parents want answers and solutions to cutting down the length of ear infections and the cost of treatment. As a Peoria chiropractor, I am very concerned for every child that comes into my office complaining of chronic ear infections because this can put children at risk of permanent hearing damage as well as speech and developmental difficulties.

Young children are more at risk for developing ear infections because their eustachian tube (where the ear drains) is still developing and is oriented horizontally which doesn't facilitate drainage like in the adult ear where it angles downward to allow fluid to drain more easily. By the age of 2, this tube is usually oriented in a better position to reduce the risk of ear infection however some children may have spinal misalignments in the upper neck that contribute to a buildup of fluid in the ear and cause chronic ear infections.

Ear infections can result from either a bacterial or viral infection due tofluid that has built up in the ear.  For many children, these ear infections can become a chronic problem that requires multiple antibiotic treatments and possibly even a recommendation for serious surgery to place tubes in the ear to facilitate drainage. In fact, frequent ear infections are the second most common reason for surgery in children under 2.

What are my child's treatment options?

Traditional medical treatment focuses on antibiotics which may only be effective if the infection is caused by a bacterial. Repeated dosage of antibiotics have shown to be less effective than the child's own immune system and may actually create antibiotic resistant bacteria that can cause more serious health conditions.

Another option is a myringotomy or tympanostomy surgery, which consists of  placing a small opening in the eardrum for a tube to be inserted. This tube helps to relieve pressure in the ear and vents fresh air to prevent further infection, but in most cases the tube is pushed out after a couple of months. 20-30% of these surgeries will need to be repeated and in some cases will need to be followed with a more serious surgery to remove the adenoids, called an adenoidectomy.

More parents than ever are now considering chiropractic care as an option for their children because it is a safe, non invasive option that focuses on realigning the spinal bones in the neck to allow for better ear drainage and allows for the child's immune system to fight off the infection. The nerves in the upper neck direct drainage from the ear and also encourage the child's immune system to build up resistance that can prevent future ear infections. Chiropractic care for children suffering from ear infections focuses primarily on gentle chiropractic adjustments to the upper neck and entails approximately 6-8 treatments for the average child. Other factors that may effect length or frequency of treatment include the severity of the infection, how long it has been going on, and if they have previously taken antibiotics. At AlignLife, I perform a thorough examination of the child and ask about other factors that may be contributing to your child's condition such as diet or exposure to second hand smoke. In many cases, parents are surprised how quickly their child improves and embrace the effectiveness of chiropractic care in maintaining a wellness lifestyle for the whole family.

Research

Dr. Joan Fallon, a New York chiropractor, has published research showing that after receiving chiropractic care, nearly 80% of children were free of ear infections for at least 6 months following their initial visit.

A 1996 study published in the Journal of Manipulative and Physiological Therapeutics, found a 93% rate of improvement for children that underwent chiropractic care for their ear pain/infection. This study also found that children that had not previously undergone antibiotic treatment required fewer treatments to relieve their symptoms.

For more information about chiropractic care for children suffering from ear infections, please feel free to give my office a call 309-689-6200 to setup a free ear infection consultation during the month of August.

5 Ways to Get Your Children to Listen and Obey the First Time...

Do your children seem to ignore everything you say?

Do they seem to forget their chores or just selectively not hear your nagging?

Area you sick of yelling and time outs that just leave your throat hoarse and your child crying?

Well I've got some great tips on how to turn your frown upside down and get your children to actually listen. You'll have a cleaner house and a happier family when everyone is working together and speaking the same language when it comes to getting those chores done.

One thing that is really important to remember when dealing with children of differing ages is that their brains are all functioning on different wavelengths. What does this mean? In a nutshell, your 2 year old doesn't think the same way as your 8 year old, so you may have to use different consequences or approaches for each child. The basics are the same though, when you nag and drag out the point of your conversation, children's attention spans tend to block out what you're saying and miss the fact that they need to take out the trash that night. I'm going to share 5 different communication tips and tricks to help you get your household back under your control.

1)  Jog Their Memory
Don't nag. Repeating your commands over and over to children will cause 'tune out'. Instead try keeping a list of their chores or responsibilities on the fridge and having them refer to it often if they are forgetting something. If they frequently forget a chore, try jogging their memory with a single word rather than a lecture. For example, try saying "teeth" to remind children to brush their teeth instead of chanting it like a rain dance every night. Kids know what they are supposed to do but due to brain remodeling around kindergarten and middle school, they may need a simple reminder to jog their memory.

2) Add Positive Incentives
Adding an incentive may be a great way to motivate the whole family to get their chores done on time. For example, with younger children sticker charts work great when you can "redeem" stickers for a bigger prize like staying up later while older children may appreciate something more concrete like a family movie and game night when everyone does their chores all week. If the whole family knows they have to keep on track and complete their chores they may remind each other of something that wasn't done.

3) Tell Them Why
Children's brains are always looking to make connections so it is important to give them a reason why to do a certain thing. They need to be able to rationalize and make connections in order to have common sense and be able to problem solve on their own. So the next time you're running out of breath screaming at your child to sit down at the table, explain to him/her that chairs are meant for sitting and standing on chairs makes them dirty.

4) Teach Them Feelings instead of Actions
Children bite, hit, scream and throw tantrums when they don't know how to express what they are feeling. Its hard to stop yourself from saying too much or making your child feel invalidated when they don't feel heard. Instead, listen first then teach them the words to express how they are feeling and work together to create a solution. So the next time Sally runs up to you saying that Tom won't share a toy: Listen to her frustration, identify the emotion (You seem very frustrated), and then ask what a possible solution that would keep both of them happy could be. You may be surprised when Sally suggests taking turns and they are both happy when you set a kitchen timer so they get equal play time.

5) Give them Options
Children LOVE to be in control and be independent. Give them a choice so its always their idea :) For example, you're running late to soccer practice and Joey doesn't want to put on his coat and shoes to leave. Instead of lecturing and yelling, ask if he'd like to put on his coat or his shoes first. Either way he's getting ready to leave but now its HIS choice of which to do first.

5 Games You Should Play with Your Toddler

Last week I posted an article on boosting baby's brain development at an early age and discussed the importance of interaction. But these "hands on" activities aren't just for babies! There are many games or activities you can do with your toddler or child to help increase brain connections called synapses which can help with development and knowledge of how things relate together. In addition these games can help improve motor skills which are needed for hand-eye coordination and balance as they grow.

I've listed 4 games below that you should definitely put in the line up this summer for your toddler.

1) Tea Party for Stuffed Animals
Outdoor tea parties aren't just for children! Grab a blanket and serve up a spread for your little ones and      their stuffed animals. It can help spur the imagination, increase fine motor skills required for cutting small        snacks and gripping small cups, and its a great way to learn social etiquette. I personally always thing of Gru and the girls from Despicable Me "clinking" whenever I think of a tea party :)

2) Go for a Nature Hike
Grab the kiddos and a bag to collect scavenger hunt items such as twigs, leaves, and rocks. Make sure to point out hidden things such as mushrooms growing from beneath moist leaves or moss growing on a tree and encourage them to feel the different textures of nature with their fingers to improve their tactile sensation.

3) Chalk It Up
A bucket of sidewalk chalk is a small investment for the amount of time your children can use it to play. I'd recommend building a couple of hopscotch trails for them to hop along and drawing some animals for them to guess what they are. Show them how to trace their hands or feet and they'll be set in finding new things to trace. This can encourage motor and language development as they identify animals or numbers while hopping around on one foot.

4) Have a Ball
It might take awhile for toddlers to get the hang of catching or throwing a ball but its important to teach them to aim early (unless of course you like the breeze from a broken window!). Catching is usually easier for them to grasp but you'll need to assist by throwing the ball directly into their outstretched arms until they understand that their feet must move towards where the ball will land. To practice throwing try having them toss wadded up paper, bean bags, or Wiffle balls into a trash can or laundry basket. To step it up a notch use streamers and a hula hoop to make a "ring of fire" for them to toss into. (The ring of fire also works as a great attraction at parties)

5) Parachute Games
Hold a sheet or blanket by the corners to toss items such as socks or Wiffle balls high into the air. According to Dr. Lisa Chiarello, a pediatric physical therapist and associate professor at Drexel University in Philadelphia, reports that "while your child's bouncing the object with his arms, he's learning the concept of up and down. And because you're both moving your feet a little too, he's practicing stepping sideways, in and out.".

Still concerned about your child's development or want some more personal advice for your family's situation? Call AlignLife at 689-6200 to schedule a free consultation with Dr. Andrea Schnowske.

3 Ways to Boost Baby's Development At Home

Every child grows at a different rate and meets milestones at a different pace because there is a wide range of "normal" when it comes to growing up. But the biggest concern for most parents happens when their babies fall behind in reaching milestones or have issues with physical coordination.

According to Dr. Karl Rosengren, a professor of psychology at Northwestern University, many children that are behind in their development such as not meeting milestones can benefit from consistent additional help at home. So what can you do to help baby's development and strengthen those much needed core skills needed for on track development?

1.)  Host a Sing A Long Time
The rhythm of nursery rhymes or song can help build an early form of coordination and assist with brain development. As an additional bonus try moving baby's arms to the beat or acting out the nursery rhyme as this can also improve brain development and also boost learning capacity later in childhood.

2.)  Take Time Out for Baby Wearing and Tummy Time
Baby wearing is a great tradition for families because it allows interaction with mom or dad to help stimulate sensory development and encourages baby's neck and upper body muscles to develop which can help protect them from health issues later in life. I also recommend at least 15-30 minutes of tummy time daily  to ensure that your child's muscles and basic motor skills are developing on track. I recommend laying baby on your chest and making cooing noises for parents who are trying tummy time for the first time. In addition according to the American Physical Therapy Association, babies who play or lie on their bellies meet motor milestones quicker than their peers so make sure you make time for baby!

3.)  Have a Ball
Encourage baby to develop hand to eye coordination by playing with balls at a young age. Rolling a ball can not only help with sight tracking but can also help baby's brain make coordination connections at a young age to encourage balance and motor skill mastery. Kim Graber, associate professor of kinesiology and community health at University of Illinois reports that babies love to play with balls and they can learn key skills from basic games.

If you're still worried that your child is not reaching milestones on track and are concerned it may be due to a sensory disorder or brain development issue, call my office at 689-6200 for a free baby development consultation to discuss underlying health concerns and ways to boost healthy brain development at home with simple exercises.

Chiropractic Adjustments Superior to Medication for Low Back Pain

Low back pain is one of the most common conditions that affects Americans today and it affects approximately 31 million every year. It is the most common cause of missing work and 20% of workers that take leave for low back pain become disabled.

Many traditional medical treatments used for low back pain are costly and inefficient which leads to the further budget and health care cost constraints for the US. The cost of low back pain is astounding and is a severe detriment to our health care system and our national budget. In 1998, the direct costs associated with low back pain were estimated at $26.3 billion.  This cost does not include indirect costs such as lost income from work, decreased productivity, or costs associated with care of daily activities that cannot be performed.

Traditional medical treatments rely on medication to cover up the pain, physical therapy to strengthen muscles but ignore the underlying joint issue, or surgery to cut out painful tissues without prevention for future injury. This treatment model can lead to recurrent injuries or medication addiction that can cause further health issues but a feeling of helplessness for the patient.

A recent double blind study looked at effectiveness of current treatment options including the nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug diclofenac, spinal adjustments, and placebo in three separate groups. Participants reported  physical disability, function, off work time, adn rescue medication usage. The results revealed the chiropractic adjustments were superior to diclofenac and placebo with faster pain relief and better function and quality of life improvements. In addition, the spinal adjustment group used 3 times less rescue medication than the diclofenac group with the number of days of usage of that rescue medication being half that of the diclofenac group.1

This study is revolutionary in the fact that the author demands the replacement of ineffective treatments with better alternatives such as chiropractic adjustments in an effort to provide better patient care and outcomes as well as reduce the costs associated with low back pain.

As a Peoria chiropractor, I have helped many patients who've failed to respond to traditional medical treatment or have had their back pain return after treatment. Here at AlignLife, I focus on finding the root cause of the problem and correcting that first, followed by recommended the proper nutrition required for optimal healing and the preventative exercises necessary to prevent the injury from recurring. I want to make sure that patients have the tools they need to get better, stay better, and live better.

If you've been dealing with back pain and haven't been seen by a chiropractor, then you need to try it now. Call 309-689-6200 to schedule a free low back pain consultation at AlignLife today.

References
1 von Heymann et al. Spinal high-velocity low amplitude manipulation in acute nonspecific low back pain: a double-blinded randomized controlled trial in comparison with diclofenac and placebo. Spine 2013 April 1; 38(7):540-8

Is Medication Causing Your Erectile Dysfunction?

If you've experienced erectile dysfunction, you are not alone. According to the National Institutes of Health over 30 million Americans frequently have problems developing or keeping an erection. Your risk for ED goes up as you age, so its very important to be proactive in keeping your sexual health brimming before you have an issue in the first place.

The are many situations and stressors that can affect libido and the ability to have an erection, however in many cases the problem may be "under the hood". There are four things that need to be working correctly in order for men to sustain a normal erection.

1. The stimulus from the brain must be present.
2. The nerves directing the process must be functioning at 100%.
3. The blood circulation to the penis must be adequate.
4. The veins must be able to trap and keep the blood within the penis.

In many cases the nerve supply from the brain or nerves of the spine can be inhibited due to poor posture habits, previous spinal injury, or arthritis in the spine. As a Peoria chiropractor, I have seen huge improvements in nerve function with simple chiropractic adjustments to align the joints of the spine. Chiropractic adjustments are a safe and conservative treatment that works to restore nerve function in many different areas of the body. In addition, many postural issues and limited mobility due to arthritis can be corrected or improved with simple strengthening exercises.

In some instances, the blood supply to the penis can be affected due to muscle tension that restricts blood flow to the pelvic organs. When you relax musculature with therapeutic massage and restore normal posture with strengthening exercises, you can increase the blood flow necessary to sustain an erection.

Many men are not able to rely on the prescription medication that traditional medical doctors suggest due to negative interactions with their current medication. However, a recent study revealed that men taking medications may actually have an  INCREASED risk of erectile dysfunction. The 2012 study published in BJU International found erectile dysfunction was more prevalent the more medications men were taking. 

Increased risk percentages are listed below.

Men taking 0-2 Medications had a 15.9% increased risk of ED.

Men taking 3-5 Medications had a 19.7% increased risk of ED.

Men taking 6-9 Medications had a 25.5% increased risk of ED.

Men taking 10+ Medications had a 30.9% increased risk of ED.

References

1. Londono et al. "Population-based study of erectile dysfunction and polypharmacy". BJU International , 2012; 100(2):254-9. http://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1111/j.1464-410X.2011.10761.x/abstract 

Can Chiropractic Care Help with Pregnancy Back Pain?

During pregnancy, the soon-to-be mom's center of gravity begins to shift forward in her pelvis as the uterus grows in size and she gains an average of 25 to 35 pounds over the course of her pregnancy. This increased weight and change in disbursement can cause increased stress on the spine and low back specifically. Recent studies report that approximately half of expectant mothers will develop back pain at some point in their pregnancy.1-3 In addition, baby's head can also place pressure on nerves causing pain into the buttocks and legs. It is important to realize the normal anatomy before you can begin to understand how chiropractic can benefit pregnant mothers.

The uterus is attached to your spine and pelvis by three ligaments that help suspend the uterus in the abdomen without twisting. However due to postural imbalances or malposition of the bones of the spine or pelvis, the uterus can become tipped or twisted which can not only increase constraint on the growing babe within you but also cause back pain for the expectant mother.

As a Peoria pregnancy chiropractor, I have found that its a great idea for women to get their spine checked when they first become pregnant, throughout pregnancy, and after birth. Any imbalances within the spine and pelvis can be corrected before they can contribute to pregnancy discomfort, problems during childbirth, or chronic pain conditions. Some chiropractors, such as myself, have also undergone additional training with regard to modified adjusting procedures or specialized pregnancy techniques such as Webster Technique that can make chiropractic care safe for the mom-to-be.

Chiropractic care is safe for the mom to be and is especially useful for mother's wishing to avoid harmful medications that can injury their unborn baby. Doctors of Chiropractic can also offer advice on nutrition, exercise, and ergonomics that can aid expectant mothers in a healthy pregnancy and reduce injury.

A February 1991 study published in the Journal of Manipulative Physiologic Therapy found that 84% of pregnant mothers reported relief of back pain during pregnancy. There was also a significantly less likelihood of back labor when chiropractic adjustments were provided.4

17 cases of low back pain during pregnancy treated with chiropractic care were reviewed. Average pain scale improved from 5.9 at first visit to 1.5 at the termination of care. The average number of visits before pain relief was reported was 1.8 days with an average time of 4.5 days after the first visit. 94.1% of cases demonstrated significant improvement. No adverse events were reported.5

In one specific case, a 29 year old female presented with low back pain and history of two previous Caesarean deliveries due to failure to advance during labor and associated fetal distress. The patient underwent chiropractic care utilizing Thompson drop and Webster Technique. She reported alleviation of low back pain and successful vaginal birth.6

Want more information about how chiropractic can help your pregnancy? Call my office (309) 689-6200 to schedule a free pregnancy consultation today!

                

References

1. Östgaard HC, et al. Prevalence of Back Pain in Pregnancy. Spine 1991;16:549-52.
2. Berg G, et al. Low back pain during pregnancy. Obstet Gynecol 1988;71:71-5.
3. Mantle MJ, et al. Backache in pregnancy. Rheumatology Rehabilitation 1977;16:95-101.
4. Daikow et al. Back Pain during pregnancy and labor. J Manipulative Physiol Ther 1991 Feb;12(2):116-8
5. Lisi AJ. Chiropractic spinal manipulation for low back pain of pregnancy: a retrospective case series. J Midwifery Womens Health 2006 Jan-Feb; 51(1):e7-10
6. Alcantara J The Chiropractic Care of a Gravid Patient with a History of Multiple Caesarean Births and Vertebral Subluxation. Journal of Vertebral Subluxation Res. March 11, 2008