Ear Infections & Gentle Chiropractic Care
Ear Infections & Gentle Chiropractic Care in Ormond Beach
Few things are harder than watching your child cry in pain. If your baby or child is experiencing recurrent ear infections, tugging at their ears, or difficulty sleeping due to discomfort, New Journey Chiropractic provides gentle, neurologically-focused care designed to support your child’s health and overall well-being.
What Are Ear Infections?
Ear infections are one of the most common reasons children visit the pediatrician. The most common type is called acute otitis media (AOM), which occurs when fluid and inflammation develop behind the eardrum, often following a cold or upper respiratory infection.
Some children experience only one ear infection, while others develop recurrent infections that can affect sleep, feeding, hearing, and overall comfort.
Because the structures of the ear and drainage pathways are still developing during infancy and early childhood, young children are more prone to ear infections than adults.
Common Signs & Symptoms
- Ear pain or pulling at the ears
- Fussiness or irritability
- Difficulty sleeping
- Crying when lying flat
- Fever
- Decreased appetite
- Difficulty nursing or bottle feeding
- Balance problems
- Fluid draining from the ear
- Trouble hearing or not responding to sounds
- Frequent colds or congestion
- Head tilting or holding one side of the head
In babies, symptoms can be more subtle and may include:
- Increased crying
- Difficulty settling
- Frequent nighttime waking
- Refusing feeds
- Rubbing the ear against a parent’s shoulder
Possible Causes
Ear infections can develop for many reasons, including:
- Viral upper respiratory infections
- Bacterial infections
- Fluid trapped behind the eardrum
- Eustachian tube dysfunction
- Seasonal allergies
- Enlarged adenoids
- Exposure to cigarette smoke
- Premature birth
- Frequent daycare exposure
- Family history of recurrent ear infections
- Feeding while lying flat
Young children are particularly susceptible because their Eustachian tubes are shorter, narrower, and more horizontal than those of adults, making drainage less efficient.
Red Flags
Parents should seek prompt medical attention if their child has:
- A fever higher than 104°F
- Severe ear pain
- Fluid or pus draining from the ear
- Swelling or redness behind the ear
- Neck stiffness
- Persistent vomiting
- Difficulty breathing
- Extreme lethargy
- Facial weakness
- New balance problems or dizziness
- Seizures
These symptoms may indicate a more serious condition requiring immediate evaluation.
How New Journey Chiropractic Approaches Care
At New Journey Chiropractic, we understand how frustrating recurrent ear infections can be for families.
Our approach focuses on evaluating the nervous system and looking for areas of tension or imbalance that may affect your child’s comfort, posture, drainage pathways, and overall function.
Dr. Jayme performs a thorough evaluation that may include:
- Pregnancy and birth history
- History of ear infections
- Nervous system assessment
- Head and neck mobility
- Cranial and facial symmetry evaluation
- Postural assessment
- Developmental milestone review
- Feeding and sleep history
Pediatric chiropractic care is gentle, specific, and tailored to your child’s age and developmental stage. There is no forceful twisting or aggressive manipulation.
Our goal is not to “cure” ear infections, but to support nervous system function, promote comfort, and help children function at their best while working alongside their pediatrician.
Collaboration With Other Healthcare Providers
We believe children receive the best care when providers work together.
Depending on your child’s needs, Dr. Jayme may collaborate with:
- Pediatricians
- ENT (Ear, Nose, and Throat) specialists
- Audiologists
- Speech therapists
- Occupational therapists
- Lactation consultants
- Pediatric dentists
If your child requires antibiotics, hearing evaluations, or discussions about ear tubes, we will help ensure you are connected with the appropriate specialists.
Are ear infections common in babies and young children?
Yes. Ear infections are extremely common, especially during the first few years of life. Many children experience at least one ear infection before age three.
Can chiropractic care cure ear infections?
No. Chiropractic care does not cure ear infections. However, gentle chiropractic care may help support nervous system function and overall comfort as part of your child’s healthcare plan.
Is chiropractic care safe for children with ear infections?
Yes. Pediatric chiropractic care uses gentle, age-appropriate techniques designed specifically for infants and children. Care is always tailored to your child’s age, size, and comfort level.
Will my child still need antibiotics?
Possibly. Treatment recommendations depend on your child’s age, symptoms, and the severity of the infection. We encourage families to follow their pediatrician’s recommendations and are happy to work alongside their medical team.
When are ear tubes recommended?
Ear tubes may be recommended for children with recurrent infections, persistent fluid behind the eardrum, or hearing concerns. This decision is typically made in consultation with a pediatrician and ENT specialist.
If your baby is struggling with sleep, frequent waking, or difficulty settling, you do not have to navigate it alone.
At New Journey Chiropractic, we provide gentle, neurologically-focused care designed to support your baby’s comfort, development, and overall well-being—while supporting the entire family along the way.
Related Conditions
Meet Dr. Jayme
Dr. Jayme Frear is a Registered Nurse and Doctor of Chiropractic who is currently pursuing her Master’s Degree in Pediatrics.
Her backgrounds in nursing and chiropractic allow her to take a comprehensive, family-centered approach to caring for children. She understands how exhausting recurrent ear infections can be for families and believes parents deserve compassionate care, honest answers, and a provider who listens.
Dr. Jayme is passionate about helping children thrive while supporting parents every step of the way.