Migraines really sap your energy and leave you tired and feeling unwell for many days at a time. This is hard enough for adults to cope with but even more difficult for children who get migraines. In fact, it seems downright unfair for a child to have to deal with the pain of migraines. Unfortunately, it does happen. In fact, many children with migraines grow up to have migraines as an adult. The following facts about children and migraines may surprise you:

How to Recognize Migraines in Children

It is important to note that migraines are not just really bad headaches. In fact, a headache is only a symptom of a migraine, albeit the most prominent one. Migraines are actually a complex neurological condition. They may have the following symptoms:

When it comes to children and migraines, their attacks usually occur less often and are shorter in nature. However, they can be just as debilitating. Migraines affect a child’s life quality. The child often is forced to miss out on social and family activities, leading to feeling depressed or anxious about the onset of the next migraine.

Migraines in children are more common than most people realize. By the age of 17, as many as 23 percent of girls and 8 percent of boys have had a migraine at least one time. Migraines remain a mystery among researchers and the medical community. This is true for both adults and children. However, a combination of both environmental and genetic factors seem to play a role. More than 50 percent of those with migraines also have a relative suffering from migraines as well.

The Disabling Effects of Migraines on Young People

Even though children often get less severe symptoms than adults, they stiff suffer. Migraines hold children back from really enjoying life. They may cause children to develop anxiety because they do not know when the next migraine will hit. This can cause them to avoid committing to spending time with their friends. Most children with migraines do not take part in after-school activities or play sports. In addition, children with migraines miss school twice as much as children without migraines.

Adolescents often have chronic migraines, occurring for more than 15 days during a month’s time. These are one of the most debilitating migraine types. They can last anywhere from 4 hours to 3 months! For most teens, this feels like having a daily headache, and often that is just what it is. In addition to headaches, these youths often experience additional symptoms:

Chronic migraines are difficult to cope with and definitely have a negative impact on a child’s life quality.

Jacob’s Experience with Migraines

Jacob Hollady is a 12-year-old boy who was suffering from migraines. His story was featured on ABC news. He was admitted to Children’s Hospital in Los Angeles, California because he had been suffering for 5 days with a horrendous migraine. He said his pain was on both sides of his head near his temples, but mostly on the left side. His mother reported how he had missed 2 weeks of school previously and now had missed an entire week due to this migraine. Jacob was suffering, and there is not one medication the FDA has approved for children to take. So, what are parents to do when their child is in pain like Jacob?

Natural, Safe, and Effective Relief for Migraines

Finding relief for migraines can be tricky because no one really understands why they occur. It is agreed upon that they are neurological in origin, but no traditional way to care for them has been 100 percent successful. However, upper cervical chiropractors are seeing much success in caring for their patients with migraines, no matter their age.

A misalignment in the C1 or C2 vertebra of the neck has been seen to be an underlying cause of migraines. Because of their ability to let the head move in many directions, these bones misalign very easily. It only takes a mild blow to the head to cause these bones to move out of place. In fact something as simple as childbirth can make these bones misalign. Even falling when learning to walk can be an issue as well. Playing outside, riding a bike, playing sports, or other childhood activities are enough to cause these bones to misalign. When out of alignment, these bones can put the brainstem under stress and cause it to send improper signals to the brain. This can be a reason migraines occur.

We use a gentle method to realign these bones. It is safe for children and adults alike. In fact, even infants can have this type of adjustment without any negative effects. This is, in part, due to the fact that we do not pop or crack the neck or spine to get positive results. Once these bones are realigned and communication is restored between the brain and the body, the end result can be relief from migraines as has been seen in numerous studies.

BPPV is one of the most common causes of vertigo.  Vertigo, which can be a scary and intense experience, is described as the false sensation that you yourself are spinning or that your surroundings are spinning around you.  Because BPPV is so prevalent, answering some of the most frequently asked questions about the condition can help you gain a better understanding of your options for finding some relief.

Question #1: What does BPPV stand for?

BPPV is an abbreviation for benign paroxysmal positional vertigo.  While this might seem like a mouthful, it’s actually quite easy to understand once you know what each word is describing:

Question #2: What causes BPPV?

As part of the normal makeup of the inner ear, crystals of calcium carbonate called otoconia play a role in helping your body sense motion and balance.  Otoconia normally remain embedded in a part of the inner ear called the utricle. However, in BPPV, these crystals become dislodged and then migrate into one of the fluid-filled canals where they don’t belong.  The normal movement of this fluid, called endolymph, is what gives the brain information about how your body is positioned in space. When crystals interrupt the normal movement of endolymph it can send false signals to the brain, which can cause vertigo.  In BPPV, this can happen doing something as common as rolling over in bed.

Question #3: How common is BPPV?

It is estimated that about 2.4 percent of people will experience BPPV at some point in their life.  It most commonly occurs in adults, particularly in seniors. Children very rarely experience BPPV. Most cases of BPPV have no apparent cause, however, some connections have been made with migraines, trauma, and inner ear infections.

Question #4: What are the most common symptoms of BPPV

By far, the most common and severe symptom of BPPV is spells of vertigo that can be very severe.  Vertigo episodes can come on so suddenly that they are sometimes referred to as “drop attacks”. Because of the whirling or spinning sensation, many BPPV sufferers will experience nausea or vomiting as well.  You might also lose your balance or feel unsteady on your feet. The symptoms of BPPV can be very intense and can last from just a few seconds to several minutes or more. Once the worst of the episode has passed, residual dizziness and instability may persist.  Oftentimes, the first vertigo attack of BPPV is the worst and subsequent ones are milder.

Question #5: What is the Epley maneuver?

The Epley maneuver is one of several treatments that take the head through specific ranges of motion in an attempt to guide the loose calcium crystals back to where they should be.  Depending on where the calcium crystals are located, these maneuvers can be effective in relieving BPPV symptoms. It is important to seek out healthcare providers that are well trained in helping people with this condition to ensure that there aren’t other underlying health factors and to be sure that the treatment is properly rendered.

Question #6: What is Upper Cervical Chiropractic care and how can it help me?

Many people suffering from vertigo are finding relief with a special niche within the chiropractic profession.  Upper cervical care focuses exclusively on the uppermost vertebrae in the spine to ensure their proper positioning.  An upper cervical misalignment can have far-reaching implications when it comes to your body’s ability to function normally.  In the case of vertigo, this area of the spine plays an important role for two reasons:

  1. The upper cervical spine lies in very close proximity to the inner ear.  A misalignment of the atlas can affect how the inner ear functions and communicates with the brain about how your body is positioned in space.
  2. The atlas (C1) and axis (C2) vertebrae that make up the upper cervical spine protect the brainstem.  The brainstem is responsible for sorting and integrating the information received regarding how your body is positioned and must send the appropriate signals in response so your body can maintain its sense of balance.

When the atlas misaligns, it can change the way the inner ear functions and it can also irritate the brainstem, causing abnormalities in the way signals are interpreted and sent.  The focus in our practice is identifying whether or not the atlas is misaligned, and if it is, gently adjusting it back to its normal position.

Just as it might seem, once the atlas is aligned, your body’s normal functions are allowed to return naturally over time.  The longer you are able to hold your alignment, the more optimally your body can function. With upper cervical care, adjustments are given only when needed, making it a natural, non-invasive, non-painful way to achieve lasting relief from vertigo and its associated symptoms.

References:

https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/vertigo/symptoms-causes/syc-20370055

http://vestibular.org/understanding-vestibular-disorders/types-vestibular-disorders/benign-paroxysmal-positional-vertigo

The medical condition vertigo causes you to feel as if you or the things in the environment around you are moving when they are actually standing still. It is known to have a rotational component of spinning or swaying. You may also experience nausea, vomiting, problems walking, or sweating. It often becomes more severe when the head is moved in a particular position. Vertigo is the most common form of dizziness.

Vertigo is put into two different classifications:

The Vestibular System’s Role in Vertigo

The vestibular system is a key component in helping the body keep in balance. It is a sensory system that keeps track of your spatial orientation and sense of balance so as to coordinate movement. It contains the cochlea, the labyrinth of the inner ear, including the semicircular canals (indicating rotational movements) and the otoliths (indicating linear accelerations). The vestibular system mainly sends signals to the neural structures that control eye movement and to the muscles keeping you upright.

Since the world is three-dimensional, the vestibular system has three semicircular canals in each labyrinth. They are at right angles to each other and are called the horizontal, the anterior, and the posterior semicircular canals. When the fluid contained in these canals moves, it corresponds to the rotation of the head. Depending on what kind of movement the head is making, the proper canal responds. If something occurs to cause a problem in this system, vertigo is often the end result.

Three Conditions That Have Vertigo as the Main Symptom

There are three main conditions known to have vertigo as a symptom. Let’s look at each one closely so as to understand the process involved.

BPPV (benign paroxysmal positional vertigo): One of the most common causes of vertigoBPPV causes brief episodes of mild to severe sensations of spinning. It is usually triggered by changes to the way your head is positioned. For example, when tipping your head up or down, when lying down, or when rolling over in bed. Symptoms include:

BPPV can come and go and is usually due to the crystals of the inner ear breaking off and moving to the wrong area of the ear. When the fluid in the ear moves with the head, it continues to move after the head has stopped. This is the reason why this type of vertigo happens.

Labyrinthitis and vestibular neuritis: These two problems have the same symptoms and are cared for in the same way. It is a problem inside the ear causing the labyrinth to become inflamed or swollen. The inflammation brings about sudden vertigo and makes you feel like you are spinning or whirling. You may experience temporary hearing loss or ringing in your ears. Symptoms are:

No one really knows why this occurs, but it is often connected to a viral or bacterial infection (a cold, the flu, upper respiratory infection, or a middle ear infection). When the vestibular nerve becomes inflamed, improper signals are sent to the brain about the body’s movement.

Meniere’s disease: A disorder of the inner ear that brings about vertigo, fluctuating hearing loss, and tinnitus. You may also experience a feeling of congestion in the ear, with only one ear being affected. It is considered a chronic condition and generally affects those in the age range of 20 to 50. Meniere’s disease is thought to occur due to an abnormal amount of fluid buildup in the inner ear. This has not been proven, however.

Vertigo Treatment Novato CA

Finding Help for Vertigo

No matter the reason for the spinning sensation you are experiencing, one thing that has been shown to help is upper cervical chiropractic care. This is because a misalignment in the bones of the upper cervical spine can be an underlying reason for vertigo. If the top bones of the neck, the C1 and C2 vertebrae, are misaligned, they can be putting the brainstem under stress. This causes it to mix up the signals being sent to the brain about the body’s location in its environment. When the signals from the brainstem do not match those of the eyes, ears, and nerves, the brain doesn’t know how to react and vertigo ensues.

As upper cervical chiropractors, we use a method that is both gentle and precise to help correct the problem. We do not have to resort to popping or cracking the spine. Once the bones are back into place, many patients report a great improvement in their vertigo. This often only takes a few adjustments.

” Fat and sugar are the main ingredients for our stress hormones, so when we are under stress we actually require more fats and sugars, Sound familiar, do you have such cravings when you are stressed out, do you seek ‘comfort foods’ when you are stressed?

Of course we are genetically designed o derive our fat and sugar from fruits and vegetables, nuts and seeds, and wild game meat like our ancestors did. Industrial humans now consume processed non-fiber carbohydrates in the form of refines sugar and high fructose corn syrup and fats in the form of trans fats or hydrogenated fats in foods filled with chemical colors and preservatives. this just adds rocks to our backpack as we get ‘comfortable’ from eating these toxic, deficient foods and the cycle gets perpetuated. add in the insulin resistance from chronic high blood glucose levels and chronic high insulin levels leading to type II diabetes and you get syndrome X or burnout or chronic fatigue and increased chance of cancer and heart disease and every other chronic illness.”

migraine is a neurological condition that is most known for being accompanied by an extremely painful headache. This excruciating pain can last for hours or even many days. This condition is very common, affecting 39 million of those living in the United States and 1 billion worldwide. Here are a few interesting facts about migraines:

What Are the Symptoms of Migraines?

Symptoms of migraines can vary for each person and may start awhile before, just before, during, and after the head pain. Typical symptoms are:

What Are Migraines with Auras?

Auras are perceptual disturbances that indicate to a person that a migraine is about to come on. Auras can include:

Caring for Migraines

Most ways to care for migraines focus on preventing an attack before it happens or relieving the symptoms once they have begun. There are some things you personally can do to help curb migraine pain:

Some people opt for medication to alleviate their migraines as they are not familiar with any other natural solution that works. Some medications that may be suggested by your doctor are:

Additional suggestions may include:

One thing to be aware of is something called a rebound or medication overuse headache. This comes about when one takes too many painkillers and they begin to bring on worse headaches than a migraine. Taking pain medication for more than a couple of days a week can cause these headaches to begin.

Triggers for Migraines

Some common triggers to be aware of are listed below. It is highly recommended that you keep a migraine diary and record what you did before a migraine came on. Such things as weather conditions, physical activity, what foods you ate, and your stress levels should be recorded. This will help you see a pattern develop and help you avoid future migraines. Triggers can be:

Research Gives Insight into Migraines

Dr. Raymond Damadian has done much research into the field of migraines and how they are related to upper cervical misalignments. Dr. Damadian, born in March of 1936, actually invented to MRI and the upright MRI. By using an upright MRI, he was able to see just how much cerebrospinal fluid is going to and leaving the brain. He came up with the theory that if a misalignment is present in the bones of the upper cervical spine, the inhibited cerebrospinal fluid flow is unable to remove metabolic waste from the brain and can lead to such things as migraines and even multiple sclerosis. He documented some cases that show success when caring for this type of misalignment through upper cervical chiropractic care, including the disappearance of lesions on the brain when the problem was corrected. The top bones of the neck, the atlas and axis, are particularly to blame here as they are very susceptible to misaligning.

Migraine Natural Relief Novato CA

Finding a Natural Solution

After considering what Dr. Damadian discovered, it would make sense that correcting the misalignments in the upper neck could lead to a resolution or, at the very least, an improvement in the problems associated with the hindered cerebrospinal fluid flow. And this is exactly what has been discovered.

A study involving a 54-year-old woman who had suffered from migraines and vertigo for over 10 years reveals just how much upper cervical chiropractic can help. After just 3 months of this type of care, her symptoms went away and she was able to go on with her life.

We use a method that differs from traditional chiropractic in that it does not involve popping, twisting, or cracking the spine. Rather, we use gentle adjustments to help the spine naturally move back into alignment. This stabilizes the flow of cerebrospinal fluid and reduces intracranial pressure. Our patients report positive results in only one or two visits.

The start of a new year brings excitement, anticipation and hope that this year will be different.  According to a recently published study “Lose Weight” is again the number one New Years Resolution for 2016.

But some of us have had a “get-healthy-type-resolution” on our list for so many years in a row that it has become a bit of a joke.

Some people even make bets about how long their friends’ resolutions are going to last.

The truth is, each year we analyze the things about ourselves and our life that we want to change, and we think, “What better time to begin than the start of a new year?”

So why do we keep falling short?

Is it even worth making the New Years Resolution in the first place?

Redefine the Word Resolution

The first step to making a New Years resolution you will keep is not to make aresolution at all.   You see, a resolution requires no preparation.  You can simply think of how you’d like life to be and say it out loud.  No one is even holding you accountable (including yourself.)

But a goal, requires specific action steps.  It requires you to work backwards from the big, broad life you’d like to have to the first action step you must take today.

Below are a few action steps that if taken one at a time (and integrated into your daily life) will lead to a more healthier you.

Don’t Subtract… Add.

Instead of denying yourself a bag of chips or soda, start by adding a serving of vegetables and 2-3 glasses of water to your diet every day.

Water actually fills you up so that you are less likely to over eat. 

Eat the rainbow – Add some color to your meal, and you’ll be full long before you’re thinking of dessert. Eventually, these healthy additions will leave you too full for those unhealthy extras.

Bring a few healthy snacks to keep with you throughout your day.  Almonds, individual sized cheeses, a handful of crackers or a piece of fruit will be ‘on the ready’ when you’re forced to take a late lunch, and they’ll keep you from over-eating when lunchtime finally arrives.

Schedule a Meeting with Exercise

At the start of the month, plan out when and where you want to exercise.  Put it on your calendar – scheduling a meeting with your health.  Once it’s on the calendar, you’ll be much more likely to go.

And don’t get stuck thinking that exercise only happens in the gym.

Here are a few ways to sneak in exercise:

  1. Park in the farthest parking space at the store so you get in a few more steps.
  2. Return your shopping cart all the way to the storefront.
  3. If you work in an office building with stairs, take them every time.  Skip the elevator at the airport or the mall.  Train yourself that every time you see an elevator to take those stairs.
  4. Take your dog for a walk.  It will do you both good to have fresh air every day!

Eat Breakfast

Don’t skip one morning.  Research shows that people who skip breakfast are 10 times more likely to overeat later in the day.  Don’t like breakfast?  Try starting with a smoothie or even a couple of pieces of fruit.  You’ll train your body to crave the nutrients you need to start the day right.

Cook at Home

Remember the kitchen?  Refrigerators weren’t originally designed to just hold our leftover take-out meals.  The beauty of cooking your own meals is that you have more control over the ingredients you use and the health benefits of the meal.  Whatever your level of cooking, set a goal to cook one or two more meals at home per week.

Need some healthy meal ideas?  Check out our Pinterest board.

And packing your lunch the night before not only saves you calories, but it will make a big difference in your budget, too.  Since your meal is decided ahead of time, you’ll be less likely to be tempted to eat something else.

Stop Multitasking… at least when it comes to eating

It’s tempting to check out Twitter or Facebook while you chow down on our lunch, especially if you’re eating alone.  With no one to talk to, what else can you do?  For starters, stop to enjoy your food.  Taste and enjoy every bite.

Take in your surroundings – or even “people watch.”  When you pay attention to what you’re eating, you make better food choices and realize when you’re full.

Bo Bennet said, “The discipline you learn and character you build from setting and achieving a goal can be more valuable than the achievement of the goal itself.”  

Set your goal.

Break it down.

And this year, you’ll win.

Your Chiropractic Team at Monarch Chiropractic specialize in establishing and maintaining a healthy lifestyle.  They treat headaches, back pain, neck pain and sciatica.

It’s About that time of year. Take advantage of what we have to offer here at the office for the price of a simple community service! read the flyer below to find out how you can have a free adjustment or even a Chiropractic Exam for a new patient (includes consultation, exam, and x-rays) for the price of only 2 grocery bags full of non-perishable canned goods. Perfect time to get family members and friends who have been wanting to start chiropractic.

Being pregnant is a beautiful thing and so can labor and delivery. Everyone’s pregnancy is unique and the more we take care of ourselves and our body the easier your body can move and function properly, so we can help the process of pregnancy and labor.

Approximately 1/2 of all pregnant women complain to their doctors or midwives about back pain. In a three-part study performed by Joan M. Fallen at Yeshiva University, 65 women were used as subjects. All of the subjects received chiropractic care from at least their 10th week of pregnancy through labor and delivery. Their average labor times were recorded and compared to those of a local midwife/ obstetrician practice. in the second part of the study a questionnaire regarding the levels of back pain was given to determine any changes that might result due to the chiropractic adjustments.

The study found that “chiropractic care significantly reduces labor time!” “The labor time was decreased 24%-39% (as compared to national averages). The study also revealed a significant reduction in back pain with chiropractic care. Each woman reported at least a 50% reduction in back pain and some as high as 100% reduction in their pain as a result of the Chiropractic care.

If you or a loved one were pregnant wouldn’t you want to experience less pain and discomfort through your pregnancy? Wouldn’t you want to decrease your labor time by hours? Since nearly all medications can be harmful to the health of your baby, chiropractic becomes the obvious choice. Wellness chiropractic is the natural choice for a quicker and less painful delivery. We use gentle adjustments that are specific to each person and tables that support pregnant women. It is safe and effective!

Chiropractic could benefit your pregnancy and delivery.

Please feel free to reach out with any questions or thoughts about how chiropractic can benefit you.

~Dr. Monica Egan

Monarch Chiropractic 250 Bel Marin Keys Blvd. Suite D-1 Novato, CA 94949~ 415-612-4300

Every winter season, there are moms who tell me about how they had to start a round of antibiotics for an ear infection their young child just acquired.  Since becoming a mother myself a few winter seasons ago, this has compounded even more being around mother’s groups, kid’s groups, daycares, preschools, etc.  I have always known about this common problem, but I never knew just how many parents were so quickly (even automatically) resorting to powerful chemicals in their young children.  I believe the answer to this lies in a lack of information in tandem with many one-sided sources.  The health field may be my profession, but to millions of other parents out there, their passions and work lives are not in the same field.  It is for this reason I have decided to write this article to help educate and show the risks involved, a few of the numerous options available, and most importantly, the different choices you have!  Did you know that eight out of ten children have had or will have an ear infection?  As discomforting as it can be, ear infections are a very common thing for children to experience.  Many parents believe that ear infection equals antibiotics, period.  In most cases however, it is exactly the opposite.

Upon the first signs of symptoms, a common place a lot of parents I know go to first for answers is WebMD.  However, when I looked at WebMD, I saw that “60% of childhood antibiotic prescriptions are for otitis media (ear infections).”  Looking deeper, my research into this topic got even more real:

In 2011, the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) released a report regarding the trouble of unnecessary antibiotic prescriptions for kids. The CDC found that doctors were unnecessarily prescribing antibiotics for children more than half (50%!) of the time, most cases being for upper respiratory infections (colds, coughs, ear infections, sinusitis, and sore throats).

Erroneous antibiotic prescriptions are the main cause of antibiotic resistance, which is a world-wide public health dilemma. Further, medical science is beginning to realize that pediatric antibiotic exposure is not benign, and leads to asthma, eczema, and the development of inflammatory bowel diseases such as ulcerative colitis and Crohn’s disease in later years.

Other ordinary therapies prescribed for common kids’ infections, for example, Tylenol and ibuprofen carry the probable risks for more serious side effects, such as the development of asthma and even gastrointestinal bleeding. The over-usage of Tylenol is among the top causes of liver failure in America. While antibiotics and other meds can save a life when needed, when over-prescribed and misused, the consequences can be heart stopping (literally).

It is proven that antibiotics are many times handed out unnecessarily for common infections because doctors believe that parents expect these meds.  Another reason doctors prescribe antibiotics so quickly is because they are afraid that if a rare or misdiagnosed infection comes up, litigation will be waiting for them around the next corner.  There are also other common problems here.  To begin, parents are accustomed to doctors prescribing the antibiotics. Additionally, these parents worry, and they do not want to stand by and witness their children suffering.  No parent wants to see that.  It is for these reasons and others, I’ve convinced many parents not to follow through with antibiotic prescriptions, and the results could not have been better.

“Approximately 80% of kids with acute otitis media (ear infections) get better without antibiotics!”

Here is the truth:

Now, all of this is not just a natural healer’s perspective.  

Around the same time as the CDC release, the American Academy of Family Physicians and American Academy of Pediatrics published new “watching and waiting” guidelines for doctors involved with non-severe cases of otitis media (ear infections) since the risks, side effects, and problems involving antibiotics in most cases outweigh those of a common ear infection.

I am by no means downplaying the seriousness of an ear infection in your child.  Nor am I suggesting you ignore your child’s ear infection or simply “watch and wait.”  In fact, the Mayo Clinic says:

“Long-term problems related to ear infections – persistent fluids in the middle ear, persistent infections or frequent infections – can cause hearing problems and other serious complications.”

So what is a parent to do?

Left unchecked, ear infections can cause permanent hearing damage in your child for the rest of their lives among other serious complications.  But, with the treatment of antibiotics, Ibuprofen, and Tylenol, comes a whole host of other side effects, risks, and dangers such as: diarrhea, rash, fungal diaper rash, oral thrush, vomiting, asthma, eczema, development of inflammatory bowel diseases, ulcerative colitis, and even later in your child’s life, Crohn’s disease.  So again, what is a parent to do?  Make a choice between permanent hearing damage in your child or gastrointestinal bleeding?

The most important thing is that a parent knows about the choices they have and the right to make those choices for their family.

It is my strongest opinion that there is a place and time for antibiotics with children.  The moment a child develops a common ear infection is probably not the place or time yet.  Letting an ear infection fester unchecked would also not be a responsible approach.  The clear answer with the least amount of risk to the health and well being of the one you love is an active natural approach with the oversight of a professional.  A great resource called Pathways says:

“Regardless of the choices you make, the chiropractic approach will improve your child’s inherent ability to function. Doesn’t it make sense to have your child function at an optimal level for healing no matter how (or if ) you choose to treat? We will assess your child’s spine, make the necessary adjustments to improve nerve system function and offer lifestyle suggestions to reduce nerve system stress for your child. We will also support any decision you make in your choice to treat the infection or not. This is your right as a parent, and we stand behind informed choice.”

In addition to full functionality with chiropractic, natural essential oils (in this case, basil oil mixed with a carrier oil and rubbed into the external portion of the ear) can have a profound impact on a child fighting an infection like this.  There are also dozens of other natural remedies that have very powerful, safe, and sometimes instant results in a child.

Navigating an unfamiliar area like “natural remedies” can seem daunting while dealing with work, school, and an ear infection with your little one, but this is my passion and profession, so ask me about it.  Whole Foods and other local stores even have entire sections dedicated to this with people (who know what they are talking about) on standby to help you.  It’s an easy, safe approach that works the high majority of the time in children (and adults).

In the very rare cases where this approach isn’t working, that is usually the right time to nuke your child’s biotics.

Remember, the biotics in the body are a healthy thing.  Probiotics are an extremely healthy thing.  When a person is sick, some of the biotics in the body turn bad.  A fever kills off the bad biotics leaving you healthy again, but antibiotics destroy ALL biotics in the body, good or bad.  In a health sense, antibiotics are the nuclear option in wartime—a last resort to win, not a first one.

Thanks for reading!

~  Dr. Monica Egan
Monarch Chiropractic
250 Bel Marin Keys Blvd. Suite D1
Novato, CA 94949
415.612.4300

~  To learn more about chiropractic, click here

~  To learn more about essential oils, click here


Seven Prevention Tips:

 Here are seven helpful ways I found to help prevent ear infections in children:

1. Chiropractic care

It is proven that chiropractic adjustments to the skull and neck can improve middle ear drainage and decrease ear infections. Chiropractic is also known to reduce the number of ear infections, if they are continuously reoccurring.  In some cases chiropractic can put a complete stop to the reoccurring ear infections all together.

2. Eat more raw fruits and vegetables

These can greatly boost your child’s immune system to help fight off and prevent infections.  Juicing raw fruits and vegetables is another yummy approach and a great interactive way to get your kids to enjoy getting those important nutrients they need.

3. Minimizing side effects of antibiotics

These side effects are listed in the above article.  Try to avoid all of these side effects.

4. Keep the nose clear

When a runny nose and cold start, do your best to keep the nose clear by using steam, saline nose drops, and suctioning.

 5. Breastfeeding

There is no doubt whatsoever that prolonged breastfeeding lowers your child’s chances of getting ear infections.

6. Echinacea

This is an herb which can safely and effectively boost the immune system.

 7. Feed your baby upright

Lying down while bottle-feeding can cause the milk to irritate the Eustachian tube which can contribute to ear infections.


Resources:

Ear Infections

https://avivaromm.com/everything-need-know-kids-common-infections-herbs-antibiotics/embed/#?secret=cdBxMnEpSW

http://pathwaystofamilywellness.org/Chiropractic/chiropractic-and-ear-infections-what-we-offer-makes-a-difference.html#sthash.9oqyyfTq.dpuf

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