Chiropractor West Palm Beach: Ear Pain and Acupuncture is about the natural treatments available for Ear Pain through Acupuncture. Pain in the ear can happen with various diseases of the ears, suppurative inflammation or otitis media. In fact, almost all children get an ear infection before they are 4 years old. And it is the second most common diagnosis in medicine since adults get it also.
Causes of Ear Pain:
What is Serous Otitis Media?
Serous Otitis Media is effusion or a collection of non-infected fluid in the middle ear space. Typically, you will have a feeling of fullness for several weeks. And you will have possible hearing loss or pain. It is usually associated with a past history of upper respiratory infection. In addition, it can be from an episode of acute otitis, or barotrauma (injury caused by a change in air pressure).
The cause of serous otitis media is a persistently closed eustachian tube. This allows negative pressure to develop in the middle ear. This then causes discharge of fluid into the middle ear space. It is common in children because of a more horizontal canal. However, it can happen in adults. The culprit can be infection, allergy, or barotrauma.
What is Otitis Media?
In the United States, acute otitis media (infection of middle ear) counts for as much as 30 million patient visits to the primary care doctor annually. And it may cost as much as $5 billion.
It is an infection of the space behind your ear drum in your middle ear. With acute otitis media there is a fever. There is deep ear pain, a pressure sensation, and decreased hearing.
Acute otitis media often occurs after serous otitis media (effusion in the middle ear). Typically, the eustachian tube (tube that links the nasopharynx/upper throat to the middle ear) is involved. In addition, viral infections and other causes of eustachian tube inflammation can cause blockage. So middle ear fluid resulting from negative pressure provides a culture medium for bacteria. In other words, it is an adequate liquid environment for bacterial growth.
What is External Ear Infection/ Otitis Externa?
Otitis Externa or swimmer’s ear can absolutely happen from swimming. It affects the outer ear. Especially, it happens during warm, humid weather. The cause of otitis externa is due to an infection (bacterial or fungi) of the ear or ear canal. Is is caused by exposure to infected water. Additionally, it is caused by scratching or overaggressive use of cotton applicators. Keeping your ear dry is especially important for prevention.
Often, you will have ear pain, itching, and discharge. Also, your ear canal may have erythema and edema (redness and swelling).
Chiropractor West Palm Beach: Ear Pain and Acupuncture- How it Works
Firstly, Acupuncture may be helpful for patients with ear, nose, and throat (ENT) conditions. For instance, conditions are allergic rhinitis, tinnitus, and meniere’s disease.
Secondly, some studies indicate Acupuncture has immune-modulating effects. This can strengthen the body’s defense mechanisms against infections and allergens. By enhancing immune function, acupuncture may help prevent recurrent ear, nose, and throat issues.
Thirdly, Acupuncture involves the insertion of sterile needles into acupoints on the body. Acupoints are carefully selected based on the patient’s symptoms and diagnosis. Specific acupoints are used for the underlying imbalances contributing to the patient’s symptoms. For example, acupoints near the ears may alleviate tinnitus or reduce ear pressure associated with sinus congestion.
Fourthly, Inflammation is a common factor in many ear- nose- throat conditions. Acupuncture has been shown to have anti-inflammatory effects. Subsequently, acupuncture helps to reduce swelling.
Fifthly, Acupuncture triggers the release of neurotransmitters and endorphins. Next, this helps reduce pain and inflammation. Acupuncture works by stimulating nerves in the affected areas. And nerve stimulation promotes circulation. The goal is to encourage the body’s natural healing response.
Chiropractor West Palm Beach: Ear Pain and Acupuncture: Research
First, in one study, two cases of sudden sensorineural hearing loss in the left ear were followed. It was diagnosed by an ear, nose, and throat specialist. The first case was a 22-year-old male college student. He had moderately severe hearing loss, tinnitus, and a feeling of fullness in the ear for 5 days.
Second, the other case was a 48-year-old male pilot. He had severe hearing loss, tinnitus, and fullness in the ear for 7 days. In both cases, their hearing loss became worse after not responding to conventional medical treatment.
Third, both patients were treated with acupuncture. The outcome was, fullness in the ear disappeared during the first treatment in both cases. The study concluded acupuncture is worth a try. Specifically, it is worth a try when patients do not heal from conventional medical intervention.
Chiropractor West Palm Beach: Ear Pain and Acupuncture
Indeed, Acupuncture is beneficial for patients looking for a form of complementary or integrative treatment for ear pain from various causes. Meiri Chiropractic offers acupuncture for ear pain and many other ailments. Dr. Natalie Meiri is a chiropractic physician, board certified in acupuncture with over 20 years of experience. Call today for your acupuncture treatment for ear pain at 561-253-8984.
References:
Case Reports| August 15 2014 Acupuncture in Treating Sudden Sensorineural Hearing Loss: A Report of 2 Cases PubMed: 25231566
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/32090591/
Evaluation of Acupuncture’s Efficacy Within Otolaryngology
https://www.oto.theclinics.com/article/S0030-6665(22)00075-5/fulltext
Acupuncture and the Otolaryngology-Head & Neck Surgery Patient