Mary Franz - Mar 28th, 2011
Ear aches are a right of passage for most children. In most cases, ear pain can be directly attributed to an infection or other easily recognized cause. For some, idiopathic (no known cause) ear pain can be a frustrating situation as it baffles otorhinolaryngologists (ear, nose and throat specialists) and other physicians. Recommending over-the-counter pain medications is sometimes the only course.
In this light, a recent case study may show promise for the use of manual therapy in resolving idiopathic ear pain. The study examined four patients with idiopathic ear pain. After they were treated with manual therapy as well as specific exercises, their ear pain was resolved.
The case study was small and the reasons for the resolution of symptoms are still unclear; however, the study does suggest that chiropractic care, specifically manual therapy, shows promise in resolving idiopathic ear pain. Further study in this arena was recommended. It was also suggested that otolaryngologists seek musculoskeletal evaluation for their patients with ear pain that otherwise has no known cause.
Murphy DR, Gay CW. Manual therapy and ear pain: a report of four cases. The Journal of the Canadian Chiropractic Association. 2011 Mar; 55(1):40-6.
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