Ear Infections and Neck Pains

Ask Your Local Practitioner

Question: Our 8 year old daughter gets too many ear infections in the fall. Other than antibiotics, is there anything else that can be done?

Answer: Osteopathic medicine sees infections as a result of stasis of fluid. When the fluids in the region or organ are not flowing properly, bacteria or viruses can proliferate. In the case of the ear, the estuation tube drains fluids from the inner ear. Many things can restrict this drainage. Often simply removing mucus forming foods like dairy, processed grains (flours) from the diet during the damp seasons can help the body with excess mucous. Any underlying food intolerances need to be investigated. Gluten and lactose intolerances are often detected. Lastly, what was your daughter's birth like? In fast deliveries or c-sections, the cranial rhythm is often not balanced and it is this rhythm that contributes to the motion of her temporal bones (where the estuation tubes are located). This motion helps keep the tubes open and draining. Cranial Osteopathy can assess and treat any imbalances detected in this rhythm.

Cameron Moffatt D.O.(Cdn), Osteopathic Practitioner

Question: Please explain to me how my ongoing neck pain is a whole body issue?

Answer: This is a great question! The model of Structural Integration is one that reminds us of our relationship with each part of our bodies. When parts of us are "left out" they will sometimes scream for attention. In this way, a chronic neck issue becomes more of a message than an irritation. Neck issues due to non-trauma cases, such as postural imbalances, are usually a result of a compromised physical body through improper stacking of bones, muscles and fascia. According to the working model of Structural Integration, we build our bodies from the ground up. So our first point of contact is our feet. What we know of the SI model is that it is a re-patterning of the connective tissue of our bodies through touch and movement re-education. The tension you feel in your neck is an opportunity for you to re-align your whole body. Reorganizing our legs and feet can have a huge impact on how we support and carry our heads through daily life and living!

Stephanie Needham, B.A., B.Ed.Certified Structural Integration Practitioner - Kinesis Myofascial Integration