Resolution of Chronic Otitis Media, Neck Pain, Headaches & Sinus Infection in a Child Following an Increase in Cervical Curvature & Reduction of Vertebral Subluxation

Objective: This paper describes the chiropractic care of an 8 year old female with a 3-year history of otitis media, cephalgia, cervicalgia, and sinus infections.

Clinical Features: An 8-year old female presented with complaints of severe, debilitating otitis media with constant bilateral sub-occipital headaches and sinus pressure for the last 3 years. Previous treatment included 2 tympanectomy surgeries bilaterally, several rounds of antibiotics, and sinus surgery. Due to persistent headaches, neck pain, continued otitis media, and sinus infections the patient’s parents sought chiropractic care for their child. X-ray of the cervical spine revealed severe segmental kyphosis from C2–C4.

Interventions and Outcomes: Chiropractic care over 29 visits included m irror image adjustments, exercises, and traction to the cervical spine. The patient reported a decrease in headaches, sinus, and ear pain. The patient also demonstrated a significant improvement in her cervical curve upon review of a follow-up radiograph.

Conclusion: The patient experienced subjective and objective improvement from Clinical Biomechanics of Posture (CBP) chiropractic care. Further research is recommended.

Key Words: Vertebral subluxation, tympanectomy, ear/sinus infection, surface electromyography, CBP technique, kyphosis, chiropractic