Ear Infections

Ear infections affect millions of people each year, and for many children, they become a recurring problem that leads to repeated rounds of antibiotics or even surgical tube placement. At Lakeside Spine and Wellness in Renton, WA, Dr. Andrew Winger offers a complementary approach that focuses on the structural factors that may contribute to chronic ear infections.

What Causes Recurring Ear Infections?

The Eustachian tubes connect the middle ear to the throat and are responsible for draining fluid. In children, these tubes are shorter and more horizontal than in adults, making them more prone to fluid buildup. When the tubes cannot drain properly, bacteria can grow and cause infection.

Several factors can contribute to impaired drainage, including misalignments in the upper cervical spine that affect the nerves controlling the muscles around the Eustachian tubes.

The Chiropractic Approach

At Lakeside Spine and Wellness, care begins with a thorough evaluation. For pediatric patients, Dr. Winger uses extremely gentle techniques appropriate for the child’s age and size. The goal is to restore proper alignment in the upper cervical spine, which may improve nerve function and support better Eustachian tube drainage.

This approach does not replace medical care when acute infection is present. Instead, it works alongside standard treatment to address the structural factors that may contribute to recurrence. Many parents report a significant reduction in the frequency of ear infections after their children begin chiropractic care.

What to Expect

Your first visit includes a consultation where Dr. Winger will listen to the history of infections, understand what treatments have been tried, and evaluate spinal alignment and nervous system function. If chiropractic care is appropriate, he will explain the findings and outline a care plan.

Pediatric adjustments are gentle — nothing like the adjustments used for adults. Children typically respond quickly, and many parents notice improvement within the first few weeks of care.

A Testing-First Approach

Lakeside Spine and Wellness uses structured testing to evaluate alignment, movement patterns, and nervous system function before making any recommendations. This data-driven approach ensures that care is based on findings rather than guesswork.

If you or your child is dealing with recurring ear infections and you are looking for a complementary approach, call (425) 276-8044 or Request Appointment to schedule a consultation.