Cold Season and Ear Infections: What Fishers Parents Should Know About Gentle Chiropractic Care

By Dr. Mariah and Dr. Sam, The Kingdom Chiropractic, Fishers, IN

It's the middle of November. School has been back long enough for every cold in Hamilton County to make the rounds, and your little one just woke up at 2 a.m. crying and grabbing at one ear. If that sounds like your house right now, you're in good company.

Ear trouble is a common worry for parents once the weather turns. This post covers why cold season and ear infections tend to show up together, what your pediatrician's role is, what gentle chiropractic care looks like for kids and babies, and the warning signs that mean you should call the pediatrician today.

One thing up front: chiropractic care is a complement to your child's pediatrician, never a replacement. If your child has ear pain, a fever or anything that worries you, start with the pediatrician.

Why Do Ear Infections Show Up During Cold Season?

Ear infections often follow a cold because congestion can block the small tube that connects the middle ear to the back of the nose and throat. According to the American Academy of Pediatrics on HealthyChildren.org, when that tube (the eustachian tube) gets blocked, usually because of a cold or allergies, fluid can build up behind the eardrum.

The AAP also notes a few reasons kids get more ear infections than adults:

• Their anatomy is different. In young children, that tube is shorter, narrower and more horizontal than an adult's, so fluid has a harder time draining.
• They catch a lot of colds. School, preschool and child care mean lots of shared germs, and cold, flu and allergy symptoms raise the odds of an ear infection.

So when November brings a wave of runny noses, it's not your imagination that ear complaints come right behind it.

What Are the Signs of an Ear Infection in Kids?

The signs of an ear infection can include ear pain, fussiness, trouble sleeping, fever and trouble hearing. Babies and toddlers can't always tell you what hurts, so you may notice:

• More crying than usual, especially when lying down
• Waking up at night when they normally sleep well
• Pulling or rubbing at an ear (though the AAP points out that ear tugging alone isn't a reliable sign)
• Not responding to quiet sounds the way they usually do
• Fluid coming out of the ear

Only a medical provider can look inside the ear and tell you whether there's an infection. That's why the first call goes to your pediatrician.

When Should I Call the Pediatrician Right Away?

Call your pediatrician right away if your child has a fever, severe ear pain, or fluid or pus draining from the ear. Drainage can be a sign that the eardrum has ruptured, and that needs to be checked by your child's doctor.

Also call your pediatrician or seek urgent care if:

• Your baby is very young and has any fever
• Your child seems very sick, very sleepy or hard to wake
• There's swelling or redness behind the ear
• Pain or fever keeps getting worse instead of better
• Your child has a stiff neck, a severe headache or trouble breathing (for these, get emergency care)

Your pediatrician will decide whether an infection is present and what treatment makes sense. We're glad to work alongside that care, and we'll always encourage you to follow your pediatrician's plan.

Can a Chiropractor Help a Child With Ear Infections?

A chiropractor can be part of how a family supports a child's overall comfort and well-being during cold season, as a complement to the pediatrician's care. At The Kingdom Chiropractic, Dr. Mariah and Dr. Sam focus on how a child's spine and nervous system are working, using gentle techniques designed for kids.

We don't diagnose or treat the ear infection itself. That's your pediatrician's job. What we do is take a careful look at your child as a whole person: how they move, how they hold their body and how their spine is working. Then we talk with you about whether gentle care is a good fit.

You can read more about our approach on our ear infections page and in our post on pediatric chiropractic care.

What Does Pediatric Chiropractic Care Actually Look Like?

Pediatric chiropractic care looks nothing like an adult adjustment. Children's spines are more delicate, so the techniques are gentle and specific, and the pressure is light. For babies, it's about the same pressure you'd use to check whether a tomato is ripe.

The consultation

Your child's first visit starts with a conversation. Dr. Mariah or Dr. Sam will ask about:

• Your child's health history from birth to now
• What you've noticed lately, including how they're sleeping
• Their development and any challenges
• Your family's health history
• Your goals for your child's health

Bring notes from your pediatrician if you have them. It helps us see the whole picture.

A gentle exam

The exam is gentle and non-invasive. For kids, it usually includes watching how your child moves and holds their body, checking posture, looking at range of motion, gently feeling along the spine for tension, and age-appropriate neurological checks.

The adjustment

If it's appropriate, your child may have a first adjustment at that visit. For babies and young children, you're welcome to hold them the whole time. Pediatric adjustments are quick, use light fingertip pressure and often make no popping sound at all. Many babies sleep right through them.

Kids who won't sit still

That's normal. Dr. Mariah and Dr. Sam are used to working with busy, wiggly kids and can work with them even while they move around or play.

Is Chiropractic Care Safe for Babies and Toddlers?

When it's done by trained professionals using techniques made for children, pediatric chiropractic care is gentle and well tolerated. Most children are comfortable during their visit, and many actually look forward to coming back.

If you're expecting or caring for a newborn, our pregnancy and newborn care page explains how we care for moms and babies. We're Webster certified, and both doctors trained at Logan University College of Chiropractic.

What Can I Do at Home During Cold Season?

The simplest things are usually the most helpful, and your pediatrician is the best person to guide you on any specific symptom. A few everyday habits many families find helpful:

• Keep up with handwashing, especially after school, child care and play dates.
• Follow your pediatrician's advice on fever, pain relief and when to come back in.
• Protect sleep. Sick kids need extra rest, and so do the parents up with them at night.
• Watch for patterns. If ear complaints keep coming back, write down the dates and symptoms and share them with your pediatrician.
• Ask before you try something new. Check with your pediatrician before using drops or remedies in your child's ears.

How Do We Work With Your Pediatrician?

We see ourselves as one part of your child's care team. Your pediatrician leads on diagnosis, medication and anything that needs medical treatment. We focus on gentle, nervous system based chiropractic care and on listening to you.

In practice, that means:

• We'll ask what your pediatrician has told you and respect that plan
• We'll tell you if something we see means your child should be checked by their doctor
• We'll never ask you to choose between us and your pediatrician

Many families use both, and that's exactly how we like it.

What Will Care Cost?

We don't post prices, because what you spend depends on the care plan the doctors recommend after your child's assessment. At your report of findings visit, we walk through the payment options we offer so care stays affordable for your family. Want to ask before you book? Call us at (317) 588-9414.

Visit Us in Fishers

The Kingdom Chiropractic

8924 E 96th Street, Fishers, IN 46037

(317) 588-9414

Hours

Monday: 9:30am to 12pm and 3pm to 6pm

Tuesday: 8:30am to 11:30am

Wednesday: 9:30am to 12pm and 3pm to 6pm

Thursday: 3pm to 6pm

Friday through Sunday: Closed

We see families from Fishers and the 96th Street corridor, plus Noblesville, Carmel, Geist, McCordsville and the greater Indianapolis area.

Book an appointment online

Frequently Asked Questions

Does chiropractic care replace my child's pediatrician?

No. Pediatric chiropractic care is complementary to medical care, not a replacement. Many families combine both, using chiropractic to support overall wellness alongside their pediatrician.

At what age can my child start chiropractic care?

Children of nearly any age can be seen, even newborns. Care is always adapted to your child's age and size.

Will chiropractic care hurt my child?

Pediatric adjustments are gentle and typically painless. Because the pressure is so light, most children are comfortable the whole time, and many find it soothing.

Can I hold my baby during the adjustment?

Yes. For babies and young children, you're welcome to hold them during the adjustment.

How often will my child need to come in?

It depends on your child and your goals. Dr. Mariah and Dr. Sam will recommend a schedule based on what they find and adjust it as your child grows.

Do you see families outside of Fishers?

Yes. We welcome families from Noblesville, Carmel, Geist, McCordsville and the greater Indianapolis area.