Clearwater chiropractor makes national newswire ---

Chiropractic Care for Kids

March 8

(Ivanhoe Newswire) — Almost half of all children will have at least one ear infection before they are 1 year old. Antibiotics or surgery may be prescribed, but research shows another possible solution that's easier on the child.

This is not a typical doctor's appointment for 4-year-old Taylor. She is seeing chiropractor Thomas Manovill, D.C., not for back pain but for ear infections. "This is a safe and natural alternative to some of the other treatments," says Manovill, of Enterprise Chiropractic Healthcare in Clearwater, Fla.

Manovill says chiropractic care can help in proper drainage of the ear, preventing infections. He says, "Through the manipulation of the neck, you get a relaxation of the muscles around the Eustachian tubes, which is responsible for where draining of the inner ear exits."

Recent research finds eight out of 10 children who are treated by a chiropractor were free of ear infections for six months. Taylor's mom, Denise Pardington-Whelan, says her daughter has had about eight ear infections a year. After two chiropractic treatments, she hasn't had one in nine months. "This has been a big great help for us," Denise says.

Otolaryngologist Carol Roberts, M.D., of Wellness Works in Brandon, Fla., says, "I think there's a great deal of ignorance about what chiropractic, or any other therapy, can accomplish." As a medical doctor, she is also an advocate for alternative care. "You'll never really know if it is going to work unless you try it," Roberts says.

To find a chiropractor for your child, Dr. Roberts says try one for yourself or ask other parents about their experience. Also, make sure the chiropractor treats children different than adults. Manovill says his treatment for children is much, much softer. It's usually applied with fingertip pressure and, a lot of times, there is no crunching or cracking.