Chronic Ear Infections in Kids: A Nervous System Approach to Natural Relief Franklin, TN Pediatric Chiropractic Care

Why Do Some Kids Get Ear Infections Over and Over Again?

Ear infections are one of the most common reasons parents bring their child to the doctor—especially during the first few years of life. While bacteria often get the blame, many ear infections are viral in origin, meaning antibiotics may not always be effective.

According to the CDC, many middle ear infections resolve on their own without antibiotics, particularly when they are viral rather than bacterial. This is why many pediatricians now recommend a watchful waiting approach when appropriate.

Learn more from the CDC: https://www.cdc.gov/antibiotic-use/ear-infection.html

So the real question parents start asking is:

Why does my child keep getting ear infections in the first place?

How Are Ear Infections Connected to the Nervous System?

The nervous system controls far more than movement—it regulates:

• Immune system response

• Inflammation levels

• Muscle tone and drainage of the ears and sinuses

When stress becomes stuck in the nervous system—especially in the upper cervical spine (top of the neck)—communication between the brain and body can be disrupted.

This can contribute to:

• Poor fluid drainage from the middle ear

• Chronic congestion

• Recurrent inflammation

• Slower immune response

At Three Nails Chiropractic in Franklin, TN, neurological scans frequently show stress patterns in the upper cervical region that correlate with chronic ear and sinus issues.

Antibiotics Don’t Always Solve the Problem

Antibiotics can be lifesaving when truly needed—but they do not help viral infections, and they do not address underlying nervous system stress.

This is why some children:

• Improve temporarily

• Then experience another ear infection weeks later

• End up in repeated antibiotic cycles

When the nervous system remains stressed, the ears may continue to struggle with drainage—even after symptoms calm down.

What Natural or Holistic Options Can Help Support Healing?

Many Franklin-area parents explore holistic support alongside medical care, including:

• Garlic ear drops (natural antimicrobial properties)

• Warm compresses to promote drainage

• Hydration and immune support

• Essential oils (used safely and appropriately)

These remedies can be helpful—but they work best when the nervous system is regulating properly.

Neurologically-focused chiropractic care supports the body’s natural ability to heal by improving communication between the brain and immune system.

Learn more about neurologically-focused chiropractic care:
https://pxdocs.com/what-is-neurologically-focused-chiropractic/

Can Chiropractic Help Prevent Ear Tubes—or Failed Tube Surgery?

Many families seek chiropractic care after:

• Being told ear tubes are the next step

• Seeing only short-term relief from tubes

• Experiencing recurring infections even after surgery

While tubes can be necessary in some cases, they do not address why fluid and pressure are building up in the first place.

Chiropractic care focuses on:

• Reducing upper cervical nervous system tension

• Supporting natural drainage

• Improving long-term regulation

This root-cause approach is why many parents explore chiropractic care before or after tube placement.

Should You Take Your Child to See a Doctor—or Let an Ear Infection Run Its Course?

Some ear infections resolve with watchful waiting and supportive care. However, you should consult a medical professional if your child has:

• Hearing changes or hearing loss

• A fever of 102.2°F or higher

• Persistent discharge from the ear

• Severe ear, head, or neck pain

• Symptoms that do not improve after a few days

Many pediatricians carefully weigh the risks and benefits of antibiotics to avoid unnecessary side effects and antibiotic resistance. When antibiotics are truly needed, they can be an important part of care.

Chiropractic care works alongside pediatric care, helping reduce recurrence and support recovery.

How Do Nervous System Scans Help?

At Three Nails Chiropractic, we use gentle neurological scans to identify areas of stress and imbalance in your child’s nervous system.

Parents often appreciate scans because they:

• Objectively confirm stress patterns

• Commonly show upper cervical involvement

• Track healing progress over time

(Recent patient scans demonstrating this upper cervical stress will be added here.)

A Root-Cause Approach for Families in Franklin, TN

If your child struggles with chronic ear infections, congestion, or repeated antibiotic use, it may be time to look deeper than symptoms alone.

At Three Nails Chiropractic in Franklin, TN, we serve families from Franklin, Brentwood, Spring Hill, and Thompson’s Station by focusing on nervous system regulation and long-term resilience.

Ready to Explore a Nervous System–Based Approach?

We are currently offering complimentary neurological scans for children and families for a limited time.

👉 Schedule your child’s evaluation here:
https://threenailschiropractic.janeapp.com/#staff_member/1