If you’re a parent in Southaven who’s spent sleepless nights comforting a child with an earache, you know how heartbreaking it can be. You’ve probably made multiple trips to the pediatrician, maybe gone through several rounds of antibiotics, and still found yourself back at square one when the next ear infection hits. It feels like a never-ending cycle, doesn’t it?
At Desoto Upper Cervical, Dr. David Hall and Dr. Troy Reistroffer offer a different approach—one that many parents don’t know exists. Upper cervical chiropractic care focuses on the top bones in your child’s neck and how they affect the nerves and muscles that control ear drainage. It’s gentle, it’s natural, and for many children struggling with chronic earaches, it’s been the missing piece in finding lasting relief.
Let’s talk about why kids get so many earaches, what your child’s neck has to do with it, and how the specialized care we provide might help your little one feel better.
Table of Contents
Why Are Ear Infections So Common in Kids?
First, let’s understand what we’re dealing with. Ear infections—technically called otitis media—are incredibly common in children. In fact, five out of six kids will have at least one ear infection by age three. That’s not just bad luck; there are anatomical reasons why kids are so prone to these problems.
The key player here is the Eustachian tube—that small canal connecting the middle ear to the back of the throat. In healthy ears, this tube drains fluid and equalizes pressure. But in children, these tubes are shorter, more horizontal, and narrower than in adults. This makes them way more prone to blockage.
When the Eustachian tube doesn’t drain properly, fluid builds up in the middle ear. That fluid creates pressure (which hurts), and it also creates the perfect breeding ground for bacteria or viruses. The result? A painful ear infection and one miserable kid.
But here’s what’s interesting: the Eustachian tubes don’t work in isolation. The muscles that open and close these tubes are controlled by nerves that come from your child’s upper neck. When there’s interference with those nerves—often from misalignment in the upper cervical spine—the tubes may not drain as effectively as they should. And that’s where upper cervical care comes in.
The Upper Cervical Connection to Ear Health
This might seem like a stretch at first—what does your child’s neck have to do with their ears? But the connection is actually quite direct, and it’s the foundation of what we do at Desoto Upper Cervical.
Your child’s atlas (C1) and axis (C2)—the top two bones in the spine—sit right at the base of the skull. These bones protect the brainstem and surround important nerves that control many functions in the head and neck, including the muscles that operate the Eustachian tubes.
When these upper cervical vertebrae are misaligned—even slightly—several things can happen that affect ear health:
First, nerve interference can occur. The nerves that control the muscles responsible for opening and closing the Eustachian tubes may not function optimally when there’s pressure or irritation from misalignment. This can lead to poor drainage and fluid buildup.
Second, muscle tension develops. Misalignment in the upper neck creates compensatory tension in the surrounding muscles, including those in the jaw and throat area. This tension can affect how well the Eustachian tubes open and drain.
Third, lymphatic drainage can be impacted. Proper alignment in the upper cervical spine supports healthy lymphatic flow, which is important for clearing fluid and fighting infection.
Fourth, the immune system function may be affected. Your child’s nervous system and immune system work together. When the nervous system is functioning optimally—free from interference caused by upper cervical misalignment—the immune system can work more effectively to prevent and fight infections.
Now, how do kids develop these misalignments in the first place? It can happen during birth (especially difficult deliveries), from falls while learning to walk, from playground tumbles, or even from poor posture while using tablets or watching TV. Kids are constantly on the move, and their developing spines are susceptible to these minor misalignments that can have significant effects.
How Atlas Orthogonal and Orthospinology Help
At Desoto Upper Cervical, we use two highly specialized techniques: Atlas Orthogonal and Orthospinology. If you’re picturing the kind of chiropractic adjustment you might have seen on YouTube with lots of twisting and popping—get that image out of your head. What we do, especially with children, is completely different and incredibly gentle.
Here’s what makes these techniques unique and particularly suited for children:
They’re instrument-assisted, which means we use a specialized tool to deliver a precise, controlled correction. For infants and young children, the amount of force we use is about the same pressure you’d use to check if a tomato is ripe—very, very light. It’s so gentle that most babies sleep right through it.
They’re precise. We use specialized imaging and analysis to determine the exact angle and direction of your child’s atlas misalignment. We’re not guessing; we’re measuring to the degree.
There’s no twisting or “cracking.” The adjustment is delivered in a controlled manner that’s comfortable and safe for children of all ages, from newborns to teenagers.
When we correct the upper cervical misalignment, the nerves can function properly, the muscles can relax, and the Eustachian tubes can drain the way they’re supposed to. For many children, this means fewer ear infections, less pain, and better overall health.
What the Research Says
You’re probably thinking, “This sounds promising, but does it actually work?” That’s a fair question. While we’d always like to see more research, the studies that have been done are encouraging.
Research published in the Journal of Clinical Chiropractic Pediatrics found that children receiving chiropractic care showed significant improvement in ear infection symptoms compared to standard medical care alone. Another study followed 332 children with chronic ear infections and found that 80% didn’t experience another ear infection during the six-month period following chiropractic care.
Now, these studies looked at chiropractic care generally, not upper cervical specifically. But given that the upper cervical spine is so intimately connected to the nerves controlling the Eustachian tubes, it makes sense that addressing misalignments in this area would be particularly effective.
What to Expect at Desoto Upper Cervical
We know bringing your child to any new healthcare provider can feel a little nerve-wracking, especially when they’re already not feeling well. Let us walk you through what typically happens.
Your first visit will start with a comprehensive health history. Dr. Hall or Dr. Reistroffer will ask about your child’s birth (was it a difficult delivery?), developmental milestones, any falls or injuries, current symptoms, how often they get ear infections, and their overall health. We want the complete picture.
Next comes the examination, which is gentle and non-invasive. We’ll assess your child’s posture, check their upper cervical alignment, and look for areas of tension or restriction, particularly in the upper neck and around the jaw. For young children, this often happens while they’re sitting on your lap or playing with toys we have in the office. We create a comfortable, non-threatening environment.
If we find that upper cervical misalignment is present and could be contributing to your child’s ear problems, we’ll take specialized imaging to see exactly what’s happening. Then we’ll explain our findings in plain English—no confusing medical jargon—and outline a care plan.
For children with chronic ear issues, we typically recommend starting with more frequent visits—maybe two to three times per week—to establish proper alignment and allow their body to adjust. As symptoms improve, we space visits out. Every child is different, and we’ll tailor the care plan to your child’s specific needs.
Is It Safe for My Child?
This is always the first question parents ask, and it’s the most important one. Yes, upper cervical chiropractic care is extremely safe for children when performed by trained specialists like Dr. Hall and Dr. Reistroffer.
The Atlas Orthogonal and Orthospinology techniques we use are gentle, precise, and specifically adapted for children’s developing bodies. Serious adverse events are extraordinarily rare. Most children find the experience comfortable and relaxing. Some even fall asleep during their adjustments.
We would never use the same force or techniques on a child that we’d use on an adult. Everything is scaled appropriately for their age, size, and specific condition. Your child’s safety and comfort are our top priorities.
Supporting Strategies for Ear Health
While upper cervical corrections can be highly effective, we often recommend some additional strategies to support your child’s ear health:
Consider reducing dairy intake during active infections. Dairy can increase mucus production in some children, which can worsen congestion and affect drainage.
Keep your child well-hydrated. Adequate fluid intake helps thin mucus and supports healthy drainage.
Use a humidifier in their bedroom, especially during dry winter months. Moist air can help keep the Eustachian tubes from getting too dry and sticky.
Avoid exposure to cigarette smoke. Secondhand smoke irritates the Eustachian tubes and increases infection risk.
For babies, position them upright during feeding when possible. This promotes better Eustachian tube drainage compared to feeding while completely horizontal.
These strategies work alongside upper cervical care to give your child the best chance at healthy ears.
When Should You Consider Upper Cervical Care?
Upper cervical care can be beneficial for acute ear infections, but it’s particularly effective for children who experience recurrent infections—like three or more in six months. It’s also helpful for kids with chronic fluid in the ears that won’t resolve, persistent ear pain without active infection, or frequent ear-related balance problems.
Some parents also bring their children in as a preventive measure, especially if they have a history of ear problems or if they’ve noticed their child’s symptoms seem to get worse after falls or injuries.
Important: When to See a Medical Doctor
Let’s be really clear about something: upper cervical care is not a replacement for necessary medical treatment. If your child has a high fever, severe pain, drainage from the ear, or signs of a serious infection, they need to see their pediatrician. Upper cervical care works best as part of a comprehensive approach to your child’s health.
What we offer is an additional option—especially for children whose ear infections keep coming back despite multiple rounds of antibiotics, or for those whose parents want to take a more natural, preventive approach when appropriate.
We’re happy to work collaboratively with your pediatrician. In fact, we encourage it. The best care often comes from a team approach where different healthcare providers work together for your child’s benefit.
Benefits Beyond Ear Relief
While you might initially bring your child to Desoto Upper Cervical for earaches, many parents notice other improvements too. When the upper cervical spine is properly aligned and the nervous system is functioning well, children often experience better sleep quality, improved immune function, reduced fussiness or colic, better balance and coordination, and improved overall comfort and well-being.
These broader benefits happen because the nervous system controls everything in your child’s body. When there’s no interference in the upper cervical spine, their body simply works better.
Frequently Asked Questions
What age can my child start receiving upper cervical care?
Children can receive upper cervical care from birth. In fact, we’ve adjusted newborns just days old. Birth—especially difficult or assisted deliveries—can be traumatic to a baby’s spine and nervous system. The techniques we use are modified based on your child’s age and size, ensuring care is always appropriate and incredibly gentle.
How quickly will my child feel better?
This varies depending on how chronic the problem is. Some children experience relief after just one or two corrections, while others with long-standing ear issues may need several weeks of care to see significant improvement. Most parents notice positive changes within the first few visits. We’ll monitor progress closely and adjust the care plan as needed.
Will the adjustment hurt my child?
No. The corrections we make are so gentle that most children don’t even realize anything happened. Babies often sleep through their adjustments. Older children might feel a slight pressure, but it shouldn’t hurt. If your child ever seems uncomfortable, we’ll modify our approach immediately. Some children experience mild soreness afterward—similar to how muscles feel after gentle stretching—but this is uncommon and temporary.
Can upper cervical care replace antibiotics?
Upper cervical care is not a replacement for necessary medical treatment. However, it can be an effective approach for children with chronic ear issues or those who haven’t responded well to repeated antibiotic use. For active infections, especially with fever or severe symptoms, medical evaluation is important. Many parents find that combining upper cervical care with appropriate medical treatment provides the best long-term outcomes and helps reduce the frequency of future infections.
How many visits will my child need?
Every child is different. Acute earaches might resolve in just a few visits, while children with chronic ear problems typically need more frequent care initially—perhaps two to three times per week for several weeks—followed by less frequent visits to maintain alignment and prevent recurrence. After the initial intensive phase, many children transition to monthly or even less frequent check-ups.
What if my child won’t sit still for the examination?
We work with kids all the time, and we’re used to wiggly, active children! We create a comfortable, fun environment with toys and distractions. For very young children, we can perform much of the examination and adjustment while they’re sitting on your lap or even playing. We’re patient and flexible, and we’ll work with your child’s temperament and comfort level.
Is this the same as regular chiropractic care?
No. Upper cervical care is a specialized focus within chiropractic. Dr. Hall and Dr. Reistroffer have advanced training specifically in the atlas and axis—the top two bones in the spine. The Atlas Orthogonal and Orthospinology techniques we use require additional certification and are much more precise and gentle than general chiropractic adjustments. This specialization is particularly important when working with children.
Give Your Child the Relief They Deserve
Watching your child suffer through another earache is tough. You want to help them feel better, but you also want to do what’s best for their long-term health. We understand that concern because we’re parents too.
At Desoto Upper Cervical, Dr. David Hall and Dr. Troy Reistroffer are committed to providing gentle, effective, specialized care for children suffering from chronic earaches and recurrent ear infections. We use the most advanced upper cervical techniques available—Atlas Orthogonal and Orthospinology—to address the underlying structural issues that may be contributing to your child’s ear problems.
We’ll take the time to thoroughly evaluate your child, explain exactly what we find, and give you honest recommendations about whether upper cervical care is appropriate for their situation. If we can help, we’ll create a personalized care plan. If we think another specialist would be more appropriate, we’ll tell you that too.
Many parents in Southaven and throughout the Mid-South have found that upper cervical care was the missing piece in finally breaking their child’s cycle of chronic ear infections. We’d love to see if we can help your child too.
Desoto Upper Cervical is located at 1134 Church Rd W in Southaven, MS. Call us at (662) 393-4848 to schedule a consultation for your child. Let’s work together to give your little one the relief they deserve and help them enjoy being a kid again—without the constant worry of the next earache.
Your child doesn’t have to keep suffering. Natural relief might be closer than you think. Give us a call today.
