Chiropractic Care for Tonsillitis

Tonsillitis occurs when the tonsils – two lumps of tissue at the back of the throat – are inflamed. Symptoms of tonsillitis include:

• Sore throat
• Swollen tonsils
• Swallowing difficulties
• Tender lymph nodes

Tonsillitis is caused by either a viral or bacterial infection, but most often, it's the former. In some cases, the tonsil infection can travel up the ear canal, causing a middle ear infection or chronic otitis media. While tonsillitis and chronic ear infections are common conditions in children, they can be painful and lead to complications.

Treatments vary based on the cause. In some cases, when tonsillitis is chronic, doctors might suggest surgical removal of the tonsils. However, this recommendation is far less frequent than it used to be and now is only used in severe cases of frequent tonsillitis that don't respond to other treatments.

The Connection Between the Tonsils and Your Spine

The spine and the tonsils are not directly connected. However, the nerves located along your spine run to different organs. This means the health of your spine affects your organs. If there are problems with a section of the spine, it can cause pain in the corresponding part of the body.

Misalignment in the cervical spine region can cause pain in parts of your upper body. This includes the head, brain, thyroid, shoulders, sinuses, ears, neck, and tonsils.

Correcting the misalignment in your spine affects your overall health. 

The tonsils are part of the lymphatic system. This is a network of ducts and nodes that extend throughout the body. It's a vital part of the body's immune ability. The lymph system is where white blood cells carry out the process of inactivating foreign invading organisms that cause health problems.

The lymphatic system is also the primary drainage system for fluids and microscopic waste products. To be effective, the lymph ducts of the lymph system pump waste into the bloodstream, where it is filtered out and disposed of by the body's organs.

The tonsils are part of the lymph system. The lymph ducts leading away from the tonsils must travel through the neck muscles, so if there's a problem in the neck, it affects the pumping effect of the lymph in the ducts and nodes.

Cranial and Cervical Subluxations 

Cranial and cervical subluxations can cause neck pain and sore throats.

Even a minor subluxation of the neck can cause muscle contractions that impede lymph flow and reduce the functional capacity of the immune system. The lymph ducts are smaller in children and more likely to become obstructed – a potential reason why children are so much more commonly affected by tonsillitis than adults.

This slowing of the normal lymphatic clearing process causes lymphatic pressure and swelling of the lymph nodes. This also prevents bacteria and viruses from being cleared from the body as efficiently as they should be.

Why Chiropractic Care Can Help 

Chiropractic care is helpful for people dealing with tonsillitis because it benefits the immune system. Chiropractic care focuses on whole-body health. It addresses the root causes of health issues and restores the body to optimal health. It is all-natural, drug-free, and safe and provides various other health benefits.

Case Studies

Some recent case studies have shown that chiropractic treatment is effective in helping both children and adults dealing with tonsillitis.

In the first study, 70 of 76 children with chronic tonsillitis also had spinal abnormalities. Thirty-seven of the children were given adjustments. After five years, over 67 percent of those children were cured of tonsillitis.

Another study showed that out of 46 patients with chronic tonsillitis, the ten who received chiropractic care had no relapses once treatment began. Studies have also confirmed that people who take antibiotics for tonsillitis and sore throats fare just as well as those who do not take prescription medications.

Dr. Eric Neumann D.C.

Dr. Eric Neumann grew up in Alberta, Canada where he majored in Chemistry at the University of Calgary. During his time at University, he obtained licensure as a Massage Therapist. It was clear that hands-on healing would be his calling. After suffering multiple sport-related injuries he became interested in Chiropractic. Dr. Neumann graduated from Western States Chiropractic College in 2009. He has since specialized in the treatment and management of acute spinal injuries.