This study analyzed the prevalence and characteristics of misinformation in YouTube videos about chiropractic treatment for otitis media (OM).
YouTube was searched in January 2023 (Incognito mode, US region) using the terms “chiropractic treatment for otitis media”, “chiropractic ear infection”, and “chiropractic ear problems”. The first 50 English-language videos ranked by relevance were evaluated. Two independent reviewers extracted metadata (views, duration, likes, comments, upload source) and coded for references to evidence-based therapies, chiropractic techniques, and misinformation themes (“fixing” nerves or the Eustachian tube); a third reviewer resolved discrepancies. Descriptive statistics summarized video characteristics and engagement. A parallel PubMed search identified published literature on the most commonly mentioned techniques.
Fifty videos accrued 2,600,209 views, with a mean of 192 seconds, and generated 21,102 likes and 1,766 comments. Chiropractors produced 42 videos (84% of the content); hospital or academic channels contributed two videos (4%).
The findings are both revealing and frightening:
- Only three videos (6%) cited scientific sources.
- Twenty-five (50%) videos claimed that chiropractic manipulation could “fix” the Eustachian tube.
- Forteen videos (28%) asserted nerve correction.
- None of the videos mentioned antibiotics or tympanostomy tubes.
- Upper‑cervical adjustments (32 videos, 64%) and ear‑massage maneuvers (25 videos, 50%) were the most frequently promoted techniques, despite limited or low‑quality supporting evidence in the published literature.
The authors concluded that misinformation about chiropractic treatment for OM is widespread and highly viewed on YouTube. The omission of proven therapies and promotion of unverified claims pose risks for delayed care
and preventable harm. Efforts from clinicians, professional societies, educators, and platforms are needed to
elevate accurate content, promote media literacy, and reduce exposure to misleading medical information.
I suppose most of us have seen such videos. They are surprisingly popular, are by no means confined to relatively benign conditions like otits media, and reach vast audiences. Therefore, I often was tempted to conduct a proper study of them. I praise the US authors for having me beaten to it!
After reading this paper and after watching some of the videos, I foremost have one question:
HOW CAN ANYONE STILL BELIEVE THAT CHIROPRACTORS ARE SERIOUS HEALTHCARE PROFESSIONALS?
12 Responses to Misinformation in YouTube Videos About Chiropractic Treatment for Otitis Media
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There are many videos on YouTube about chiropractic treatment for otitis and ear infections. Could you please include a link to the specific one you’re referring to?
Thank you.
In the first sentence of the article on which we are commenting, the initial phrase “This study” appears in a different colour to indicate that it is the anchor text[1] (aka link label; link text) — the visible, clickable/tappable HTML hyperlink — to the document:
https://assets.cureus.com/uploads/original_article/pdf/406254/20251002-115246-7jpdk5.pdf
[1] https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Anchor_text
There are many videos about chiropractic treatment for otitis and ear infections. Could you please include a link to the specific one you’re referring to?
I am not referring to a specific one; the paper is a survey of 50!
Dr. Ernst: “HOW CAN ANYONE STILL BELIEVE THAT CHIROPRACTORS ARE SERIOUS HEALTHCARE PROFESSIONALS?”
Stupidity?
Wishful thinking?
Chiropractic propaganda & advertisements?
Distrust of mainstream medicine? (There’s a lot of that going on in the United States these days).
etc???
Thank you, Dr. Ernst, for your answer.
During the COVID-19 pandemic, in Germany, a couple I know—both suffering from severe neck pain—drove 140 km to see a highly recommended chiropractor. The treatment involved an adjustment of the Atlas (C1 vertebra) for both individuals. After a 45-minute session and €180 spent, they were back in their car. Unfortunately, the pain returned before they even made it home.
It makes me wonder: when will people start approaching chiropractic care with a more critical mindset?
Chiropractic Monobonism … ADIO (Above, Down, Inside, Out). Correct the position of the Atlas between the skull and vertebral column and all the neurology (and “Life Force”) passing through the foramen magnum is maximized leading to better health … acoording to these HIO (Hole-In-One) practitioners, that is. It’s just about the purist expression of chiropractism and chiropractic imbecility I can think of.
But who’s counting 😊
~TEO.
My back pain actually got worse after every chiropractic session.
The chiropractor told my PCP that I “wasn’t trying hard enough.”
Meanwhile, I was left in nearly unbearable pain after each visit.
I’d had enough of the endless tinkering and insisted on an MRI.
The results?
Chiari malformation
Spondylitis and stenosis at T11 and T12
Stenosis at L4 and L5
Several Tarlov cysts at the coccyx
No amount of spinal “adjustments” was ever going to fix that.
@Sieglinde
Not even with your wallet being much lighter as a result?
Richard Rasker
I had good insurance at the time, but my L4-L5 surgery ended in disaster. I developed sepsis and required a second surgery three weeks later. The entire case generated 544 pages of medical records.
@Sieglinde
I’m sorry to hear this, and my apologies if my little joke wasn’t all that funny to you.
I hope things are better now, although back pain can be a real … well, pain, with many causes, as in your case.
@Richard Rasker
Your little joke was funny. Don’t worry.