Can You Alleviate Infant Colic With Chiropractic Care?

Being the parent of a newborn infant is exciting and sometimes scary. Learning your baby and their cries can take some time. If your child is crying for long periods of time and is inconsolable, it could be due to colic.

Colic is a condition that affects many infants. It can feel overwhelming and often frustrating for parents. It is characterized by episodes of intense crying for no apparent reason. One natural remedy that many parents may not think of for a colicky baby is seeing a pediatric chiropractor. If you’re stressed and anxious about your child’s condition, give pediatric chiropractic care a try.

Table of Contents

What is Infant Colic and What Are the Symptoms?

Colic is a condition that affects infants and usually involves crying—a lot of it. What is a normal crying range and what isn’t? Colic is defined as crying episodes that last for more than three hours a day, three days a week, for three weeks or more in an otherwise healthy baby. The crying bouts can be very intense and may even make the baby appear to be in pain. Colic usually starts when an infant is around two weeks old and goes away around four to six months of age.

Here are some symptoms colicky babies may experience:

high-pitched crying or screaming
extremely difficult to soothe
may have a red face or be pale around the mouth
may arch their back, clench fists, stiffen their arms, or scrunch in their legs

What Causes Infant Colic?

The exact cause of colic in babies is unknown. Some experts believe that colic may be due to an immature nervous system or gastrointestinal issues. Others believe colic could be caused by environmental factors such as light, noise, or even the smell of certain foods. Sometimes it could be caused by the type of milk your baby is drinking. But infants who drink formula or breast milk can both be diagnosed with colic.

How Can Pediatric Chiropractic Care Work to Help Relieve Infant Colic?

Now that we know a little more about colic let’s talk about how chiropractic care can help. When you take your infant to see a pediatric chiropractor, they will do a full exam. This will help them rule out any other potential causes of the crying. Once colic is determined to be the cause, they will work on gently aligning your baby’s spine and nervous system. This can help reduce the stress on their nervous system and allow their body to function better overall, including your child’s immune system and brain development.

A study was done between 2007 and 2009 that looked at infants with colic who received chiropractic care. The study found that those who received chiropractic adjustments significantly decreased crying time.

Is Taking My Infant to a Chiropractor Safe?

The short answer is yes! Chiropractic care is a drug-free and surgery-free way to help your infant (children younger than one year) feel their best. When you take your child to see a pediatric chiropractor, they will use gentle pressure and adjustments specifically designed for infants. Chiropractors are health care professionals specializing in the musculoskeletal system’s care, most notably the spine.

If you’re considering taking your infant to see a pediatric chiropractor for colic, be sure to find one experienced in treating colicky babies. If you have any questions or concerns, don’t hesitate to ask. The goal is always to help your baby feel their best and ease any discomfort they may be experiencing.

Signs That Chiropractic Care is Working

After a few adjustments, you may start to see some improvements in your colicky baby. Here are some signs that chiropractic care is working:

Crying episodes begin to lessen in frequency or duration
Your baby starts sleeping better and can self soothe
They become more alert and content when awake
They have more regular bowel movements

If you’re seeing any of these signs, great! But even if you don’t see improvement right away, don’t stress. Babies learn at their own pace, and this colic phase will not last forever.

Other Remedies for Colic Babies

Pediatric chiropractic care is an excellent option for caring for an infant with colic. What other things can parents do to help?

Here are some colic-soothing tips:

Burp your baby frequently during and after feedings.
Keep a regular feeding and sleeping schedule.
Try different positions when feeding your baby.
Place your baby on his or her belly for short periods to help them with gas relief.
Take a break. If you’re feeling overwhelmed and your mental health is deteriorating, ask a family member or friend to take over for a bit so you can have a break.
Give your baby a warm bath.

Colic can be a difficult and trying time for both parents and baby, but know that there are remedies that can help. Try different techniques and find what works best for you and your baby. Remember that colic is only temporary and will eventually go away on its own. Hang in there and keep doing what you’re doing. You got this! And don’t forget to ask for help when you need it and if you’re concerned to ask your child’s doctor.

Additional Benefits of Chiropractic Care for Your New Baby

Not only can chiropractic care help with colic, but it can also help with other common health problems and your child’s development, such as:

gas
spit-up
constipation
ear infections
eventually, language development
improve physical developmental milestones
improve your child’s life and daily activities of living

If you think your baby might be colicky, it’s important to get an accurate diagnosis. There is no known cause for colic, but there are care plans that can help. Chiropractic care is safe and effective for infants and children and can provide relief from colic symptoms.

At ADIO Chiropractic, Dr. Eric and our team specialize in health for the entire family, from newborns to adults. When the body is aligned, the neurological pieces are connected better, and the body can function at 100%. Contact ADIO Chiropractic today to make an appointment and start getting your baby on the path to better health.

We look forward to hearing from you!

Request an appointment online or contact us by phone at (608) 824-0950

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