Colic is a common condition affecting many infants, characterized by prolonged periods of inconsolable crying and fussiness. While the exact cause of colic is not well understood, it can be a source of significant stress and frustration for both babies and their parents. 

Luckily, chiropractic care offers a gentle, non-invasive approach to helping soothe colicky babies and provide much-needed relief for families. So, let’s take a closer look at how chiropractic care might help you overcome sleepless nights and allow your entire family peace and quiet once again.

What is Colic?

Colic is typically defined as excessive crying in an otherwise healthy infant. Babies with colic often cry for more than three hours a day, three days a week, for at least three weeks. 

Symptoms of colic may include:

  • Intense, high-pitched crying
  • Clenched fists and curled-up legs
  • Reddened face
  • Difficulty soothing or consoling
  • Predictable timing of crying episodes (often in the late afternoon or evening)

While colic is not harmful to babies, it can be incredibly stressful for parents and may lead to feelings of helplessness and frustration.

How Chiropractic Care Can Help

Chiropractic care is safe for infants and children. Thus, it can be a potential treatment option for colic. Here are a few ways your Montrose chiropractor can help:

Gentle Spinal Adjustments

Chiropractors use gentle, specific adjustments to help align the infant’s spine and improve overall nervous system function. These adjustments are tailored to babies’ unique needs and are much softer than those used for adults. By addressing any spinal misalignments or tensions, chiropractors can help promote relaxation and reduce the discomfort associated with colic.

Improved Digestion

Colic is often attributed to digestive issues, such as gas or reflux. Chiropractic adjustments can help stimulate the nerves that control digestion, promoting better function of the digestive system. This can lead to reduced gas, bloating, and discomfort, which may help alleviate colic symptoms.

Relaxation and Stress Relief

The gentle touch and soothing nature of chiropractic adjustments can help promote relaxation in colicky babies. By reducing tension in the spine and surrounding muscles, chiropractic care can create a calming effect that may help soothe fussiness and promote better sleep.

Improved Feeding

Misalignments in the spine can sometimes interfere with proper latching and feeding in infants. By addressing these misalignments, chiropractors can help improve the baby’s ability to feed comfortably, which may reduce the likelihood of digestive issues and colic symptoms.

Support for Parents

In addition to providing care for infants, chiropractors can also offer support and guidance for parents dealing with the challenges of a colicky baby. They may provide recommendations for positioning, burping techniques, and other strategies to help manage colic symptoms and promote a more peaceful home environment.

At the end of the day, colic can be challenging and exhausting for both infants and their parents. However, chiropractic care offers a safe, natural approach to soothing colicky babies and providing relief for families. By addressing spinal misalignments, promoting relaxation, and supporting digestive function, chiropractors can help reduce the severity and duration of colic symptoms. 

Interested in trying chiropractic care? Your New Life Chiropractic team is here to help. Contact us today to schedule your appointment.