How Chiropractic Benefits Infants with Colic

Every new parent has experienced a fussy baby – some more often than others. Colic is more than fussiness. It presents as an inconsolable baby and frustrated, frazzled parents who only want to comfort their child but can’t. It hurts to know that your baby is uncomfortable, or worse, in pain, and to think there is nothing you can do about it.

Colic can leave parents feeling helpless. There is a treatment, though, that has given many parents hope and brought relief to their little ones. Chiropractic is an effective treatment for colic that is drug-free and gentle. Both infants and their parents reap the benefits because when baby is happy, mom and dad are happy.

What is Colic?

Colic is a condition that occurs in healthy, well-fed infants, beginning when the baby is a few weeks old. By the time the baby is three months old, the condition usually improves and by five months it is often no longer occurring. It is marked by inconsolable crying that meets three criteria regarding length:

• More than three hours a day

• Three days a week or more

• For three weeks or longer

During these episodes it seems as if there is nothing that can be done for the baby. The good news is, it is fairly short lived, but while it is happening it can cause a great deal of distress to the baby and the parents.

Symptoms of Colic

All babies cry and get fussy from time to time. That is normal baby behavior; it does not necessarily point to colic as the culprit. When a baby is well-fed and otherwise healthy, symptoms of colic may include:

• Episodes of crying that are often predictable. Colic usually occurs in the latter part of the day – late afternoon or evening – and at around the same time each day. So a baby with colic will usually get fussy at the same time and the period of distress can last a few minutes to several hours.

• Baby is inconsolable with intense crying. The baby with colic will seem very distressed. The cry is very high pitched and the baby does not respond to attempts to comfort. The baby’s face may become flushed and near the end of the episode they may pass gas or have a bowel movement.

• The crying does not seem to have a source or reason. All babies cry, but they are usually crying because they need something. They may cry because they are hungry, need a diaper change, or just want to be held by mom or dad. A colicky baby will cry for no apparent reason.

• Changes in posture. There are several posture changes that are fairly consistent with colic. The baby will often clench their fists, curl their legs, and tense the abdominal muscles.

Chiropractic Adjustments for Colic

As the baby passes through the birth canal and emerges into the world, the body is stretched and compressed, which can cause misalignment of the back and neck. If the labor was extensive, there was prolonged pushing, or if a device like forceps or vacuum extraction is used, the chances of misalignment are very likely. These misalignments can lead to difficulty nursing and may impede normal organ function. This can lead to digestive issues which may lead to colic.

Some parents may be uncomfortable at first when they consider getting chiropractic care for their infant, but it is safe and gentle. The popping and cracking that is often associated with chiropractic is not a part of infant and child chiropractic. The doctor applies gentle pressure to areas on the neck and back, using the fingers. Many times the baby will completely relax during these adjustments.

Chiropractic adjustments for colic are very effective. Parents considering this type of treatment for their baby should look for a chiropractor who has experience providing treatment for babies. It can make a world of difference for a colicky, distressed infant.

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