Infantile colic is a condition that can be both frustrating and controversial for parents. Many conventional pediatricians mistakenly state that “colic can just happen with certain babies” and “don’t worry, they’ll grow out of it.” However, there is ongoing debate about the root causes of colic and how babies develop this condition. In this blog post, we’ll break down the science behind colic, keep it simple, and discuss safe and natural ways to help ease your little one’s constant crying and discomfort.
If your baby is struggling with colic and you’re seeking answers and relief from the endless crying and sleepless nights, this is for you! If you feel that it’s not normal for your baby to be constantly crying, uncomfortable, arching their back, and craning their neck to find some relief – keep reading.
We will reveal how improving overall neurological function can resolve many of your child’s health issues. Discover gentle methods to stimulate the nervous system and learn about specialized chiropractic care that can detect and address vagus nerve dysfunction without the use of drugs or surgery.
Overlooked Trigger of Colic
One of the most overlooked yet obvious initial triggers of colic is an overstressed and subluxated nervous system. At 3T Family Chiropractic in Olathe, Kansas, we often find that the vast majority of colic patients have at least one of the following stressors in their case history:
- A high-stress or high-risk pregnancy
- Birth interventions such as forceps, vacuum extraction, induction, epidural, or c-section that can physically injure and alter the function of the nerves and muscles of the upper neck
These interventions can influence a range of functions, including sleeping, latching, breastfeeding, swallowing, digestion, and gross motor development, such as turning the head and tummy time. These common early stressors can cause an infant’s nervous system to become highly sensitive and remain stuck in a sympathetic fight-or-flight mode.
Jackson’s Story of Hope
Consider the story of baby Jackson, who struggled with bad reflux, gas pains, and trouble sleeping at night as an infant. Jackson’s mom shared, “Navigating parenthood as first-time parents was challenging, especially with Jackson struggling with these issues! It was heart-wrenching to see him so upset and uncomfortable all the time.”
Fortunately, Jackson’s parents sought help from their holistic pediatrician, who focuses on finding the root cause of a child’s struggles rather than just treating the symptoms. Recognizing that the stress of a very fast labor and delivery could be part of the root cause, the pediatrician referred Jackson to a pediatric chiropractor.
Jackson’s mom reported, “Jackson started getting adjusted when he was 9 weeks old, and within the first couple of weeks, we definitely started to see changes! We first noticed that he was no longer having constant gas pains and didn’t seem as uncomfortable anymore. Within the first month, his colic seemed to disappear, and we started to see Jackson’s happy and silly personality coming through.”
With continued care, Jackson transformed into “a completely different baby” compared to when he first started treatment. His colic and stomach pains were completely gone, his reflux had improved, and he was even sleeping through the night! Now, as a toddler, Jackson’s mom says, “He is truly the happiest and is always smiling and laughing. We could not be more thankful to have found our pediatric chiropractor – they’ve taught us so much about chiropractic care and the benefits it could provide to Jackson. Thank you for giving us our happy boy back!”
Sympathetic Dominance and Its Effects
When an infant’s nervous system is stuck in a sympathetic fight or flight mode, they may struggle with basic health functions such as sleeping, eating, pooping, and moving. Parents often innately know that something within their little one’s body is not working well, including both “internal” muscles that control digestion and “external” muscles of the neck and spine. This is why infants with colic often struggle more after eating and are constantly arching their neck and back.
Many parents of colicky infants have already tried removing dairy and other common foods that have a higher risk of allergies and intolerances. Some families have also had their children’s tongue or oral ties surgically revised and clipped. While tongue and oral ties can cause trouble with latching, nursing, and discomfort, it’s essential to look deeper at the root cause of these issues. If a child’s nervous system is stuck in a sympathetic fight or flight mode, it can leave all the muscles and ligaments of the body extra wound tight and tense. Even if the tongue and oral ties are surgically revised, the tension may remain in the nervous system and other important parts of the body.
What is the Real Root Cause?
While most people look to the stomach or digestive system for the root cause of colic, it often lies deeper within the nervous system, which controls and coordinates digestive motility, absorption, and elimination. When tension and subluxation build up along the neurospinal system, a colicky baby will often arch their back and crane their neck, trying to release or dissipate that tension. This is a strong indication that the root cause of their discomfort is neurospinal tension, not merely digestive dysfunction.
Neurologically-Focused Chiropractic Care is a gentle, non-invasive approach that addresses the underlying neurological factors contributing to colic. Neurologically-Focused Pediatric Chiropractors are specifically trained to identify and correct subluxations (misalignments) in the spine that can interfere with proper nervous system function. By restoring balance to the nervous system, chiropractic care can help relieve symptoms of colic and promote overall health and well-being in infants.
At 3T Family Chiropractic, our doctors use a combination of thorough assessments and advanced technology called Neurological INSiGHT Scans to detect and measure the presence of subluxation and neurological dysfunction or sympathetic dominance in colicky infants. This targeted approach allows us to develop personalized care plans that address each child’s unique needs. Our Olathe chiropractic clinic is designed for moms and kids, with a playroom, mom’s room for changing baby and breastfeeding, along with all the snacks and fun.
Benefits of Neurologically-Focused Chiropractic Care for Colic
In addition to helping alleviate the symptoms of colic, chiropractic care can offer a range of other benefits for infants and children. These may include:
- Improved sleep quality and duration
- Enhanced immune system function
- Better digestion and reduced digestive discomfort
- Increased range of motion and flexibility
- Support for healthy brain and nervous system development
It’s important to note that chiropractic care is not a “one-size-fits-all” solution, and results may vary from child to child. However, many parents have reported amazing improvements in their babies’ comfort, happiness, and overall wellness following specific chiropractic care.
So, if you’re ready to find real answers and drug-free solutions for your baby’s colic, consider scheduling an initial consultation with one of our docs at 3T Family Chiropractic. With the right approach, you can help your little one find the peace, comfort, and restful sleep you both desperately need. Don’t spend another exhausting night wondering if there’s hope – take action and seek the support your family deserves.
If you are not local to Kansas City or Olathe, please check out the PX Docs directory to find a PX Doc near you. By addressing the root cause of colic through gentle, Neurologically-Focused Chiropractic Care, you can help your baby thrive and enjoy a happier, healthier childhood.