Do you have a baby suffering from colic? If so, you are not alone. Around 30% of infants experience colic, which is an outdated but well known term for a baby who cries excessively. If you are looking for an alternative to medication, chiropractic care may be the answer. It is becoming increasingly popular as an option for providing relief for infants with symptoms of colic.
Conventional treatment methods, including medications or lifestyle and dietary changes, may be effective for some babies; however, many parents are now turning to more holistic therapies like chiropractic care to manage their child’s symptoms.
Chiropractic care can be beneficial to manage babies who cry excessively, and may reduce the effects of other infant ailments, such as reflux and problematic feeding.
What is colic?
Colic is characterised by inconsolable crying, which may begin at three weeks and persist until the baby turns three months old, sometimes older. Nothing appears to soothe or alleviate this discomfort for your infant.
For those who have experienced a colicky baby, you understand the distress and frustration it can bring. Parents of colicky infants may feel hopeless as there is rarely an easy solution to comforting their young child.
What causes colic?
Although the exact causes of colic are unknown, many medical experts believe it stems from issues within the digestive system. Understandably, “colic” originated from the Greek term “kolikos” which translates to “suffering in the colon.” This reveals just how long we have been aware of this condition and its symptoms, for centuries.
Specialists speculate that food sensitivity (most commonly to breast milk or formula) and infant acid reflux may be underlying causes.
In addition, the infant’s digestive system may be to blame for the fussiness. Since it is still developing, indigestion is a possible factor in their discomfort.
Common symptoms of colic
Infanta may cry without warning and with notable intensity for unpredictable periods, ranging from a few minutes to several hours. Additionally, these episodes often happen consistently in the same time frame. Generally speaking, infants with colic will cry during the late afternoon or evening hours.
Often, their face will become flushed and bright red.
When an infant is upset and crying, you may observe something else that indicates distress – clenched fists, tightened abdominal muscles, and a slightly arched back.
Colicky babies often experience fitful, disjointed sleep due to their frequent bouts of crying and wailing. They’ll rest before waking up again in an unrestrained outburst of cries. Babies often fidget and fuss for hours, leaving exhausted parents wide awake. This ongoing cycle of sleep deprivation can be gruelling.
Though usually with no issues related to appetite, the baby feeds irregularly. During times of intense crying spells, it is common for the infant to pass wind.
Can chiropractic care help an unsettled baby?
Specific and gentle adjustments can be used to restore the regular functioning of your gut, and encourage digestion. This ultimately soothes colic symptoms and leads to a more comfortable and content baby.
If your pediatrician has identified that your child is suffering from colic, it’s time to visit a chiropractor for a thorough assessment.
By calming the nervous system and enhancing the parasympathetic drive through chiropractic methods, the small and large intestines work more effectively, enhancing peristalsis, which ensures a proper functioning digestive system.
When a baby’s nervous system is working well, they are more likely to feed well, sleep appropriately and be more settled throughout the day and night. This calming care is a natural, safe and effective solution for parents with a baby that cries excessively, and benefits the whole family.
Final thoughts on chiropractic care for babies with colic
As a parent, it’s understandable that you would do anything to decrease the pain and distress, and increase the comfort of your precious baby.
Chiropractors are highly trained and equipped to treat babies with colic, providing gentle spinal adjustments that can reduce the symptoms of discomfort.
Chiropractic care can be an excellent option for helping alleviate colic symptoms, and supporting families to navigate the early months of parenting. By getting regular checkups and maintaining adjustments, you can help ensure your little one has the best chance of feeling settled and calm, which has positive benefits for the whole family.
If you’re looking for alternative treatments for colic, book an appointment at Wellness Chiropractic for your personalised chiropractic care and treatment plan!
