The word “colic” can instill fear in parents of new babies as it is associated with inconsolable crying for long periods of time even after being fed, changed, and rocked. If you are a parent of a colicky infant, know that you are not alone. On average, 25% of babies experience symptoms of colic. While no specific cause of colic is known, it is thought to be caused from abdominal pain or gastrointestinal issues. A colicky baby will often tense their abs, flex their legs, and clench their fists as they cry. While this can be physically and emotionally hard on parents of a colicky infant, know that chiropractic care has been shown to be effective in relieving symptoms of colic.
Methods for Managing Colic
Not many treatments are available for colic as it is known to be a self-resolving problem that usually corrects itself when an infant is about 3 months old, although some cases can last longer. Some parents will turn to prescription medication, diet change, or different holding positions in an effort to bring about relief for an infant suffering from colic. However, not all methods work, and medications can come with the risk of harmful side effects and only relieve symptoms for a small period of time. Chiropractic care has been shown to be a natural and safe method for managing colic symptoms without the risk of side effects. Additionally, chiropractic care seeks to treat the root cause of colic instead of masking symptoms for short time. In a study conducted of 50 infants with colic, half of the group received chiropractic care while the other half received prescription medication. Nine infants on prescription medication had to be released from the study because their symptoms were only worsening instead of improving. However, infants receiving chiropractic care showed significant improvements as crying times were reduced by an average of 2.4 hours after just 4 to 7 days, showing that chiropractic is indeed safe and effective. Another study of 104 babies with colic also showed that chiropractic significantly reduced crying time as well.
Chiropractic Care for Colic
Gentle chiropractic adjustments from Lithia Springs chiropractor Dr. Ronnie Bolar can remove spinal subluxations that will decrease symptoms related to colic. Removing spinal misalignments will reduce nerve interference that affects the function of the central nervous system. When the central nervous system is functioning properly, it can improve other body systems as well, such as the digestive system or intestinal system, which are both thought to be a cause of pain in colicky babies. Chiropractic adjustments have even been known to provide instantaneous relief for symptoms of colic.
Studies Supporting Chiropractic for Colic Relief
Studies have shown a link between spinal subluxations and colic in infants. In fact, one case study of a 3-month-old male infant with symptoms of colic, feeding difficulties, occipital flattening, and torticollis showed a connection between correcting spinal misalignments and reducing episodes of colic. After the fourth visit to a chiropractor, the issues were resolved. Additionally, an eight-week-old female presented with excessive bouts of crying, sometimes lasting up to 5 hours at a time. She also experienced pain and wincing from bowel movements. After 4 weeks of chiropractic care and 8 gentle adjustments, complete resolution was reported and the colic symptoms never returned. If your infant is experiencing symptoms of colic and you are searching for answers, contact Dr. Ronnie Bolar of Vital Life Chiropractic to reduce or altogether dissolve colic symptoms in your infant.
Sources:
Castellucci, R.R. “Resolution of Colic in an Eight Week Old Infant Undergoing Chiropractic Care: A Case Study.” Journal of Pediatric, Maternal, and Family Health, 2012 Nov: 109-112. https://livingvitallife.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/07/Resolution-of-Colic-in-an-Eight-Week-Old-Infant-Undergoing-Chiropractic-Care-.pdf.
Gelfand, A. A. (2016). Infant Colic. Seminars in Pediatric Neurology, 23(1), 79–82. http://doi.org/10.1016/j.spen.2015.08.003
Miller, J.E., Newell, D., Bolton, J.E. “Efficacy of Chiropractic Manual Therapy on Infant Colic: A Pragmatic Single-Blind, Randomized Controlled Trial.” Journal of Manipulative and Physiological Therapeutics, 2012 Oct; 35(8): 600-607. https://www.jmptonline.org/article/S0161-4754(12)00161-3/abstract?code=ymmt-site.
Rubin, D., Istok, M. “Resolution of Infantile Colic, Torticollis, Plagiocephaly & Feeding Difficulties Following Subluxation Based Chiropractic: A Case Report.” Journal of Pediatric, Maternal, and Family Health, 2013 March: 24-27. https://livingvitallife.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/07/Resolution-of-Infantile-Colic-Torticollis-Plagiocephaly-Feeding-Difficulties-Following-Subluxation-Based-Chiropractic-.pdf.