Yes, chiropractors can help some babies with colic. Research shows that gentle chiropractic adjustments may reduce crying time in colicky babies by addressing spinal misalignments that can affect the nervous system. While it doesn’t work for every baby, many parents report their little ones cry less and sleep better after treatment.

When your baby won’t stop crying and nothing seems to help, you might wonder if there are other options. This article will explain how chiropractors work with colicky babies, what the research says, and help you decide if this gentle treatment might be right for your little one.

What Is Colic in Babies?

Colic is when healthy babies cry a lot for no clear reason. Doctors use the “rule of three” to diagnose colic: crying for more than three hours a day, more than three days a week, for longer than three weeks.

Signs Your Baby Might Have Colic

Colicky babies usually get fussy at the end of the day, but crying can happen at any time. Look for these signs:

• Crying that sounds like screaming or pain
• Crying that lasts for hours without stopping
• Nothing seems to calm them down
• Clenched fists and stiff legs
• Red face during crying fits
• Arched back or tense tummy

Colic typically starts when babies are about 3 weeks old, with extended periods of crying in the evening, between 6 p.m. and midnight. The good news? The long crying spells usually end when the baby is about 3 months old, though some babies continue to have crying spells until they are 6 months old. According to the American Academy of Pediatrics, colic affects about 20% of infants and is one of the most common reasons parents seek medical advice during their baby’s first few months.

What Causes Colic?

The cause of infantile colic is not known. According to the Mayo Clinic, doctors think it might be caused by:

• Problems with digestion
• Gas or belly pain
• Being too sensitive to light or sound
• An immature nervous system
• Food allergies or intolerances
• Stress in the family

How Chiropractors Help Colicky Babies

Chiropractors who work with babies use very gentle techniques. There is absolutely no popping or clicking of the spine and joints. There is no twisting of the neck. There are no sharp thrusts or big forces put through the body.

What Baby Chiropractic Looks Like

Adjustments for babies are incredibly safe and gentle. In fact, chiropractors use the same pressure to adjust your little one as they would to check the ripeness of a tomato. Some babies even sleep through their adjustments!

The chiropractor will:

• Check your baby’s spine and neck gently
• Use light finger pressure on specific spots
• Help improve spinal alignment
• Work to calm the nervous system

Why Birth Might Cause Problems

Just the process of birth twists, squeezes, and rotates their tiny bodies. Their journey through the birth canal can be enough to misalign their spine. Interventions like vacuum extraction, forceps and alike add even greater stress to a young spine – all of which can cause misalignments and discomfort for a young baby – resulting in colic.

Problems that can happen during birth include:

• Twisted or compressed neck
• Pressure on the spine
• Pinched nerves
• Muscle tension

Research on Chiropractic Care for Colic

Several studies have looked at whether chiropractic care helps babies with colic.

What the Studies Show

A study published in the Journal of Manipulative and Physiological Therapeutics demonstrated a significant improvement in colic from chiropractic care. Based on parent reporting, the three-month long study showed that there was a positive improvement in 94% of the cases.

A large Danish study found that excessive crying was reduced by half an hour in favor of the group receiving chiropractic care compared with the control group. While this might not sound like much, every minute counts when you’re dealing with a crying baby!

Another study from the National Center for Biotechnology Information showed that chiropractic manual therapy improved crying behavior in infants with colic, and knowledge of treatment by the parent did not appear to contribute to the observed treatment effects.

What Experts Say

A systematic review found that chiropractic care is a viable alternative to the care of infantile colic and congruent with evidence-based practice, particularly when one considers that medical care options are no better than placebo or have associated adverse events.

However, it’s important to know that there were limitations in most of the colic studies such as potential bias since parents assessing the crying were not blinded to the intervention.

Safety of Chiropractic Care for Babies

Many parents worry about the safety of chiropractic care for their tiny babies. The good news is that when done by trained professionals, it’s very safe.

Safety Statistics

Research shows a rate of 0.53% to 1% mild adverse events associated with chiropractic pediatric care. This means between one in 100 to 200 patients presenting for chiropractic care might have mild side effects.

No serious adverse events have been reported in the literature when proper techniques are used. A comprehensive review published in the Journal of Manipulative and Physiological Therapeutics concluded that chiropractic care for children is safe when performed by trained professionals using appropriate techniques.

What to Expect

Most babies do well with chiropractic care. In our experience, most babies have no reaction to an adjustment. After a treatment, babies are often very calm and relaxed, sometimes even falling asleep before the end of the visit.

If side effects do happen, they’re usually mild and include:

• Temporary fussiness
• Slight soreness that goes away quickly
• Changes in sleep patterns for a day or two

When to See a Chiropractor for Colic

Not every crying baby needs chiropractic care. Consider seeing a chiropractor if:

• Your baby cries for hours without stopping
• Nothing seems to comfort them
• They seem to be in pain
• Regular colic remedies aren’t working
• You want to try a natural approach

What to Look For in a Pediatric Chiropractor

When choosing a chiropractor for your baby, make sure they have:

• Special training in pediatric care
• Experience working with infants
• Gentle techniques designed for babies
• Good references from other parents

Other Ways to Help a Colicky Baby

While chiropractic care might help, there are other things you can try too.

At-Home Remedies

There are many ways to soothe your baby. Giving your baby extra attention, such as holding them for extended periods, won’t spoil them.

Try these gentle methods:

• Swaddling your baby snugly
• Gentle rocking or bouncing
• White noise or soft music
• Warm baths
• Infant massage
• Skin-to-skin contact

Feeding Changes

Sometimes changing how or what you feed your baby can help:

For breastfeeding moms:

• Ask your doctor if any medicines you’re taking could be causing the problem
• Try avoiding dairy, caffeine, or spicy foods
• Keep a food diary to track patterns

For formula-fed babies:

• Try a different brand. Babies can be sensitive to certain proteins in formula
• Consider hypoallergenic formulas
• Try feeding your baby smaller meals but more often

When to Call Your Doctor

Your baby’s crying is mixed with a fever, vomiting, loose or bloody stools, or decreased movement – call your doctor right away.

Also call if:

• Your baby seems sick
• The crying gets worse instead of better
• You’re feeling overwhelmed or stressed

Combining Chiropractic Care with Other Treatments

Chiropractic care works best as part of a complete approach to helping your colicky baby. This might include:

• Regular check-ups with your pediatrician
• Massage therapy to help relax tense muscles
• Working with a lactation consultant if breastfeeding
• Getting support from family and friends

How Long Does Treatment Take?

Most chiropractors recommend a series of gentle treatments over a few weeks. In the Danish study, both groups attended the chiropractic clinic twice a week for 2 weeks. Some babies show improvement after just one visit, while others need several sessions.

The chiropractor will:

• Assess your baby’s specific needs
• Create a treatment plan
• Monitor progress over time
• Adjust the approach as needed

Cost and Insurance Considerations

The cost of pediatric chiropractic care varies by location and provider. Some insurance plans cover chiropractic care for children, while others don’t. It’s worth checking with:

• Your insurance company
• The chiropractor’s office
• Your pediatrician for referrals

What Parents Say About Chiropractic Care for Colic

Many parents report positive experiences with chiropractic care for their colicky babies. Common benefits they mention include:

• Less crying overall
• Better sleep patterns
• Easier feeding
• Calmer baby during the day
• Reduced stress for the whole family

However, it’s important to remember that chiropractic does not cure colic, nor does it help EVERY baby with colic.

Signs Your Baby Might Need Different Help

While chiropractic care can be helpful, some babies need different treatments. Watch for signs that might mean something else is wrong:

• Fever or signs of illness
• Vomiting or diarrhea
• Not eating well or losing weight
• Extreme fussiness that gets worse
• Changes in breathing or skin color

If you notice any of these signs, see your pediatrician right away.

Supporting Your Own Well-Being

Taking care of a colicky baby is hard work. The stress of calming a crying baby has sometimes prompted parents to shake or otherwise harm their child. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention emphasizes the importance of parent support and stress management to prevent harm to infants. Remember:

• It’s not your fault
• Colic is temporary
• Ask for help when you need it
• Take breaks when possible
• Consider counseling if you’re feeling overwhelmed

Final Thoughts

Chiropractic care can be a gentle, safe option for helping some babies with colic. Research shows that gentle chiropractic adjustments may reduce crying time and improve sleep habits. While it doesn’t work for every baby, many families find it helpful as part of a complete approach to managing colic.

If you’re considering chiropractic care for your colicky baby, talk to your pediatrician first. They can help you decide if it’s a good option for your little one. Remember, colic is temporary, and with the right support and care, both you and your baby will get through this challenging time.

Ready to explore gentle, natural relief for your baby’s colic? Contact HealthQuest Longevity today to learn more about our safe, effective pediatric chiropractic services and how we can help your family find comfort during this difficult time.