For many parents, bringing a newborn home is an exciting and joyous experience—until excessive crying and colic take over. If your baby cries for hours on end, especially in the evening, and seems inconsolable despite your best efforts, you’re not alone. Colic affects up to 25% of newborns, leaving parents exhausted and searching for solutions.
While traditional approaches like gas drops, dietary changes, and rocking techniques may help some babies, pediatric chiropractic care offers a natural, holistic approach that many parents have found effective in easing colic symptoms and excessive crying.
In this article, we’ll explore:
✔️ What colic is and why babies cry excessively
✔️ The connection between colic, the nervous system, and spinal health
✔️ How pediatric chiropractic adjustments can help soothe colicky babies
What is Colic? Understanding the Causes of Excessive Crying
Colic is defined as uncontrollable, prolonged crying in an otherwise healthy baby, typically following the “Rule of 3s”:
- Crying for more than 3 hours a day
- At least 3 days a week
- For at least 3 weeks
Common Signs of Colic
🔹 Intense, inconsolable crying for long periods
🔹 Clenching fists, arching the back, or pulling legs up
🔹 Tensed abdomen and signs of digestive discomfort
🔹 Crying worsens in the late afternoon or evening
🔹 Difficulty sleeping due to discomfort
Possible Causes of Colic & Excessive Crying
The exact cause of colic is unknown, but several factors may contribute:
- Digestive issues – Gas buildup, acid reflux, or immature digestive systems.
- Nervous system imbalance – Overstimulation and difficulty self-soothing.
- Birth trauma or spinal misalignment – Pressure on nerves affecting digestion and comfort.
- Food sensitivities – Reactions to formula or maternal diet if breastfeeding.
Since colic often resolves around 3-4 months, many parents are told to “wait it out.” However, excessive crying can be stressful for both the baby and the family. That’s why more parents are turning to pediatric chiropractic care for relief.
How Pediatric Chiropractic Care Helps with Colic and Excessive Crying
Many people are surprised to learn that spinal misalignments (subluxations) in newborns can contribute to colic and excessive crying. The spine protects the nervous system, which controls digestion, sleep, and muscle relaxation. When misalignments occur—especially in the upper neck and lower back—nerve interference can lead to discomfort, poor digestion, and irritability.
Birth Trauma and Spinal Misalignment
The birthing process, whether vaginal or C-section, can put significant stress on a newborn’s spine. Even minor spinal misalignments from birth can affect the vagus nerve, which controls digestion and relaxation.
Chiropractic adjustments correct these misalignments, allowing the nervous system to function properly. This can result in:
✔️ Improved digestion – Reducing gas, reflux, and bloating.
✔️ Less tension in the body – Helping babies relax and sleep better.
✔️ Better nerve communication – Enhancing the body’s ability to regulate discomfort.
How Chiropractic Treatment for Colic Works
1. Gentle & Precise Pediatric Adjustments
Pediatric chiropractic care is very different from adult adjustments. Chiropractors use:
- Extremely gentle pressure (like testing a ripe tomato)
- Safe, non-invasive techniques designed specifically for infants
- Adjustments focused on the upper cervical spine and lower abdomen
These corrections restore proper nerve function, helping babies feel more comfortable.
2. Supporting the Nervous System
Colicky babies often have an overstimulated nervous system that prevents them from self-soothing. Chiropractic care can help by:
✔️ Balancing the autonomic nervous system, reducing fight-or-flight responses.
✔️ Improving sleep patterns, leading to better rest for both baby and parents.
✔️ Enhancing digestion, reducing bloating and discomfort.
3. Encouraging Better Digestion
Misalignments in the lower spine and sacrum can affect the nerves that control the intestines and stomach. Chiropractic adjustments can:
- Help reduce gas buildup and bloating
- Ease acid reflux symptoms
- Encourage smoother digestion and bowel movements
Many parents notice that after an adjustment, their baby has a large bowel movement and sleeps more peacefully.
Scientific Evidence Supporting Chiropractic for Colic
Studies and case reports suggest that chiropractic care can be beneficial for colicky babies.
🔹 A study published in the Journal of Manipulative and Physiological Therapeutics found that colicky infants who received chiropractic care cried significantly less compared to those who did not.
🔹 Another study in the Journal of Clinical Chiropractic Pediatrics showed that 94% of parents reported improvements in their baby’s colic symptoms after chiropractic adjustments.
While more large-scale research is needed, these findings support chiropractic care as a safe and effective option for parents looking for natural relief.
Benefits of Pediatric Chiropractic Care for Colic & Excessive Crying
✔️ Drug-Free & Natural Solution – No need for medications or gas drops.
✔️ Supports Digestion – Helps relieve gas, reflux, and tummy discomfort.
✔️ Improves Nervous System Function – Enhances relaxation and self-soothing.
✔️ Promotes Better Sleep – Helping both baby and parents rest easier.
✔️ Safe & Gentle for Newborns – Designed specifically for delicate infant bodies.
When to Consider Chiropractic Care for Your Baby
If your baby:
✔️ Cries excessively for more than 3 hours a day
✔️ Seems uncomfortable after feedings or arches their back
✔️ Struggles with gas, reflux, or constipation
✔️ Sleeps poorly due to discomfort
✔️ Had a difficult or traumatic birth
Then pediatric chiropractic care is a helpful solution.
Final Thoughts: A Holistic Way to Soothe Your Baby
Colic and excessive crying can be stressful and exhausting, but chiropractic care offers a gentle, holistic approach to help calm your baby. By addressing spinal misalignments and restoring nervous system balance, chiropractic adjustments may provide much-needed relief for colicky infants—allowing them to sleep better, digest more easily, and feel more comfortable.
If you’re looking for a natural, drug-free way to help your baby, consider scheduling a consultation with a pediatric chiropractor today.