Infantile Colic

I want to discuss Infantile Colic and the way chiropractic can assist. Colic is crying or fussing for three hours a day for three or more days per week in a well-nourished, otherwise healthy baby.  According to research approximately 10-30 % of infants worldwide are affected by colic. In the early weeks, colic symptoms are often mild, but as time goes on they become increasingly restless with moaning, cramping etc.

Colic is usually from discomfort in the digestive system, but there are less common causes of Colic. Knowing the different types of Colic will help you in determining what can be done to assist your baby. 

There are four common types of Colic:

 Digestive Colic-an immature digestive system is more sensitive, so they will often feel pain in the stomach. It is caused mainly by an excessive amount of gas. The gas can be swallowed and needs to get released (Burped up) if it is not, indigestion, reflux and discomfort will follow.  The symptoms include bloating, cramping, moaning & groaning, pushing and straining. Babies have less control of stomach valves. Chiropractic stimulates the nerve system and promotes control of the muscles of the valves.

An Injury from Birth or positional Colic- causes muscular or skeletal tension and imbalance. During the birth or first few weeks of life a baby’s body may be misaligned.  How a baby lies in their crib or car seat etc., feeding habits or position all affect the alignment of a baby. Symptoms are often present in birth and are more prevalent in caesarean deliveries or traumatic births. The symptoms include cramping, arching, stiffness and crying spells.

Intellectual Colic- sometimes a baby can be over-stimulated when there is too much going on around them. This can happen to babies who are alert, observant and very intelligent. A baby could also be under stimulated; chiropractic can help with nervous system assistance.

Emotional Colic- Is often due to bonding issues. could be that she is feeling insecure in her new environment and needs assurance that is all ok or it could be that she is picking up on your emotions. It could be that her crying upsets you for example. Chiropractic stimulates the nervous system and helps heal and correct positional stress.

If you think your baby might be suffering with any of the issues, give me a call or make an appointment to see me.