Understanding Infantile Colic: An In-Depth Look
Infantile colic is a condition that presents significant challenges and sparks considerable debate among parents and medical professionals alike. Traditional pediatric advice often suggests that “some babies just get colic” and reassures parents that “they’ll grow out of it.” However, this view overlooks ongoing discussions regarding the underlying causes of colic and its development in infants. This blog post aims to elucidate the scientific understanding of colic and explore safe, natural methods to alleviate your infant’s distress and discomfort.
Identifying and Addressing Colic in Infants
If your infant is experiencing colic and you are searching for answers to alleviate the constant crying and sleepless nights, this article is intended for you. It is important to trust your instincts if you sense that your baby’s persistent crying, discomfort, back arching, and neck craning are not normal. Continue reading to discover how improving neurological function can address many of your child’s health issues. We will discuss gentle techniques to stimulate the nervous system and the role of specialized chiropractic care in identifying and treating vagus nerve dysfunction without the need for drugs or surgery.
The Often Overlooked Trigger of Colic
One frequently overlooked trigger of colic is an overstressed and subluxated nervous system. At Health From Within, located in Orland Park, IL, we have observed that many colic cases share certain stressors in their medical history:
- High-stress or high-risk pregnancies
- Birth interventions such as forceps, vacuum extraction, induction, epidural, or cesarean sections, which can physically injure and disrupt the function of the nerves and muscles in the upper neck
These factors can impact various bodily functions, including sleeping, latching, breastfeeding, swallowing, digestion, and motor development. Such stressors can render the infant’s nervous system highly sensitive and stuck in a sympathetic “fight or flight” mode.
A Case Study: Jackson’s Story
Consider the case of baby Jackson, who suffered from severe reflux, gas pains, and difficulty sleeping as an infant. Jackson’s mother described their struggle: “As first-time parents, navigating Jackson’s issues was incredibly difficult. It was heartbreaking to see him so uncomfortable and unhappy.”
Recognizing the root cause rather than merely treating symptoms, Jackson’s parents consulted a holistic pediatrician who referred them to a pediatric chiropractor. Jackson’s mother recounted, “Jackson began receiving adjustments at nine weeks old, and within a few weeks, we noticed significant changes. His gas pains subsided, and he seemed much more comfortable. Within a month, his colic symptoms disappeared, and we began to see his happy personality emerge.”
Continued chiropractic care transformed Jackson into “a completely different baby.” His colic and stomach pains vanished, his reflux improved, and he started sleeping through the night. Now, as a toddler, Jackson is described as “the happiest child, always smiling and laughing.” His mother credits their pediatric chiropractor for providing invaluable insights into the benefits of chiropractic care.
The Impact of Sympathetic Dominance
When an infant’s nervous system is trapped in a sympathetic “fight or flight” mode, basic functions such as sleeping, eating, digesting, and moving can become problematic. Parents often sense that something is amiss, noticing issues with both the internal muscles that control digestion and the external muscles of the neck and spine. This explains why colicky infants often experience discomfort after eating and frequently arch their neck and back.
Many parents attempt dietary adjustments, such as removing dairy, or surgical interventions for tongue or oral ties. While these measures can address certain issues, it is crucial to consider the deeper root cause. A nervous system stuck in sympathetic mode can keep muscles and ligaments tense, persisting even after surgical corrections.
Uncovering the True Root Cause
While digestive issues are often blamed for colic, the root cause frequently lies within the nervous system, which controls and coordinates digestive functions. Neurospinal tension and subluxation can lead colicky babies to arch their backs and crane their necks in an attempt to relieve discomfort. This behavior strongly indicates that their discomfort stems from neurospinal issues rather than solely digestive dysfunction.
Neurologically-Focused Chiropractic Care
Neurologically-Focused Chiropractic Care offers a gentle, non-invasive solution to address the neurological factors contributing to colic. Pediatric chiropractors trained in this approach can identify and correct spinal subluxations that interfere with nervous system function. By restoring balance to the nervous system, chiropractic care can alleviate colic symptoms and promote overall health and well-being in infants.
At Health From Within in Orland Park, IL, our doctors utilize thorough assessments and advanced technology, such as Neurological INSiGHT Scans, to detect and measure subluxation and neurological dysfunction in colicky infants. This targeted approach allows us to create personalized care plans tailored to each child’s unique needs.
Benefits of Neurologically-Focused Chiropractic Care for Colic
In addition to relieving colic symptoms, chiropractic care offers several benefits for infants and children, including:
- Improved sleep quality and duration
- Enhanced immune system function
- Better digestion and reduced digestive discomfort
- Increased range of motion and flexibility
- Support for healthy brain and nervous system development
It is important to note that chiropractic care is not a “one-size-fits-all” solution, and results may vary from child to child. However, many parents report significant improvements in their babies’ comfort, happiness, and overall well-being following chiropractic care.
Taking Action for Your Baby’s Well-Being
If you are seeking real answers and drug-free solutions for your baby’s colic, consider scheduling an initial consultation with one of our doctors at Health From Within in Orland Park, IL. The right approach can provide your little one with the peace, comfort, and restful sleep you both desperately need. Do not endure another exhausting night without hope—take action and seek the support your family deserves.
For those not local to Orland Park, IL, please refer to the PX Docs directory to find a PX Doc near you. Addressing the root cause of colic through gentle, Neurologically-Focused Chiropractic Care can help your baby thrive and enjoy a happier, healthier childhood.