Infantile Colic and Chiropractic
Infantile colic is a common condition affecting approximately one out of every four infants. The condition is characterized by inconsolable crying and stomach sensitivity in seemingly normal babies.
The cause of colic is still unknown although research has shown that subtle spinal nerve interference, often due to the rigors and stress of routine birthing procedures can be a contributing factor.
The vagus nerve controls many crucial bodily functions, including mood, immune response, digestion, and heart rate. It establishes one of the connections between the brain and the gastrointestinal tract and sends information about the state of the internal organs to the brain. Colic could be associated with subluxations or spinal nerve interference, particularly in the region of the vagus nerves, which could explain the relationship between colic, stomach and digestive issues in newborns.
Supporting Resources
A study of over 100 infants with infantile colic revealed that Chiropractic adjustments significantly improved their crying behavior.
Miller, JE, Efficacy of Chiropractic manual therapy on infant colic. JMPT, 2012
A study with 316 children showed significant improvement with colic in response to Chiropractic adjustments. The three month long study showed a satisfactory of Chiropractic adjustments in 94% of the cases. The improvements occurred after an average of only three Chiropractic adjustments within the first two weeks.
J. MANIPULATIVE PHYSIOLOGICAL THERAPEUTICS
Klougart N, Infantile colic treated by Chiropractors: 1989 Aug;12(4):281-8.