Do you have a colicky baby who cries for hours on end? Have you heard there is no cure and it's just a phase your baby will eventually grow out of? The good news is, thanks to chiropractic care, neither you nor your baby have to continue suffering.
What is Colic?
Colic is normally characterized as inconsolable crying episodes that can last for hours. It usually occurs in babies between two weeks and four months old and affects 40% of all infants. The exact causes of colic are unknown, making it difficult to treat. At one time, cow's milk was thought to be the culprit but then it was discovered babies who ingest breast milk get colic too. Some other theories have to do with food getting digested too quickly, while others believe it has to do with undiagnosed gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD).
How Can A Chiropractor Help?
Chiropractic care has been proven to be effective in treating colic in babies. In one particular study involving 316 colicky babies, chiropractic treatment had a 94 percent success rate. Another study reported that colicky babies cried less after getting spinal adjustments. One theory for why chiropractic care helps babies is that colic is a disorder of the nervous system. When subluxations are removed and the spine gets properly aligned, it allows for better communication throughout the entire nervous system. With proper alignment, symptoms of colic generally improve.
How Did My Baby's Spine Get Misaligned in the First Place?
Unfortunately, for babies, the birthing process can be quite traumatic. The baby's spine, head, and neck can be susceptible to damage when coming into the world. During some births, the spinal cord gets stretched causing potential problems, including subluxations. It's possible that during some births, the spinal cord stretches up to 2.25 inches. Because of the potential harm to newborns, chiropractors recommend all babies be seen and evaluated by them. This is especially true if any of the following occurred:
When you bring your baby to the chiropractor, they will evaluate your baby and ask questions about the birthing process. If you don't want to give your baby medication to treat the colic (many of which have negative side effects), and you are at your wit's end, take your baby to the chiropractor to see how they can help.
For more information, call professionals like Yaeger Chiropractic.
Share