Understanding Colic — and How Chiropractic Care Can Help Naturally
Colic is typically described as frequent, intense, and often unexplained crying or distress in otherwise healthy infants. It can be incredibly stressful for parents and caregivers, especially when traditional answers are limited to “they’ll grow out of it.” While colic is common, it is not “normal” for a baby’s nervous system to be stuck in a state of distress, tension, and discomfort.
From a chiropractic and neurological perspective, colic often reflects an irritated or overwhelmed nervous system. Tension in the spine and surrounding soft tissues, especially in the upper neck, mid-back, and pelvis, can interfere with nerve signals that regulate digestion, gut motility, gas movement, and the ability to relax. This can lead to gassiness, bloating, difficulty sleeping, arching, and inconsolable crying.
Neurologically based chiropractic care focuses on improving the function of the spine and nervous system so the body can better regulate digestion, relaxation, and healing. Gentle, specific adjustments help reduce nerve interference, support proper communication between the brain and gut, and allow infants to experience more comfort and calm. At Vita Nova Chiropractic, we offer safe, individualized chiropractic care for families in Plano, Murphy, and Richardson, TX seeking natural relief for colic through a nervous-system-based approach.
What Causes Colic?
The exact cause of colic is multi-factorial and can vary from child to child. Rather than a single issue, colic often arises when an infant’s immature nervous system and digestive system are stressed by birth trauma, spinal tension, feeding challenges, or environmental factors. When the spine is not moving well, especially in the upper neck and mid-back, the nerves that regulate digestion, diaphragm function, and relaxation can become irritated, leading to the classic signs of colic.
Birth Stress and Spinal Tension
Even a “normal” birth can involve traction, twisting, or compression of the baby’s neck and spine. C-sections, forceps, vacuum extraction, or long labors may further stress delicate spinal structures. These early mechanical stresses can create subtle misalignments and tension that interfere with normal nerve function and contribute to colic-like symptoms.
Nervous System Overload
Infants have developing nervous systems that can easily become overwhelmed by noise, light, touch, and internal discomfort. If the spine is not moving properly, the nerves that regulate the “rest-and-digest” response (parasympathetic system) may underperform, leaving the baby stuck in a heightened stress response, which can show up as inconsolable crying, poor sleep, and colic.
Digestive Imbalances and Gas
Immature digestion, changes in feeding, food sensitivities, and difficulty breaking down milk can all contribute to increased gas and abdominal discomfort. When combined with nerve interference affecting gut motility and valve function, these issues can worsen colic symptoms.
Misalignments and Subluxations of the Spine
Gentle but significant spinal subluxations (areas of misalignment and abnormal motion) can place pressure or irritation on the nerves that communicate with the stomach, intestines, and diaphragm. This can reduce the body’s ability to move gas efficiently, coordinate digestion, and relax. At Vita Nova Chiropractic, we focus on locating and correcting these subluxations to support more comfortable function.
Repetitive Stress and Positioning
Spending long periods in car seats, swings, or carriers, or always being held in one position, can create repetitive stress on an infant’s spine and soft tissues. Over time, this may contribute to imbalanced muscle tone, poor rib and diaphragm motion, and increased abdominal pressure that worsens colic episodes.
Common Symptoms of Colic
While every child is unique, many infants with colic share a predictable pattern of signs that can be very distressing for families. Recognizing these patterns can guide you in seeking appropriate, gentle support such as colic treatment with a colic chiropractor.
- Intense, inconsolable crying lasting 3+ hours a day, several days a week
- Episodes often occurring in the late afternoon or evening
- Tight, clenched fists and rigid or stiff body posture
- Pulling legs up toward the belly or arching backward
- Red or flushed face during crying spells
- Bloated, gassy, or firm abdomen
- Difficulty burping or passing gas
- Frequent waking, restless sleep, or difficulty settling
- Appearing uncomfortable or distressed after feeding
How Chiropractic Care Helps With Colic
Neurologically based chiropractic care looks beyond the symptoms of colic to address how well the spine and nervous system are functioning. When spinal subluxations are present, they can create nerve interference that disrupts communication between the brain and the digestive tract, diaphragm, and muscles of the trunk.
Gentle, specific chiropractic adjustments help restore proper motion and alignment to the spine, reducing mechanical stress and irritation on nearby nerves. As nerve pathways function more clearly, the brain can better coordinate digestion, gut motility, and the relaxation response. Parents often notice that as the spine and nervous system calm, crying episodes become less intense, gas is easier to pass, and sleep improves.
This type of care is focused on optimizing nervous system communication, not forcing a symptom change. By helping the body move out of a chronic stress state, chiropractic can support better healing, reduced inflammation, improved comfort, and a calmer overall state for the child.
Benefits of Chiropractic Care for Colic
- May reduce the intensity and frequency of colic crying episodes
- Supports more efficient digestion and easier passage of gas
- Helps calm an overactive or stressed nervous system
- Encourages better sleep patterns and improved rest for baby and parents
- Promotes more relaxed body posture and less tension or arching
- Addresses underlying spinal misalignments contributing to discomfort
- Provides a safe, non-drug, holistic care option for families
- May improve breastfeeding comfort and feeding tolerance
- Supports overall growth, development, and brain-body connection
The Brain-Body Connection — Why Colic Affects More Than Pain
The spine is not just a stack of bones—it is the protective housing for the spinal cord, the main communication highway between the brain and body. When the spine is misaligned or restricted, it can negatively impact how the nervous system functions and how the body processes stress, pain, and digestion.
In infants with colic, a stressed nervous system may show up as difficulty settling, poor transitions between wake and sleep, heightened startle responses, and sensitivity to touch or sound. Because the nerves that regulate the gut, diaphragm, and abdominal muscles run through the spinal column, spinal tension can contribute to discomfort far beyond simple “gas.”
When chiropractic adjustments restore better motion and alignment, the brain can receive clearer feedback from the body and send more accurate instructions back out. This improved brain-body connection often results in a calmer, more relaxed baby who can digest, rest, and grow with less struggle. Many families in Plano, Murphy, and Richardson, TX seek chiropractic care for colic not just for crying relief, but for the overall wellness benefits that come from a better-functioning nervous system.
How Subluxations Contribute to Colic
Subluxations are areas in the spine where vertebrae are not moving or positioned properly, creating tension, irritation, or altered input to the nervous system. In infants, even small subluxations can have a large impact because their systems are so new and sensitive. These subluxations are often found in the upper neck (affecting brainstem function and vagus nerve tone), mid-back (influencing the stomach and intestines), and pelvis (affecting lower digestive function and elimination).
Left uncorrected, subluxations can distort how the nervous system senses and responds to the world. This can keep a baby’s body “on alert,” tighten the abdominal and spinal muscles, and decrease the natural, rhythmic movement needed for good digestion and gas movement. Gentle chiropractic adjustments specifically designed for infants are used to reduce these subluxations and support a more balanced state.
- Increased sensitivity and irritability due to constant low-grade nerve irritation
- Altered gut motility leading to gas, bloating, and discomfort
- Difficulty relaxing or staying asleep because the nervous system remains in a stress state
- Compensatory postures such as arching or twisting that further strain the spine
- Reduced ability of the body to heal and adapt efficiently to normal developmental changes
Scientific Evidence Supporting Chiropractic and Colic Relief
The effect of chiropractic care on infantile colic (2021)
A randomized controlled trial investigating chiropractic care for infantile colic. The study found a modest reduction in crying time for treated infants compared with controls — though after statistical adjustment, the difference was not significant. The authors note variability among infants and highlight the need for more research to identify which babies may benefit most. BioMed Central
Efficacy of chiropractic manual therapy on infant colic: A single-blind randomized controlled trial (2012)
In this pragmatic trial, infants under 8 weeks old received individualized chiropractic manual therapy. Among parents blinded to treatment allocation, treated infants were significantly more likely to show clinically meaningful reductions in daily crying time by days 8 and 10 — suggesting that the observed benefit is unlikely due solely to reporting bias.
Our Approach at Vita Nova Chiropractic
Comprehensive Consultation
We begin with a detailed conversation about your child’s history, colic patterns, birth experience, feeding, sleep, and any other health concerns. This helps us understand the full picture and tailor our neurologically based approach specifically to your baby’s needs.
Neurological & Spinal Assessment
Using gentle, non-invasive tools, we assess your baby’s spine, posture, and nervous system function. We may evaluate head and neck movement, muscle tone, and key reflexes to identify areas of stress or subluxation that may be contributing to colic symptoms.
Gentle, Targeted Adjustments
Infant adjustments are extremely light—often using no more pressure than you would use to test a ripe tomato. We apply specific, safe techniques, including neurologically focused methods and the Zone Technique, to relieve tension, improve spinal motion, and support a calmer nervous system.
Ongoing Support & Progress Tracking
As care progresses, we regularly reassess your baby’s comfort, sleep, feeding patterns, and colic episodes. We partner with you, offering at-home strategies, positioning tips, and continued guidance so your family feels supported every step of the way at Vita Nova Chiropractic.
Why Choose Vita Nova Chiropractic?
- Neurologically based chiropractic care focused on improving brain-body communication
- Gentle, infant-appropriate techniques designed for safety and comfort
- Experience supporting families seeking natural relief for colic in Plano, Murphy, and Richardson, TX
- Use of advanced approaches including the Zone Technique to balance key functional systems
- Individualized care plans tailored to your child’s unique needs and responses
- A calm, family-friendly environment where your concerns are fully heard
- Holistic emphasis on overall function, not just symptom suppression
- Education and empowerment so parents understand the “why” behind every recommendation
Frequently Asked Questions — Colic & Chiropractic Care
Is chiropractic care safe for babies with colic?
Chiropractic care for infants is very gentle and specifically adapted to their size and developmental stage. Adjustments use light pressure and subtle movements, not the type of forces used on adults. Research and clinical experience suggest a strong safety profile when care is provided by a chiropractor trained in pediatric techniques. At Vita Nova Chiropractic, your child’s safety and comfort are always our top priorities.
How soon might we see changes in our baby’s colic symptoms?
Every child responds differently. Some parents report changes in crying patterns, gas, or sleep within a few visits, while others notice gradual improvement over several weeks as the nervous system and spine adapt. Our focus is on restoring proper function; as that improves, symptoms often decrease naturally. We will monitor your baby closely and adjust the plan based on how they respond.
What does a typical visit for a colicky baby look like?
Visits are calm, gentle, and designed around your baby’s comfort. We may begin with observation, gentle palpation, and neurological checks, followed by light, specific adjustments to areas of subluxation. You are encouraged to hold, comfort, or feed your baby as needed during the appointment. The environment is supportive and paced according to your baby’s tolerance.
Can chiropractic care replace medical treatment for colic?
Chiropractic care is not a replacement for medical diagnosis or emergency care. Our role is to support the neuromusculoskeletal system and improve nervous system function, which can positively influence colic symptoms. We encourage parents to maintain regular communication with their pediatrician while using chiropractic as a complementary, holistic care option.
Do you only help with colic, or can you support other childhood concerns?
While many families first visit us for help with colic, we also see children for tension, feeding challenges, torticollis, posture concerns, and overall wellness support. Because chiropractic focuses on optimizing nervous system function, care can have benefits across many aspects of a child’s growth and development. We’re happy to discuss your child’s unique needs during a consultation.
Ready to Get Relief From Your Colic?
If your family is dealing with the stress and exhaustion of colic, you do not have to navigate it alone. A gentle, neurologically based chiropractic evaluation can help identify whether spinal subluxations and nerve interference are contributing to your baby’s discomfort.
To schedule a consultation at Vita Nova Chiropractic in the Plano, Murphy, or Richardson area, call (214) 380-5387. We would be honored to partner with you in seeking natural, drug-free support for your baby’s comfort and your family’s peace.
Disclaimer
We do not diagnose or treat conditions, diseases, or symptoms. Our care is centered on improving the neuromusculoskeletal system by addressing spinal subluxations and the subluxation complex. Any improvement in overall health or function is the natural result of restoring proper spinal alignment and supporting the body’s innate ability to heal itself. For medical diagnosis or treatment, please consult a licensed medical professional.
