If you’ve ever rocked, bounced, swaddled, and cried right alongside your baby…this is for you.
Colic can leave parents feeling overwhelmed and helpless. You’re doing everything “right”, feeding, changing, cuddling, but the crying just won’t stop. At Bloom Well Family Wellness, we want you to know this: you’re not alone, and there is hope.
Let’s break down what colic really is, why it happens, and how chiropractic care for colic can support both your baby—and your heart—through this difficult season.
What Is Colic?
Colic is a term used to describe intense, prolonged crying in otherwise healthy infants. It usually begins around three weeks of age, peaks at 6–8 weeks, and gradually improves by 3–4 months old.
While all babies cry, colic is different. The crying is often:
- Unpredictable and difficult to soothe
- Lasting more than 3 hours a day, more than 3 days a week, for more than 3 weeks (also known as the “Rule of 3’s”)
- Accompanied by visible signs of discomfort like clenching fists, arching the back, or pulling legs up
Colic isn’t “just a fussy phase”, and it can be emotionally exhausting and deeply discouraging for parents who are trying everything to comfort their baby.
Symptoms of Colic
Colic symptoms can vary from newborn to newborn, but in general, the symptoms of colic include:
- Intense, inconsolable crying (especially in the late afternoon or evening)
- Tensed abdominal muscles or clenched fists
- Pulling legs up to the chest
- Red, flushed face during crying spells
- Fussiness even after feeding or changing
- Difficulty sleeping or staying asleep
What Causes Colic?
There is no one-size-fits-all answer to what causes colic, but the more we learn about it the more the answer points to it being nervous system dysregulation. Some contributing factors also include:
- Digestive discomfort or gas
- Immature nervous or digestive systems
- Tension from birth (especially after long or difficult labors, vacuum/forceps deliveries, or C-sections)
- Food sensitivities
- Overstimulation or nervous system dysregulation
Some families are told to cut dairy, others are given medication or told to “wait it out.”, but none of those paths feel like the answer when you’re in the thick of it.
At Bloom Well Family Wellness, we approach chiropractic care for colic with compassion and a focus on natural, gentle solutions that support the whole body, starting with the nervous system.
How Chiropractic Care Can Help Your Baby’s Colic
The nervous system controls everything, including digestion, gas movement, and how the body responds to tension. When babies experience birth trauma or spinal misalignments (also called subluxations), their nervous system can become irritated, leading to discomfort, poor digestion, and yes—colic symptoms.
Chiropractic care for infants with colic uses safe, gentle, low-force adjustments to restore function to the spine and calm the nervous system.
Here’s how it can help your baby:
- Reduces gas and improves digestion
- Releases tension from the spine, neck, and abdomen
- Balances the nervous system, improving sleep and comfort
- Supports the body’s natural healing response
In fact, some studies show that up to 94% of babies with colic improve with chiropractic care. And we’ve seen it ourselves, countless little ones who go from inconsolable to calm after just a few visits!
What to Expect From an Infant Chiropractic Adjustment
We know trusting someone with your newborn can feel scary. That’s why we take our time, move slowly, and treat every baby as if they were our own.
At your visit, here’s what to expect:
- A full intake and discussion of birth history and symptoms
- A gentle, thorough exam to assess tension and alignment
- Soft touch techniques and craniosacral therapy—no popping or cracking
- A calm, baby-led pace that prioritizes comfort and connection
Most babies immediately relax, smile, or even fall asleep during or after their adjustment. Many parents report changes in crying patterns, sleep, and gas after just a few visits.
Colicky Baby? You’re Not Alone. We’re Here for You.
We’ve helped babies who couldn’t lay on their tummies finally find comfort. We’ve supported parents who were told to quit dairy and felt like they were running out of options. And we’ve witnessed the joy of a mom hearing quiet—peaceful, sweet, colic-free quiet—for the first time in weeks!
Colic doesn’t have to be a waiting game. We’re here to support your baby with the gentle, effective care they deserve! To schedule an appointment with our Springfield, MO chiropractor, click here.
