Infantile colic is a common condition affecting approximately one out of every four infants. The condition is characterised 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.

100 newborns were physically examined and assessed for structural dysfunctions of the spinal column. 99% of these newborns had at least one immovable joint between bones in the upper cervical/occiput region.

Waddington, E. Incidence of somatic dysfunction in newborns. J. Am Osteo. Assoc 2015

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.

A study of over 100 infants with infantile colic revealed that Chiropractic adjustments significantly improved their crying behaviour.

Miller, JE, Efficacy of Chiropractic manual therapy on infant colic. JMPT, 2012

Over 2000 mothers reported improvements across all aspects of infant behaviour studied, including feeding problems, sleep issues, excessive crying and pain after the infants received Chiropractic adjustments.

Miller, DC, Ph.D., Maternal Report of Outcomes of Chiropractic care for Infants, JMPT April 2019

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

Taking a colicky infant to a Chiropractor will result in fewer reported hours of colic.

BRITISH MEDICAL JOURNAL

Dr. Ryno Tope is a Doctor of Chiropractic, a member of the New Zealand Chiropractic Association, and owner of Structural Chiropractic in Hastings, Hawke’s Bay. Dr. Tope focuses on an area of chiropractic called Structural Correction and has been in practice for 6 years. You can reach Dr. Tope at drryno@structuralchiro.co.nz or 06•651•1004. You can also follow the Structural Chiropractic Facebook page (www.facebook.com/StructuralChiropracticHB).