Bottom Line:

There’s nothing like the sound of a colicky baby. If you’ve experienced this in the past, I hope that sentence didn’t send shivers down your spine. Colic is characterised by intense crying and fussiness for 3 or more hours a day, which conveniently starts just about the time you are getting ready to sit down and relax for the night! The symptoms associated with colic typically peak at around six weeks old and disappear by 3-4 months, but the time in between can be one of the most stressful for any parent.

Why it Matters:

The exact cause of colic is still unknown. The development of the gut, or digestive system, appears to be an important factor. Also, stimulation to their still-developing nervous system may play a role. While love and patience may be the best “medicine” for dealing with colic, researchers have also discovered that Chiropractic care may be beneficial.  One study found that Chiropractic adjustments provided over a 2-hour decrease in crying time per day.

·       Colic is defined by extreme crying or fussiness for more than 3 hours per day.

·       There is no known cause of colic, but the development of the digestive and nervous systems seems to be a key factor.

·       Chiropractic care may be beneficial in reducing the symptoms associated with colic.

Next Steps:

Dealing with colic isn’t easy, but try not to get too stressed out. Within a few months, the symptoms should naturally subside and all of those hours spent crying will be in your rearview mirror.

Science Source: Colic. Mayo Clinic. 2018. The short-term effect of spinal manipulation in the treatment of infantile colic: a randomized controlled clinical trial with a blinded observer. JMPT 1999.

Dr. Ryno Tope is a Doctor of Chiropractic, a member of the New Zealand Chiropractic Association, and owner of Structural Chiropractic in Hastings and Havelock North, Hawke’s Bay. Dr. Tope focuses on an area of chiropractic called Structural Correction and has been in practice for 10 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).