Colic In Babies: How Chiropractic Care Can Help
Anyone who has experienced infantile colic knows how stressful it can be for both parent and baby. Defined as uncontrolled crying or difficulty soothing, colic affects 1 in every 5 infants. While it can present itself anywhere between birth or 24 weeks, it typically peaks around 3 to 6 weeks of age.Dr. Morris Wessel’s “Rule Of 3’s” has been a helpful guidepost for pediatricians when determining whether an infant is “colicky”: If your baby is inconsolable for at least 3 hours a day, for more than 3 days a week, for over 3 weeks. Most cases of colic will resolve themselves by 3 months of age. However, there are cases that can persist longer and lead to overwhelmed infants and parents. While there aren’t studies that can definitively prove any long term consequences of colic, persistent crying in infants has been shown to lead to instances of child abuse, neglect, and is even the leading cause of Shaken Baby Syndrome.
How Can Chiropractic Help?
If you have an infant that is dealing with colic, chances are that they suffered some type of trauma during birth. This can lead to the development of cranial and spinal dysfunction (subluxation). These dysfunctions can manifest themselves as different symptoms, including colic. At Summit Chiropractic, Dr. Kelly Dunklow is certified by the ICPA to safely correct any spinal dysfunctions in infants that could be causing irritation to their nervous system. By helping to remove these subluxations, the child’s body is able to properly function and ultimately heal itself the way that it meant to. In fact, one study showed that 94% of infantile colic cases presented satisfactory results from chiropractic care within 2 weeks after receiving an average of three adjustments.In another randomized trial, infants that received chiropractic care also showed a significant reduction in crying hours compared to infants that were given drug therapy. While chiropractic is not a cure for colic, it is a safe and effective way to help ensure proper spinal function and nervous system development. Both of which can help your child’s body express its full healing potential! Request an appointment today to learn more about how chiropractic care can help with infantile colic.