Colic

Few things are more distressing for new parents than a baby who cries inconsolably for hours, day after day. When your pediatrician has ruled out medical problems and the typical remedies are not working, you may feel helpless. At Lakeside Spine and Wellness in Renton, we offer a gentle, non-invasive approach to colic that many parents find remarkably effective — pediatric chiropractic care.

Understanding Colic

Colic affects roughly one in four newborns, typically beginning around two to three weeks of age and often resolving by three to four months. The hallmark is intense, prolonged crying that seems to have no clear cause. The baby is well-fed, has a clean diaper, is not running a fever, and yet cries as if in discomfort. Episodes often occur at the same time each day, frequently in the late afternoon or evening.

While the exact cause of colic is debated, research points to several contributing factors including immature digestive system function, excessive gas and abdominal discomfort, overstimulation of the nervous system, and spinal tension from the birth process.

The Birth Process and the Infant Spine

The birth process is one of the most physically demanding events a human body undergoes — and that includes the baby. During delivery, the infant’s spine is subjected to significant compressive, rotational, and tractional forces. In complicated deliveries — those involving prolonged labor, vacuum extraction, forceps, or cesarean section — these forces are even greater.

These birth forces can create subtle misalignments in the infant’s cervical spine and upper back. While not visible to the eye, these misalignments can irritate the delicate nervous system, affecting the vagus nerve and other neural pathways that regulate digestion, motility, and comfort. The result can be a baby whose nervous system is in a state of heightened irritation — producing the excessive crying, apparent abdominal discomfort, and feeding difficulties that characterize colic.

How Pediatric Chiropractic Works

Chiropractic care for infants is nothing like chiropractic care for adults. There is no twisting, cracking, or forceful manipulation. Pediatric adjustments are performed with fingertip pressure so light that your baby may not even notice. The amount of force is comparable to what you would use to check the ripeness of a tomato — gentle enough that many infants sleep through their adjustments.

These light touches are directed at specific areas of the infant’s spine where tension or misalignment is detected. By restoring normal alignment and reducing nervous system irritation, these gentle adjustments can help the baby’s digestive function and overall comfort improve.

Our Approach to Infant Care

At Lakeside Spine and Wellness, Dr. Andrew Winger evaluates each infant carefully before any care is provided. The evaluation includes a detailed birth history — the length of labor, any complications, the method of delivery, and any interventions used. We gently palpate the baby’s spine to identify areas of tension, restriction, or misalignment. We also observe the baby’s posture, movement patterns, and any preference for turning the head to one side.

Based on these findings, we determine whether chiropractic care is appropriate and develop a gentle care plan. We communicate openly with parents at every step, explaining what we find and what we recommend.

What Parents Report

Many parents bring their colicky baby in for chiropractic care after exhausting other options. The reports we hear most frequently include significant reduction in crying episodes, improved sleep for both baby and parents, better feeding and less apparent digestive discomfort, and a calmer, more content baby overall.

While every baby is different and results vary, the research supporting chiropractic care for colic is encouraging, and the risk is minimal given the extremely gentle nature of the techniques used.

Is Pediatric Chiropractic Safe?

Pediatric chiropractic care is widely regarded as safe when performed by a trained practitioner. The techniques used for infants are specifically adapted for their size, developmental stage, and the delicacy of their developing spine. Serious adverse events from pediatric chiropractic care are extremely rare.

If your baby is struggling with colic and you are looking for a gentle, drug-free approach, we welcome the opportunity to evaluate your child.

Call (425) 276-8044 or Request Appointment.