Infants with Colic and Chiropractic Care

Colic

When a child cries for an extended period of time but is well-fed, rested, and comfortable, there’s a chance they may suffer from colic. Colic is defined by extended crying for a set period of time, which most doctors define as greater than three hours a day, three days a week, and more than three weeks in a row.

The birth process can be traumatic for babies, potentially making an infant more susceptible to disease and sickness. A very gentle and soothing, but powerful, KST/Chiropractic adjustment can be provided as soon as the first day of birth.

In one study, 73 chiropractors adjusted 316 infants (median age 5.7 weeks at initial examination) with moderate to severe colic (average 5.2 hours of crying per day). The infant’s mothers were provided a diary and kept track of the baby’s symptoms, intensity and length of the colicky crying as well as how comfortable the infant seemed. 94% of the children within 14 days of chiropractic care (usually three visits) showed a satisfactory response. After four weeks, the improvements were maintained. One fourth of these infants showed great improvement after the very first chiropractic adjustment. The remaining infants all showed improvement within 14 days. Note: 51% of the infants had undergone prior unsuccessful treatment, usually drug therapy. 

Sources:

Klougart N, Nilsson N and Jacobsen J (1989)   J Manipulative Physiol Ther. 1989 (Aug);12 (4): 281-288

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