Few things are as exhausting as a baby who cries for hours and can’t be settled. If that’s you right now, you have my sympathy, and you’ve probably been told by at least one person to “try a chiropractor”.
As a chiropractor with a particular interest in children, I want to give you an honest answer.
What is colic?
Colic is usually described as long periods of crying, often in the late afternoon or evening, in a baby who is otherwise healthy, feeding and growing well. It typically starts in the first few weeks, peaks at around six weeks, and settles by three to four months. The cause isn’t fully understood.
The most important first step is making sure it is colic. Have your baby checked by your doctor or clinic sister, because reflux, cow’s milk protein allergy, infections and feeding problems can all cause crying and need different treatment.
What does the research say about chiropractic?
Several reviews have looked at chiropractic, osteopathy and other manual therapies for colic. Some small studies reported less crying, but overall the studies are small, of mixed quality, and many couldn’t rule out the placebo effect on parents’ reports. The research doesn’t show that chiropractic cures colic, and I don’t offer it as a colic treatment.
Where I can help
Sometimes a crying, unsettled baby has a musculoskeletal problem that’s worth assessing:
- Always turning their head one way, or a head tilt (see wry neck in babies)
- Difficulty feeding on one side, or latching problems that seem related to how they hold their head
- A flat spot developing on the head
- Arching or stiffness that seems positional
If there’s a problem like that, gentle treatment and positioning advice can help with that problem. I’ll be honest with you about what to expect, and refer back to your doctor if anything needs medical attention.
What else helps with colic
- Holding, rocking and walking with your baby, or using a carrier
- White noise, like a fan or a “shushing” app
- A warm bath and quiet, dim surroundings
- Checking feeding technique with a lactation consultant or clinic sister. Winding, positioning and flow rate can all make a difference.
- Taking turns. Hand over to a partner, family member or friend, even for 20 minutes.
- Putting your baby down safely in the cot and stepping away for a few minutes if you’re overwhelmed. Never shake a baby.
See a doctor straight away if your baby
- Has a temperature of 38°C or higher and is under three months old
- Is vomiting green, or vomiting repeatedly
- Has blood in their stool
- Is floppy, unusually drowsy, or hard to wake
- Has a high-pitched, weak or unusual cry
- Isn’t feeding, or has fewer wet nappies
- Has breathing difficulties, a bulging soft spot, or a rash that doesn’t fade under a glass
And always if you’re worried. You know your baby best.
Questions parents and patients ask
Does chiropractic cure colic?
No. The research on chiropractic and other manual therapies for colic is limited and of mixed quality, and it doesn't show that chiropractic cures colic. Colic usually settles on its own by around three to four months.
Is there any reason to bring a colicky baby to a chiropractor?
If your baby has signs of a musculoskeletal problem, such as always turning their head one way, difficulty feeding on one side, or a flat spot developing, an assessment for that is reasonable. Your baby should also have been checked by a doctor or clinic sister to rule out medical causes of crying.
When should I take a crying baby to the doctor?
Straight away if your baby has a fever (38°C or higher in a baby under three months), is vomiting green or repeatedly, has blood in their stools, is floppy or unusually drowsy, isn't feeding, has a high-pitched or weak cry, or if you're worried. Trust your instincts.
This guide is general information, not a diagnosis. If you're worried about yourself or your child, get checked by a health professional. In an emergency, call 10177 or 112 from a cellphone.