Help! My baby won’t stop crying!

Understanding Infant Discomfort:

When a baby seems to be in constant distress, many parents are told their child has “colic.” But what does this term really mean, and does it actually address the root cause of a baby’s discomfort? The answer is often more complex than a simple diagnosis of “colic.” At Compass Chiropractic, we believe that many of these babies aren’t suffering from colic in the traditional sense—they’re experiencing discomfort caused by underlying factors. Here’s a closer look at what might be going on and how gentle chiropractic care can help.

What Is “Colic”?

Colic is a term used to describe frequent, prolonged crying or fussiness in an otherwise healthy infant. Estimates suggest that it affects between 20-40% of infants, typically peaking around 6 weeks of age and gradually lessening by the time a baby is 3-4 months old. However, “colic” is more of a catch-all term for unexplained crying rather than a specific diagnosis. There’s no single known cause, and factors like feeding issues, digestive discomfort, and even parental stress can play a role.

But instead of accepting colic as a mystery, it’s worth investigating what could actually be causing this discomfort.

Repeat After Us: “My Baby Does Not Have Colic; They Are Uncomfortable”

At Compass Chiropractic, we approach infant discomfort differently. When a baby experiences excessive crying and fussiness, it’s often a sign that something in their body is out of balance or uncomfortable. We look beyond “colic” to understand potential physical and neurological causes of this discomfort.

Common Factors Contributing to Infant Discomfort

Here are some common reasons your baby may be experiencing symptoms typically associated with colic:

1. Torticollis

Torticollis is a condition where an infant’s neck muscles become tight or twisted, often due to positioning in the womb or during birth. This tension can make it difficult for babies to turn their heads or get comfortable. You may notice that your baby has a preferred side when lying down or feeding. Chiropractic adjustments can help release this tension, allowing greater mobility and comfort.

2. Digestive Challenges

Babies’ digestive systems are still developing, and many experience issues with gas, reflux, or constipation. This can cause discomfort, especially after feeding. Chiropractic care can aid in regulating the nervous system, which plays a major role in digestion, to help ease digestive difficulties.

3. Nervous System Tension

The nervous system is crucial in regulating the body’s functions, including sleep, digestion, and response to stress. When babies are exposed to stressors—whether physical, such as the birth process, or sensory, such as loud noises or bright lights—their nervous system can become overstimulated. Gentle chiropractic adjustments can help calm an overactive nervous system, promoting relaxation and better sleep.

4. Birth Trauma

Birth, while natural, is often challenging on a baby’s body. The journey through the birth canal, especially during a long or difficult labor, can create pressure and misalignments in a baby’s spine or skull, contributing to tension and discomfort. Chiropractic care can help to gently correct these misalignments, allowing a baby’s body to relax and heal.

5. Latching Difficulties

Difficulty with feeding, especially latching during breastfeeding, can sometimes be traced to misalignments in the jaw, neck, or spine. If a baby is struggling with latch, they may take in more air while feeding, leading to gas and bloating. Chiropractic adjustments can help improve feeding posture and efficiency, making feedings more comfortable for both baby and mama!

6. Gas and Bloating

Many babies experience gas and bloating as their digestive systems adjust to milk or formula. Chiropractic adjustments can help relieve gas and bloating by improving alignment and relieving tension, which can help the body function more efficiently.

7. Sensory Overload

Newborns are constantly adapting to the sights, sounds, and sensations around them. For some, this transition to the sensory-rich outside world can feel overwhelming, leading to fussiness and crying. Calming their nervous system through chiropractic care can support a smoother adjustment and help them feel more at ease.

How Chiropractic Care Can Help Ease Infant Discomfort

At Compass Chiropractic, we use safe, gentle techniques tailored specifically to infants. Our approach is non-invasive, with light pressure applied to specific areas to relieve tension and support the body’s natural ability to function. Chiropractic care aims to balance the nervous system, improve alignment, and address any imbalances that may be contributing to your baby’s discomfort.

Our assessments are designed to look at the whole picture—how your baby is moving, feeding, sleeping, and responding to their environment. By identifying areas of imbalance or tension, we can address the root cause of their discomfort rather than just treating the symptoms.

Support Your Baby’s Wellbeing Naturally

If your baby is struggling with discomfort and traditional approaches aren’t providing relief, gentle chiropractic care may be the solution you’re looking for. By addressing the underlying causes of discomfort, we can help your baby feel more relaxed, sleep better, and enjoy the world around them with greater ease.

Reach out today to learn more about our infant care options and schedule a consultation. We’re here to support your family’s journey to health and happiness, from the very beginning.

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