Your Child’s Colic May Be a Nervous System Issue

It’s 2 AM, and your baby is screaming again. You’ve fed them, changed them, burped them, and tried everything you can think of. The pediatrician says it’s “just colic” and that your little one will outgrow it.

But what if there’s more to the story? What if your child’s colic isn’t just something to endure, but a sign that their nervous system needs support?

As a parent, you deserve answers beyond “they’ll grow out of it.” Let’s explore how your baby’s developing nervous system might be at the root of their colic – and what you can do to help them find relief naturally.

Proudly serving families in Cooper City, Davie, Pembroke Pines, Hollywood, Weston, and throughout Broward County, FL.

Understanding Colic: More Than Just Crying

But colic isn’t just excessive crying. You might notice your baby:

• Clenches their fists and arches their back
• Has a red, flushed face while crying
• Pulls their legs up toward their belly
• Seems to have gas or digestive discomfort
• Has difficulty sleeping or staying asleep

The Traditional View vs. A Deeper Understanding

Conventional medicine often views colic as a mysterious condition with no clear cause. You’ve probably heard explanations like “immature digestive system” or “overstimulation.”

While these factors can contribute, they don’t tell the whole story. Research increasingly points to nervous system dysfunction as a key player in infant colic.

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How Your Baby’s Nervous System Affects Everything

Your baby’s nervous system is their body’s master control center. It regulates everything from digestion to sleep to their ability to self-soothe.

The Vagus Nerve Connection

The vagus nerve is particularly important for colicky babies. This long nerve runs from the brainstem down through the neck and into the chest and abdomen.

A well-functioning vagus nerve helps your baby:

• Digest food properly
• Regulate their heart rate and breathing
• Feel calm and settled
• Sleep more peacefully

When the vagus nerve isn’t working optimally, your baby might struggle with all of these functions – leading to the symptoms you recognize as colic.

The Perfect Storm: Why Some Babies Develop Colic

We often see what we call a “Perfect Storm” of factors that can stress your baby’s developing nervous system:

Birth Trauma: Even “normal” births can be physically stressful for babies. Long labors, quick deliveries, vacuum or forceps use, and C-sections can all create tension in your baby’s spine and nervous system.

Environmental Toxins: From medications during pregnancy to chemicals in everyday products, toxins can affect your baby’s delicate nervous system development.

Chronic Stress: Stress during pregnancy, family tension, or even your own worry about your crying baby can impact their nervous system regulation.

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Signs Your Baby’s Colic May Be Neurological

Digestive Red Flags

• Frequent spit-up or reflux
• Constipation or infrequent bowel movements
• Excessive gas or bloating
• Difficulty latching or feeding issues

These digestive issues often stem from poor nerve communication between the brain and gut.

Sleep and Regulation Challenges

• Difficulty falling asleep or staying asleep
• Startling easily or seeming “jumpy”
• Difficulty self-soothing
• Sensitivity to light, sound, or touch

Studies published in the AAP journal Pediatrics suggest these signs indicate your baby’s nervous system is stuck in “fight or flight” mode and needs help learning to relax.

Physical Tension Patterns

Many parents notice their colicky babies seem physically tense:

• Arching their back frequently
• Holding their head to one side
• Clenching their fists
• Stiffening their body when upset

This physical tension often reflects tension in the nervous system itself.

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A Real Family’s Story

Recently, I worked with a family from Pembroke Pines whose 6-week-old daughter had been crying inconsolably for hours every evening. Mom was exhausted, dad felt helpless, and their older child was struggling with the constant chaos.

During our consultation, we discovered baby had experienced a difficult birth with vacuum assistance. Her nervous system was stuck in overdrive, making it nearly impossible for her to relax and digest properly.

This isn’t unusual – many families see significant improvements when we address the underlying nervous system dysfunction contributing to colic.

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How Neurologically-Focused Care Helps Colicky Babies

When we understand colic as a nervous system issue, we can address it more effectively. Neurologically-focused chiropractic care works by:

Removing Nervous System Interference

Gentle adjustments help remove tension and interference in your baby’s spine and nervous system. This allows better communication between the brain and body.

For babies, adjustments are incredibly gentle – often no more pressure than you’d use to check the ripeness of a tomato.

Supporting Parasympathetic Function

The parasympathetic nervous system is your baby’s “rest and digest” system. When it’s working well, your baby can:

• Digest food more efficiently
• Sleep more soundly
• Self-soothe more easily
• Feel calmer overall

Improving Vagus Nerve Function

The ICPA research library shows that by addressing tension in the upper cervical spine where the vagus nerve exits the skull, we can help improve its function. This often leads to better digestion, calmer behavior, and improved sleep.

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What to Expect During Care

Many parents feel nervous about bringing their tiny baby for chiropractic care. Here’s what you can expect:

Comprehensive Assessment

We’ll discuss your pregnancy, birth story, and your baby’s current challenges. We’ll also perform gentle physical assessments to understand how your baby’s nervous system is functioning.

Gentle, Safe Techniques

Pediatric adjustments are completely different from adult techniques. They’re incredibly gentle and specifically designed for developing nervous systems.

Most babies relax during and after adjustments – many even fall asleep!

Ongoing Support and Education

We’ll teach you techniques to support your baby’s nervous system at home and help you understand what to watch for as they improve.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Is chiropractic care safe for newborns and infants?

Yes, when performed by a chiropractor trained in pediatric care. The techniques used are incredibly gentle and specifically adapted for babies’ developing systems. Serious adverse events are extremely rare.

How quickly will I see results?

Many families notice some improvements within the first few visits, though every baby responds differently. Some see changes immediately, while others may take a few weeks to show significant improvement.

Can I still breastfeed and follow my pediatrician’s advice?

Absolutely! Neurologically-focused care works alongside your existing medical care. We encourage you to continue breastfeeding and following your pediatrician’s guidance while we address the nervous system component.

What if my baby cries during the appointment?

That’s completely normal! We’re experienced in working with fussy babies. You’re welcome to feed, comfort, or hold your baby as needed during the appointment.

How many visits will my baby need?

This varies based on your baby’s specific situation and how they respond to care. We’ll discuss a care plan after your initial assessment and adjust it based on your baby’s progress.

Does insurance cover neurologically-focused chiropractic care?

Because we are neurologically-focused rather than a typical back-pain chiropractor, most major medical insurance plans do not cover what we do. Our approach is more specialized and more intensive than what insurance was designed for. However, we accept HSA and FSA — which many families have and don’t realize they can use for this. We also offer family discounts and flexible options to make care affordable. We always find a way for families who are committed to their child’s health.

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You Don’t Have to Wait It Out

If your baby is struggling with colic, you don’t have to simply endure it and hope they “grow out of it.” Understanding colic as a nervous system issue opens the door to gentle, effective solutions.

Your baby’s developing nervous system has an amazing capacity for healing and adaptation. With the right support, many families find relief much sooner than they expected.

If you’re in Cooper City or the surrounding Weston area and your little one is struggling with colic, we’re here to help. Our gentle, neurologically-focused approach has helped countless families find the peace and rest they deserve.

Ready to give your baby the best chance at nervous system health? Call us at (754) 203-5907 or book your consultation online. Your family’s rest and peace of mind are worth it.

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