The Truth About Colic: Could It Be Nervous System Stress?
Introduction
If you’ve ever rocked, bounced, or paced the floors for hours with a baby who just won’t stop crying, you know how exhausting and heartbreaking colic can be. Parents are often told, “Don’t worry, they’ll grow out of it,” but that doesn’t make the sleepless nights and inconsolable tears any easier.
What if colic wasn’t just “a phase” but instead a sign of something deeper? Research and clinical experience suggest that many cases of colic may be connected to nervous system stress. That’s where infant chiropractic care comes in, offering families hope and support in some of the toughest early months.
What Exactly Is Colic?
Colic is typically defined as:
Intense, frequent crying spells
Lasting more than 3 hours a day, at least 3 days a week
Often appearing in babies younger than 3 months
While doctors may rule out underlying illness, parents are often left with vague explanations and limited options. Colic may appear alongside:
Challenges with breastfeeding or latching
These patterns suggest more than just “a fussy baby.” They often point toward nervous system dysregulation.
Colic and the Nervous System
The nervous system is the body’s command center, responsible for regulating digestion, sleep, and stress responses. If a baby’s nervous system is stressed—often due to birth trauma, in-utero constraint, or early environmental stressors—it may get “stuck” in fight-or-flight mode.
In this state:
Digestion slows, leading to reflux, gas, or constipation
Sleep is disrupted because the body doesn’t feel safe to rest
Feeding becomes more difficult due to tension and lack of coordination
So while colic shows up as endless crying, the root cause often lies in the nervous system.
How Chiropractic Supports Babies with Colic
An Infant Chiropractor in Colorado Springs uses gentle, safe adjustments to release tension and restore balance in the nervous system.
Here’s what that support looks like:
Reducing Stress: Adjustments help the body shift from fight-or-flight into rest-and-digest.
Supporting Digestion: A calmer nervous system improves gut motility and reduces reflux.
Improving Sleep: Babies often settle more easily once their system is regulated.
Enhancing Breastfeeding: Gentle care can ease tension in the neck and jaw, supporting better latching and feeding.
Many parents share that after starting chiropractic care, their baby cries less, sleeps more soundly, and finally seems comfortable in their little body.
Beyond “They’ll Grow Out of It”
Colic can feel overwhelming, but it’s not something parents have to simply endure. By looking beyond symptoms and addressing nervous system stress, families can find real solutions and relief.
When babies are regulated, not only do they cry less, but parents also feel more connected and confident—making those precious early months more joyful for the whole family.
Call to Action
If your baby struggles with colic, reflux, or sleep challenges, there is hope. Chiropractic care offers a safe, natural approach to help infants feel calm, comfortable, and connected.
👉 Learn how chiropractic helps infants thrive by scheduling your baby’s consultation at Solstice Chiropractic today.
