Colic Research

Infantile colic is a common condition in newborns, characterized by excessive crying and fussiness that typically occurs during the first few months of life. Babies with colic often cry for more than three hours a day, three days a week, for three weeks or longer, typically between the ages of two weeks and three months. The cause of colic remains unclear, but it is believed to involve factors such as gastrointestinal discomfort, nervous system immaturity, and possibly spinal misalignments.

Chiropractic care is often considered a gentle and non-invasive approach to managing colic symptoms, focusing on spinal adjustments to help relieve potential subluxations or misalignments in the spine that may interfere with the nervous system. Proponents of chiropractic care for colic suggest that spinal adjustments may improve the function of the nervous system, reduce stress, and alleviate discomfort, which can help ease colicky symptoms.

Chiropractic Care for Infantile Colic: A Case Study Summary

This randomized controlled trial compared the effects of spinal manipulation and the drug Dimethicone on reducing crying in infants with colic. The study took place in Copenhagen, Denmark, and involved two groups of infants: one group received chiropractic care for two weeks, and the other received Dimethicone. Changes in daily crying hours were tracked in a colic diary.
Infants in the chiropractic care group experienced a significantly greater reduction in crying hours compared to the Dimethicone group. By days 4-7, crying decreased by 2.4 hours in the chiropractic group versus 1 hour in the Dimethicone group. By days 8-11, the chiropractic group had a reduction of 2.7 hours, while the Dimethicone group had a 1-hour reduction. Overall, the chiropractic group saw a 67% reduction in crying, while the Dimethicone group saw a 38% reduction. The mean number of chiropractic adjustments given was 3.8.

Source: Wiberg JMM, Nordsteen J, Nilsson N. The short-term effect of spinal manipulation in the treatment of infantile colic: a randomized controlled clinical trial with a blinded observer. Journal of Manipulative and Physiological Therapeutics. October 1999; Vol. 22, No. 8, pp. 517-522.

Chiropractic Care for Infantile Colic: A Case Study Summary

A case study of a 6-week-old infant with severe colic symptoms, including difficulty sleeping and vomiting, who was brought in for a chiropractic checkup. A subluxation at the C1 vertebra was identified and corrected. After the first chiropractic adjustment, the infant fell asleep before leaving the office and slept for 8 straight hours. Over the next week, the baby gained two pounds, and colic symptoms improved. The child received chiropractic care three times per week for two months, and thereafter once a week. The colic symptoms never returned.
Source: International Chiropractic Pediatric Association Newsletter. May/June 1997.

Chiropractic Care for Breastfeeding Difficulties and Colic: Case Study Summary

A 15-day-old male infant experiencing severe colic symptoms, inability to breastfeed, vomiting, and excessive gas since birth. The baby also had high-pitched crying, shaking, and distress after feeding. The infant had received a Hepatitis B vaccination shortly after birth, and the pediatrician prescribed formula, which the baby reacted poorly to.
After the first chiropractic adjustment to the C1 vertebra, the infant experienced a significant reduction in crying, vomiting, and shaking. By the third visit, the baby had successfully resumed breastfeeding, and symptoms had nearly disappeared. However, after a second Hepatitis B vaccination, the symptoms returned. Several chiropractic adjustments were made over the following days, with symptoms improving after the eighth visit. By the 13th visit, the baby was symptom-free.
Source: Sheader, WE. Chiropractic management of an infant experiencing breastfeeding difficulties and colic: a case study. Journal of Clinical Chiropractic Pediatrics, Vol. 4, No. 1, 1999.

Chiropractic Care for Colic and Projectile Vomiting: Case Study Summary

A three-month-old male diagnosed with colic and projectile vomiting, which had been worsening for two months despite medical treatment. The infant received chiropractic spinal adjustments and craniosacral therapy as part of the treatment. After a two-week treatment period involving chiropractic care and craniosacral therapy, the infant's symptoms of colic and projectile vomiting were completely resolved. The study discusses potential cranial and spinal causes of the symptoms and highlights the possible connection between birth trauma and non-spinal health issues.
Source: Van Loon, Meghan. Colic with projectile vomiting: a case study. J of Clinical Chiropractic Pediatrics. Vol. 3 No. 1 1998. 207-210.

Chiropractic Care for Infantile Colic: Case Study Summary

This case study followed an 11-month-old boy with severe, complicated infantile colic. The child experienced inability to consume solid foods, severe constipation, muscle weakness, lack of coordination, and developmental delays such as not being able to crawl, stand, or walk. Despite receiving medical care, there was no improvement in his condition.
After receiving upper cervical chiropractic adjustments for a subluxation of the first cervical vertebra (atlas), the child showed immediate improvements in muscle strength, coordination, responsiveness, and the ability to consume solid foods without vomiting.
Source: Killinger LZ, Azad A. Chiropractic care of infantile colic: a case study. J of Clinical Chiropractic Pediatrics. Vol. 3 No. 1 1998. Pp. 203-206.

Chiropractic Management of Colic and Breastfeeding Difficulty: Case Study Summary

This case study followed a 12-day-old male infant who experienced difficulty breastfeeding on the right side, excessive bowel gas, and general fussiness. Chiropractic examination revealed subluxations at the occiput and atlas, with visible distress upon palpation of the right cervical soft tissue.
After a chiropractic adjustment to the atlas, the infant was able to breastfeed without difficulty immediately afterward. Despite continued adjustments, the infant's condition showed limited improvement. The mother was advised that her Depo-Provera injection (contraceptive) might be contributing to the problem. After discontinuing the next injection, continued chiropractic care resulted in normalization of breastfeeding and bowel function.
Source: Cuhel JM, Powell M. Chiropractic management of an infant patient experiencing colic and difficulty breastfeeding: a case report. Journal of Clinical Chiropractic Pediatrics. 1997; 2(2):150-154.

Chiropractic Management of Infantile Colic: A Prospective Study Summary

This study involved 316 infants, aged 5.7 weeks on average, who were experiencing moderate to severe colic (average 5.2 hours of crying per day). Seventy-three chiropractors provided spinal adjustments, and mothers kept a diary to track the infants' symptoms, including the intensity and duration of crying.
94% of the infants showed satisfactory improvement within 14 days of chiropractic care, usually after three visits. The improvements were maintained after four weeks. One-quarter of the infants showed significant improvement after the first adjustment, and all infants improved within 14 days. Notably, 51% of the infants had previously undergone unsuccessful treatments, including drug therapy.
Source: Klougart N, Nilsson N, Jacobsen J. Infantile colic treated by chiropractors: a prospective study of 316 cases. Journal of Manipulative and Physiological Therapeutics. 1989; 12:281-288.

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