Colic

New parents often experience a mixed bag of emotions. On the one hand they delight in the wonders of new life and all the wonderful learning experiences and challenges. On the other hand, a change of lifestyle and the pressures of looking after a solely dependent human being can be very stressful. For many parents, this time can also be confusing, and a crying baby can soon grate on the nerves of new or first-time parents. 

 

Colic affects approximately one in four Australian babies between the age of 0 and three months and is generally defined by excessive, inconsolable crying – with no apparent cause. There is much speculation about what causes the problem, some suggesting it has to do with gas, lactose intolerance, food allergies, constipation or temperature. Recent medical studies have disbanded some of those older theories and suggest that there is no certain cause of Colic. 

 

Walkerville Chiropractic has been met with many cases of crying and sick babies and has seen some remarkable results. In addition, clinical trials across Europe have shown that chiropractic care is significantly more effective than the usual prescription drugs in treating the condition. 

 

These studies have found that infants’ crying after regular chiropractic care reduced by an average of 67 per cent – almost three hours per day. Those results were a stark contrast to those who were treated with medications alone, where only 38 per cent of infants cried less. 

 

While many may not understand or realise the significance of colic, putting it down to just a crying, the effects can actually be much more severe. Firstly, the disease is classified as uncontrollable crying for more than three hours a day, more than three days of the week for at least three consecutive weeks. Such behaviour can lead to a negative parent-child relationship and in some cases has been linked to violence against infants. 

 

So how does chiropractic help?

 

Chiropractic care for infants works by loosening the joints in the spine that might be causing restricted movement. The birthing process as well as rapid growth in the early stages of life can contribute to pressures on a child’s nerve supply, which in turn affect how a child’s body works. By relieving such pressures, chiropractors help the body get back to it’s full functioning form, allowing for baby’s to reduce their agitation. 

 

In contrast to many of the drug treatments, the benefit of chiropractic in treating colic is that no negative side effects have been reported. Furthermore, starting chiropractic care at an early age helps to build a solid foundation for children to begin their growth and development. It helps them to establish great health practices that they can take with them for life, for optimum wellbeing and life enjoyment.