Infantile colic is a condition that can be both frustrating and controversial for parents. Many conventional pediatricians mistakenly state that “some babies just get colic” and “don’t worry, they’ll grow out of it.” However, there is ongoing debate about the root causes of colic and how babies develop this condition. In this blog post, we’ll break down the science behind colic, keep it simple, and discuss safe and natural ways to help ease your little one’s constant crying and discomfort.

If your baby is struggling with colic and you’re desperate for answers and relief from the constant crying and sleepless nights, this is for you! If your gut is telling you that it’s not normal that your baby is constantly crying, uncomfortable, arching their back, and cranking their neck to try and find some relief – keep reading.  

We are going to reveal how overall neurological function can resolve many of your child’s health struggles! Learn gentle ways to stimulate the nervous system, plus specialized chiropractic care to detect and address vagus nerve dysfunction without drugs or surgery. 

The Most Overlooked Trigger of Colic

One of the most overlooked yet obvious initial triggers of colic is an overstressed and subluxated nervous system. We often find that the vast majority of colic patients have at least one of the following stressors in their case history:

1. A high-stress or high-risk pregnancy
2. Birth interventions such as forceps, vacuum extraction, induction, epidural, or c-section that can physically injure and alter the function of the nerves and muscles of the upper neck

These interventions can impact various functions, including sleeping, latching, breastfeeding, swallowing, digestion, and gross motor development, like turning the head and tummy time. These common initial stressors can cause the infant’s nervous system to become highly sensitive and stuck in a sympathetic fight or flight mode.

Jackson’s Story of Hope

Consider the story of baby Jackson, who struggled with bad reflux, gas pains, and trouble sleeping at night as an infant. Jackson’s mom shared, “It was very difficult for us to try and navigate being first-time parents and having Jackson struggling with these issues! It was hard to see Jackson so upset and unhappy because he was always so uncomfortable.”

Jackson’s mom reported, “Jackson started getting adjusted when he was 9 weeks old, and within the first couple of weeks, we definitely started to see changes! We first noticed that he was no longer having constant gas pains and didn’t seem as uncomfortable anymore. Within the first month, his colic seemed to disappear, and we started to see Jackson’s happy and silly personality coming through.”

With continued care, Jackson transformed into “a completely different baby” compared to when he first started treatment. His colic and stomach pains were completely gone, his reflux had improved, and he was even sleeping through the night! Now, as a toddler, Jackson’s mom says, “He is truly the happiest and is always smiling and laughing. We could not be more thankful to have found our pediatric chiropractor – they’ve taught us so much about chiropractic care and the benefits it could provide to Jackson. Thank you for giving us our happy boy back!”

Sympathetic Dominance and Its Effects

When an infant’s nervous system is stuck in a sympathetic fight or flight mode, they may struggle with basic health functions such as sleeping, eating, pooping, and moving. Parents often innately know that something within their little one’s body is not working well, including both “internal” muscles that control digestion and “external” muscles of the neck and spine. This is why infants with colic often struggle more after eating and are constantly arching their neck and back.

Many parents of colicky infants have already tried removing dairy and other common foods that have a higher risk of allergies and intolerances. Some families have also had their children’s tongue or oral ties surgically revised and clipped. While tongue and oral ties can cause trouble with latching, nursing, and discomfort, it’s essential to look deeper at the root cause of these issues. If a child’s nervous system is stuck in a sympathetic fight or flight mode, it can leave all the muscles and ligaments of the body extra wound tight and tense. Even if the tongue and oral ties are surgically revised, the tension may remain in the nervous system and other important parts of the body.

Finding the Real Root Cause

While most people look to the stomach or digestive system for the root cause of colic, it’s often found even deeper within the nervous system and its control and coordination of digestive motility, absorption, and elimination. When tension and subluxation build up along the neurospinal system, a colicky baby will often arch their back and crane their neck, trying to release or dissipate that tension themselves. This is an almost sure sign that the root cause of their discomfort is neurospinal discomfort and tension, not merely digestive dysfunction.

Neurologically-focused chiropractic care is a gentle, non-invasive approach that can help address the underlying neurological factors contributing to colic. We are specifically trained to identify and correct subluxations (misalignments) in the spine that can interfere with proper nervous system function. By restoring balance to the nervous system, chiropractic care can help relieve symptoms of colic and promote overall health and well-being in infants.

At RCW, our doctors use a combination of thorough assessments and advanced technology called Neurological INSiGHT Scans to detect and measure the presence of subluxation and neurological dysfunction or sympathetic dominance in colicky infants. This targeted approach allows us to develop personalized care plans that address each child’s unique needs.

Benefits of Neurologically-Focused Chiropractic Care for Colic 

In addition to helping alleviate the symptoms of colic, chiropractic care can offer a range of other benefits for infants and children. These may include:

1. Improved sleep quality and duration
2. Enhanced immune system function
3. Better digestion and reduced digestive discomfort
4. Increased range of motion and flexibility
5. Support for healthy brain and nervous system development

It’s important to note that chiropractic care is not a “one-size-fits-all” solution, and results may vary from child to child. However, many parents have reported significant improvements in their babies’ comfort, happiness, and overall well-being following chiropractic care.

So, if you’re ready to find real answers and drug-free solutions for your baby’s colic, consider scheduling an initial consultation with one of our docs. With the right approach, you can help your little one find the peace, comfort, and restful sleep you both desperately need. Don’t spend another exhausting night wondering if there’s hope – take action and seek the support your family deserves.

By addressing the root cause of colic through gentle, Neurologically-Focused Chiropractic Care, you can help your baby thrive and enjoy a happier, healthier childhood.

Abby Splittstoesser

As a parent, watching your child struggle with anxiety can be an overwhelming and heartbreaking experience. You may feel helpless, especially when traditional medical approaches often resort to medication as the first line of treatment. However, at our practice, we want you to know that there is another way – a drug-free, holistic approach that focuses on the root cause of your child’s anxiety: the nervous system.

The Prevalence of Childhood Anxiety

4.4 million children face anxiety, which can lead to difficulties in school, social interactions, and family life. These struggles can manifest in various ways. Such as your child feeling nervous or tense, sensing danger when it may not be there, experiencing increased heart rate and rapid breathing, sweating, trembling, having difficulty concentrating, and even dealing with gastrointestinal problems.

It’s important to understand that being nervous and sometimes anxious is a natural human response to perceived threats. It triggers our nervous system’s “fight, flight, or freeze” response. However, when these feelings become stuck and turn into chronic anxiety, it can significantly change the way your child perceives their daily life. Making even the simplest tasks feel overwhelming and unmanageable.

The Nervous System’s Role in Anxiety 

At the core of our approach to managing childhood anxiety is the understanding that the nervous system plays a crucial role in regulating emotions and stress responses. When the nervous system is out of balance, it can lead to a heightened stress response and an inability to access the “rest, digest, and regulate” state. Which is essential for maintaining emotional well-being.

This imbalance is often caused by subluxation, which is the stress and tension that gets stuck within the nervous system. Subluxation buildup can start as early as stress during pregnancy, birth stress, and early childhood experiences, setting the stage for anxiety later in life.

Another key player in the regulation of the nervous system is the vagus nerve, which is responsible for activating the “rest and relaxation” (parasympathetic) side of the nervous system. When the vagus nerve is not functioning properly, your child’s body may struggle to access the “brake pedal” that helps them calm down and regulate their emotions.

Our Approach: Neurologically-Focused Chiropractic Care 

At RCW, we specialize in meurologically-focused chiropractic care, which aims to address the root cause of your child’s anxiety by focusing on the nervous system. Our team of pediatric chiropractors uses INSiGHT scans to detect and measure the presence and severity of subluxation and dysautonomia. This allows us to create personalized care plans tailored to your child’s unique needs.

Through precise chiropractic adjustments, we work to release stuck stress from the sympathetic nervous system, activate the vagus nerve, and restore balance to the nervous system as a whole. Our goal is to help your child’s body know when it is safe, and when to activate the “fight or flight” response. Thus enabling them to access both sides of their nervous system, and preventing them from getting “stuck” in a state of chronic anxiety.

We understand that the decision to explore drug-free options for your child’s anxiety can be daunting, especially when medication is often presented as the only solution. 

However, we want you to know that there is hope and that a drug-free approach can be incredibly effective in helping your child manage their anxiety and reclaim their life.

By addressing the underlying neurological factors contributing to your child’s anxiety, we can help them build a more resilient and balanced nervous system. Equipping them with the tools they need to navigate life’s challenges with confidence and ease.

So, if your child is struggling with anxiety and you feel like you’ve exhausted all options, we would love for you to take the first step toward healing by exploring neurologically-focused chiropractic care. Our team is here to support you every step of the way. If you have questions about our approach or are ready to schedule a consultation, don’t hesitate to reach out to us today! 

Together, we can help your child navigate the challenges of anxiety and emerge stronger, more resilient, and ready to embrace all that life has to offer.

Abby Splittstoesser

While seasons are changing, as a parent you may find yourself in a frustrating cycle – your kids are constantly battling colds, coughs, congestion, and other illnesses. You try over-the-counter medications, visit pediatricians, and get prescribed stronger antibiotics, but the cycle continues. What you may not realize is that shutting down symptoms with medications often weakens the body’s resilience long-term. 

The key is supporting the body to build up its defenses naturally.

At the core of this “kick the sick” approach is addressing dysfunction in the nervous system. The master communicator that controls all cells, tissues, and organs. Any stress or imbalance in the nervous system can lead to widespread issues such as chronic immune problems, sleep disturbances, digestive troubles, behavioral/cognitive challenges, and more.

The Autonomic Nervous System: The Key to Immune Regulation

Neurologically-Focused Pediatric Chiropractors specialize in locating and correcting sources of stress stuck on the nervous system, what we call subluxation. The autonomic nervous system, which comprises the sympathetic and parasympathetic branches, plays a crucial role in modulating immune function. The sympathetic nervous system, often referred to as the “fight or flight” response, suppresses immune activity during periods of stress or perceived danger. Conversely, the parasympathetic nervous system, known as the “rest and digest” state, promotes immune function and allows the body to heal and repair.

When the body experiences chronic stress or nerve interference, the sympathetic nervous system dominates, leading to a suppressed immune response. This imbalance can leave the body vulnerable to various illnesses and infections as the immune system becomes less effective in identifying and neutralizing potential threats.

Subluxation can disrupt the normal flow of nerve communication, leading to dysfunction in various bodily systems, including the immune system. Stress gets to the neck, shoulders, and upper areas and creates constriction and congestion, which in turn creates inflammation.

Subluxation can result from various factors, such as birth stress, physical stress, emotional stress, and chemical toxins. Subluxation is most commonly initially caused by birth stress and the intense physical/chemical stresses of the modern birth process. If not properly addressed, this subluxation can build up over time, setting the stage for recurring illnesses.

The intense forces and instrumentation used in interventions like:

• C-sections
• Vacuum/forceps deliveries
• Induction/epidural
• Prematurity/NICU
• Cord wrapping

These experiences can significantly injure the vulnerable Vagus Nerve and upper neck region, creating profound subluxation that sets kids up for a host of future problems. Setting the stage for what we call The Perfect Storm.

Additionally, things like severe colic, reflux, constipation, and sleep struggles as a newborn could indicate nerve system imbalances stemming from in-utero constraint or birth stress.

Using our INSiGHT scans, we measure levels of subluxation and associated nerve tension. With analysis and customized care plans, we can work to reduce that neurological interference and restore balance to the nervous system naturally. Without the need for drugs or surgery.

By allowing the body’s master healing system to function optimally, countless conditions can improve, including:

• Stronger immune function
• Better sleep
• Improved digestion/regularity
• Reduced symptoms of ADHD, anxiety, sensory processing issues
• Overcoming developmental delays

Build Up Instead of Shutting Down

Rather than just masking each symptom, chiropractic gets to the root cause. We use the body’s ability to self-heal and adapt to stressors like seasonal changes, growth spurts, poor sleep/diet, and more. These factors can quickly overload a child’s coping ability and trigger illness.

The approach to treat symptoms with medications can ultimately further suppress and dysregulate the immune response. While sometimes necessary for critical situations, overusing antibiotics, steroids, and immune suppressants weakens resilience long-term. Research shows that each course, especially in the first year, increases the risks of chronic allergies, asthma, and more illnesses down the road. We must reserve that direction for last resort and move to drug-free, natural-building, resilience-boosting actions.

So, instead of just shutting it all down at the first sniffle, parents can build their child up through simple steps:

• Prioritize rest and reduce stressors when sick
• Ensure proper nutrition, hydration, and movement
• Integrate natural immune-boosters like vitamin C & D, and zinc
• Use supportive tools like essential oils
• Most importantly, get their nervous system checked!

With a customized chiropractic care plan monitoring and reducing subluxation, many kids avoid the revolving door of sickness. Their bodies can effectively meet seasonal challenges, moving through acute illnesses while building resiliency to prevent bigger problems.

The Benefits Become Far-Reaching

When the nervous system is balanced and functioning without interference, the benefits go far beyond stronger immunity. As we know, the nervous system controls and coordinates every cell, tissue, and organ in the body. By reducing subluxation, chiropractic allows for better-integrated function across all systems.

Parents commonly report improvements in many seemingly unrelated conditions once their child gets on a customized chiropractic care plan. Things like:

• Behavioral Issues: Many children labeled with ADHD, anxiety, or sensory processing disorders show dramatic improvements in focus, calmness, and behavior regulation under chiropractic care. The brain-body connection becomes optimized.
• Digestive Problems: Frequent stomachaches, constipation, diarrhea, and other GI issues often resolve when nerve interference along the spine is reduced. Better communication allows the gut to function properly.
• Bedwetting/Sleep Struggles: The autonomic nervous system controls processes like sleep cycles and bladder function. Restoring nerve tone in these areas can help children overcome bedwetting and achieve higher-quality sleep.
• Asthma/Breathing Issues: With reduced tension on nerves impacting the respiratory diaphragm and airways, many asthmatics can breathe easier and use inhalers/nebulizers less once subluxations are corrected.

The possibilities are endless because neurologically-focused chiropractic care works by unleashing the body’s own innate ability to heal and regulate itself. 

No matter the condition, if nervous system dysfunction is contributing, there’s potential for so much improvement.

Neurologically-Focused Chiropractic Care: Restoring Nervous System Function and Immune Balance

For many families, neurologically-focused chiropractic care ends up being the “missing piece” that accelerates their child’s healing journey. When integrated with other natural therapies and lifestyle factors like nutrition, it provides a comprehensive approach to building up a child’s resilience from the inside out.

Rather than covering up symptoms with a barrage of medications, authentic healing can take place. Rather than repeated rounds of inhalers, antibiotics, and over-the-counter meds that weaken vitality over time, kids develop robust vitality to meet life’s challenges.

With chiropractic support, children can spend less time in the vicious sickness cycle and more time growing, developing, and thriving as they should. 

At RCW, we want to help you and your kiddos thrive! Our docs want to help change your child’s life for the better, to change their trajectory from chronic illness to kicking the sick naturally. 

Abby Splittstoesser