Infantile colic is an inflammatory gut condition that is associated with pre-mature weaning (introduction of solid or semi-solid foods before 3rd month of post- natal life). According to the data provided by David W Hide infantile colic affects almost 16% of the babies during first year of post-natal life. Most cases of infantile colic are reported at the 2nd to 3rd week post-birth (with resolution of symptoms spontaneously by 4th to 5th month). Lucassen suggested that depending upon environmental factors and physiological conditions, the overall risk is 5 to 19%. The symptoms of infantile colic are frequent inconsolable crying spells, hypertonic posture of the baby, abnormal changes in the sleeping and eating patterns, distension of belly with worsening of symptoms after feeding.

Research and statistical data indicates that babies who experience significant birth trauma to the spine during delivery are at the highest risk of developing infantile colic. Spinal misalignment is a leading cause of impaired immunity in postnatal life that increases the susceptibility to infections, diseases and immune reactions. Other causes of spinal subluxation or misalignment are instrumental delivery (forceps, vacuum), malpositioned baby in maternal womb, and rough handling or improper care of the baby after birth (for example poorly supported neck of the baby while changing the diapers increase the risk of developing spinal subluxation).

Although pharmacological options can be employed to manage the symptoms of colic, most people prefer holistic methods of care in young babies. Research and statistical data indicates that chiropractic medicine may help in managing the symptoms of infantile colic in the babies.

Chiropractic practitioners evaluate the baby to see if spinal misalignment or subluxation is leading to immunological or neurological malfunctioning. The spinal readjustment by manual manipulation can help in the restoration of neuronal circuitry to re-establish the communication between the brain, spinal cord and glands.

N. Klougart reported a prospective study performed on 316 infants with a positive history of infantile colic. When chiropractic therapy was performed (by spinal manipulation) in babies with a mean age of 5.6 weeks for a period of 3 months (12 weeks) by expert chiropractic practitioners, complete symptomatic relief was observed in 94% of the study subjects within a period of 2 weeks (or at an average of 3 treatment session) suggesting efficacy of chiropractic therapy in the management of infantile colic.

JM Wiberg presented another report published in Journal of Manipulative and Physiological Therapeutics, to compare the therapeutic benefits of chiropractic therapy over pharmacological therapy in the management of infantile colic. Wiberg prescribed dimethicone (pharmacological agent given for symptomatic infantile colic) to one group of infants and spinal manipulation to other group (both therapies were instituted for a period of 2 weeks). Wiberg identified that spinal manipulation was effective from day 1 in reducing the intensity of symptoms and after first 5 days of therapy, the therapeutic benefits were much superior to dimethicone suggesting spinal misalignment as one of the causative factor in the pathogenesis of infantile colic.

Besides chiropractic care, certain behavioral factors are also helpful in reducing the intensity of symptoms. For example, do not feed sugary foods or synthetic juices (in undiluted form) due to risk of flatulence or gas production by intestinal bacteria. Avoid over-feeding the baby as it may increase the risk of gastric distention. Pat the back of the baby after feeding for burping. If you are breast –feeding the baby, avoid foods that increase the production of gas (milk, broccoli, onions, cabbage, caffeine and beans).

Infantile colic is often regarded as a self- limiting and self resolving condition that does not affect the health of child in long term; however, a number of studies indicate significant developmental delays and long term negative impacts on mother-child bonding and relationships. Several studies indicate that such effects can last as long as three years. Other complications that may follow in case of untreated infantile colic are ill-treatment by parents, frustrated baby, and nervous tissue damage due to screaming and crying. Therefore, it is recommended to opt for chiropractic care as early as possible for the timely management of infantile colic and other neurological conditions that may follow with untreated spinal subluxation.