Colic is generally defined as crying for more than three hours a day, more than three days a week, for more than three weeks, in an otherwise healthy and well-fed baby. Clinically that definition is not very satisfying, because it describes the behavior without explaining it.
For parents, the experience is far more concrete: an infant who cannot be settled, who arches and pulls their legs up, who is worst in the evening, and a household running on no sleep.
Symptoms we hear about
- Prolonged, intense crying, typically worse in the evening
- Arching the back and pulling the legs toward the abdomen
- Clenched fists and a tense abdomen
- Difficulty settling even when fed, dry, and rested
- Preference for turning the head to one side
- Trouble latching on one breast specifically
- Frequent spitting up or apparent discomfort after feeding
What usually causes it
- Birth-related strain to the upper cervical spine
- Restricted head rotation affecting feeding position
- Digestive immaturity and trapped gas
- Feeding and latch difficulties
- Overstimulation and disrupted sleep patterns
- Food sensitivity transmitted through breast milk or formula
Why birth can leave a mechanical problem behind
Delivery applies real force to a newborn's neck and skull, even in uncomplicated births. Vacuum extraction, forceps, a very fast delivery, or prolonged pushing add considerably more. The result can be restriction in the upper cervical spine, where the head meets the neck.
That restriction shows up in ways parents notice without connecting them: a baby who will only turn one direction, who feeds well on one side and fights the other, who seems uncomfortable lying flat. The nerve supply from that region also influences digestive function, which is where the fussiness and feeding difficulty connect.
What an infant adjustment actually looks like
It bears no resemblance to an adult adjustment. There is no twisting, no thrust, and no popping. We use sustained fingertip pressure of roughly two ounces, about what you would use to test whether a tomato is ripe, held against a specific spot for a few seconds.
Most babies sleep through it. Many parents watching for the first time are surprised it is already finished. Sessions are short, and we always take a full birth and health history first.
What we are and are not saying
We are addressing a mechanical problem: restricted joints and the nervous system irritation that accompanies them. We are not treating a disease, and chiropractic care is not a substitute for your pediatrician.
Many parents report meaningful improvement in settling, feeding, and sleep. Some do not, and if we are not seeing change in a small number of visits we will tell you that rather than continuing. We also screen for anything that belongs with your pediatrician and refer immediately when we find it.
How we treat colic & infant discomfort in Frisco
Your plan is built from your exam findings, not from a template. These are the tools we most often combine for this condition.
Colic & Infant Discomfort: common questions
How gentle is an infant adjustment really?
The pressure is roughly what you would use to check the ripeness of a tomato, or to press comfortably on your closed eyelid. There is no thrusting, no twisting, and no sound. It is nothing like an adult adjustment.
How many visits does a colicky baby need?
Infants typically respond quickly. Many parents report change within a handful of visits. If we are not seeing improvement in that window, we will say so and help you look in a different direction.
Is my baby too young?
No. We have adjusted babies within their first weeks of life. Technique changes with age; whether care is appropriate does not.
