Pediatric and Family Chiropractic Care in Petaluma, CA for Infant Colic Support
Colic can feel overwhelming—long crying spells, little sleep, and stressed parents. At Titan Chiropractic, our gentle, baby-specific care supports clearer nervous system function to help infants settle, feed, and sleep more comfortably.
Infant colic is typically defined by excessive crying without a clear medical cause, often following the “rule of threes” (more than 3 hours a day, 3 days a week, for 3 weeks). Chiropractic does not diagnose or treat colic. We assess for subluxations—areas of restricted spinal motion and stress—that may contribute to irritability, tension, and difficulty settling. Gentle adjustments aim to calm the system and support easier feeding, digestion, and sleep rhythms.
- Prolonged crying spells, especially late afternoon/evening.
- Body tension, arching, difficulty burping/settling after feeds.
- Overtiredness and short, fragmented sleep.
How Chiropractic Can Support Babies with Colic
The newborn nervous system is rapidly adapting to life outside the womb. Birth strain, feeding posture, and early tension patterns can contribute to subluxations in the upper neck and mid-back—areas closely tied to calming, swallowing, and digestion. Baby-specific adjustments use light, sustained pressure (often the pressure used to check a ripe tomato), helping restore normal motion and reduce stress signals so infants can settle and feed more comfortably.
- Encourages a shift toward “rest and digest” for calmer states.
- Supports coordinated suck–swallow–breathe during feeds.
- Helps relieve tension patterns that make settling difficult.
Colic in Daily Life: What Parents Notice
Colic commonly peaks around 6 weeks and improves by 3–4 months, but those early weeks can be exhausting. Babies may cry inconsolably, struggle with gas or spit-up, and sleep in short bursts. Parents try bicycle legs, burping techniques, and changes to feeding—some help, some don’t. Chiropractic offers complementary support by reducing mechanical stress and helping the nervous system organize more calmly while you follow your pediatrician’s guidance.
- Cluster crying at predictable times of day.
- Feeding challenges and frequent wakeups.
- Tension patterns (arching, stiff shoulders, clenched fists).
How Subluxations Can Affect Babies with Colic
- Neck and upper back subluxations may irritate nerves involved in calming and digestion.
- Stress in these areas can contribute to tension, arching, and poor settling after feeds.
- Adjustments aim to restore motion, reduce nerve irritation, and support smoother comfort cycles.
Think of your baby’s nervous system like a dimmer switch. If it’s stuck on bright, even small sensations feel intense. Gentle adjustments help unstick the dimmer so your baby can settle into softer, calmer states for feeding and sleep.
Potential Benefits Families Often Report
- Reduced daily crying time and easier soothing.
- Improved feeding comfort and less tension after meals.
- Longer, more predictable sleep stretches for baby (and parents).
Scientific Evidence Related to Chiropractic and Infant Colic
Research on manual/chiropractic care for colic includes randomized trials and systematic reviews exploring crying time and parent-reported outcomes. These studies do not claim cure or treatment; they examine short-term changes in comfort and settling.
Systematic Review of Randomized Trials in Infant Colic (2012)
A review of randomized clinical trials evaluating manual therapy for colic. Several studies reported reduced crying time compared with control or sham; authors note variability across trials and call for larger, well-designed studies.
2021 Evidence Review on Manual Therapy for Infantile Colic
An updated review discussing the safety and potential effectiveness of manual therapies in reducing crying duration and improving parent-reported comfort, with emphasis on gentle techniques and the need for rigorous future research.
Our Approach at Titan Chiropractic
We review pregnancy/birth history, feeding patterns, burping, sleep rhythms, and soothing strategies so we understand your baby’s day.
We check head/neck and mid-back motion, comfort with tummy time, and tension patterns that may contribute to unsettled behavior.
We use sustained fingertip pressure and gentle mobilization—no high-force techniques—tailored to your baby’s size and comfort.
We coordinate with your pediatrician and lactation support as desired and track crying time, feeds, burps, and sleep to measure progress.
Frequently Asked Questions About Infant Colic & Chiropractic
Does chiropractic care treat colic?
No. We don’t diagnose or treat colic. We address subluxations and stress patterns that may contribute to discomfort and difficulty settling, while you continue care with your pediatrician.
What does an infant adjustment look like?
Baby adjustments use extremely gentle, sustained fingertip pressure—often compared to checking a ripe tomato. Many babies relax during care, and visits are calm and unhurried.
Is chiropractic safe for newborns?
Yes. We use age-appropriate techniques and communicate each step. If something is not a fit for your family, we pause and adapt. Your comfort and consent come first.
How quickly might crying improve?
Every baby is different. Some parents report easier soothing and longer sleep within a couple of visits; others see progressive changes across several weeks. We track daily crying time and feeds to make progress visible.
Do you work with lactation and pediatric providers?
Absolutely. We’re happy to coordinate with your pediatrician and lactation professional to support feeding, burping, and sleep routines while we address mechanical stress and nervous system balance.
Ready for gentler, calmer days (and nights)?
Schedule your baby’s first visit in Petaluma and explore gentle chiropractic support for comfort, feeding, and sleep.
Schedule nowDisclaimer: We do not diagnose or treat conditions, diseases, or symptoms. Our care is centered on improving the neuromusculoskeletal system by addressing spinal subluxations and the subluxation complex. Any improvement in overall health or function is the natural result of restoring proper spinal alignment and supporting the body’s innate ability to heal itself. For medical diagnosis or treatment, please consult a licensed medical professional.