Infantile Colic Treatment in Rochester, NY
When constant crying in your baby leaves you feeling helpless, it’s time to explore gentle, natural care options that can truly make a difference. At Crossroads Chiropractic & Health Center, we understand how distressing colic can be—not only for your baby, but for your whole family.
With pediatric chiropractic care tailored to newborns, we help soothe the nervous system, support healthy development, and bring comfort to colicky babies—safely and gently. Whether you’re navigating sleepless nights or struggling to find answers, we’re here to support your child’s well‒being through every step of early life.
Book your appointment today and explore a calming, compassionate approach to colic relief.
What is Colic?
Colic is a condition that causes prolonged, intense crying in otherwise healthy infants—most often starting between the third and sixth week after birth. During episodes, babies may arch their backs, draw their legs toward their belly, and cry for hours without a clear reason.
Although the exact cause of colic remains unknown, several factors may contribute—including an underdeveloped nervous system, food sensitivities, and digestive discomfort. In many cases, spinal tension from birth may also play a role by disrupting the delicate balance of the infant’s nervous system.
At Crossroads Chiropractic & Health Center, we offer gentle, pediatric chiropractic care designed to support your baby’s comfort and development. Our approach helps soothe colicky babies naturally—without medication—so your family can rest easier and move forward with confidence.
Common Causes Colic
Colic doesn’t have a single known cause—but many factors can contribute to the crying and discomfort it brings. At Crossroads Chiropractic & Health Center, we take time to understand the full picture, from physical stress to feeding habits so that we can support your baby’s health naturally and effectively.
Here are some common contributors to colic in newborns:
The birthing process—especially when long or physically demanding—can place strain on a newborn’s neck and spine. These subtle shifts, known as subluxations, may irritate the nervous system and contribute to symptoms like crying, gas, and sleep disturbances.
Immature Nervous System
In the early weeks of life, a baby’s nervous system is still developing. Sensory overload or poor regulation of digestion can make some infants more reactive than others—leading to long periods of fussiness that are hard to soothe.
Digestive Discomfort
Gas, constipation, or infrequent bowel movements may all trigger crying spells in infants. While these symptoms aren’t always easy to detect, they’re often tied to immature digestion or food sensitivities.
Cow’s Milk Protein Intolerance
Some babies react poorly to cow’s milk proteins—whether directly from formula or indirectly through breast milk. This intolerance can irritate the digestive system and increase crying, especially after feeding.
Maternal Diet During Breastfeeding
What a mother eats while breastfeeding can impact the baby’s comfort. Spicy foods, alcohol, and excess dairy are common culprits. Even eating too much of one food group may contribute to colic-like symptoms.
What Symptoms Does Colic Cause?
Colic can be distressing not just because of the crying itself, but because of how sudden and intense the episodes can be. At Crossroads Chiropractic & Health Center, we help parents recognize the signs of colic and understand how it may be affecting their baby’s comfort, development, and sleep.
Some of the most common symptoms in colicky babies include:
Intense, high-pitched crying that lasts several hours a day.
Crying that typically occurs in the late afternoon or evening.
Drawing legs toward the chest or arching the back during episodes.
Facial flushing or turning bright red while crying.
Clenched fists or stiffened arms and legs.
Difficulty sleeping or frequent night waking.
Gassiness, bloating, or straining with bowel movements.
Fussiness that doesn’t improve with feeding, changing, or holding.
What Are the Treatment Options for Colic?
At Crossroads Chiropractic & Health Center, our approach to colic is gentle, natural, and focused on your baby’s nervous system. We believe in supporting healthy development from the very beginning—without relying on medication or invasive methods.
Here’s how we help soothe colicky babies and bring peace of mind to families:
Gentle chiropractic adjustments can help reduce spinal tension and improve nervous system function in newborns. By addressing subluxations caused during birth, we promote better comfort, digestion, and sleep—helping colicky babies settle more easily.
Nutrition and Feeding Guidance
We educate parents on helpful tips around feeding routines and maternal diet, especially during breastfeeding. Avoiding cow’s milk protein, minimizing spicy foods, and offering smaller, more frequent feedings can make a noticeable difference in your baby’s symptoms.
At‒Home Comfort Techniques
Our team offers safe, practical suggestions you can use in your own home to support your baby’s well-being. Techniques may include warm baths, tummy massages, gentle rocking, or adjusting sleep positions to ease discomfort and encourage relaxation.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the 3 3 3 rule for colic?
It’s a guideline that describes colic as crying for over 3 hours a day, at least 3 days a week, for 3 weeks. If your baby fits this pattern, a physical exam and a gentle approach like pediatric chiropractic care can be helpful in easing symptoms.
How to know if a baby is colic?
Signs include intense crying, clenched fists, curled-up legs, and difficulty sleeping. If these symptoms are ongoing, it’s important to seek comprehensive care that addresses your baby’s individual needs and rules out other concerns.
Why does colic happen?
Colic may be caused by a mix of factors—like an underdeveloped nervous system, digestive sensitivities, or tension from birth. A thorough evaluation can help identify the root issue and guide natural, supportive care.
How to fix a colicky baby?
There’s no universal cure, but many families see improvement with chiropractic care, feeding adjustments, and home tips that soothe discomfort. What matters most is addressing the cause with a personalized, noninvasive plan.
