If you’ve ever been told, “They’ll grow out of it,” you’re not alone. Many parents of colicky newborns are reassured that the crying, reflux, vomiting, constipation, back arching, and stiffness are “just a phase.” But here’s what we’ve seen time and time again—many babies don’t grow out of colic. Instead, they grow into new challenges, like sensory issues, anxiety, or emotional dysregulation, leaving parents still searching for answers.
You’re in the right place. Let’s explore the real cause of colic, what’s happening neurologically, and most importantly, how you can help your little one heal.
What’s Really Behind Colic?
Colic is often dismissed as a tummy issue—gas, indigestion, or food sensitivities. While these may play a role, they’re not the full story. The root cause of colic lies in a stressed and imbalanced nervous system.
Your baby’s digestive system is regulated by their autonomic nervous system. When a baby is colicky, their nervous system is stuck in a stressed state, known as dysautonomia. This prevents their digestive system from functioning properly, leading to tension, discomfort, and distress.
While remedies like prune juice, probiotics, or dietary changes may offer temporary relief, they rarely resolve the issue because they don’t address the underlying nervous system imbalance.
Where Does the Stress Begin?
Nervous system stress often starts before birth. Pregnancy, while beautiful, can be physically and emotionally demanding for moms. Since your baby’s nervous system develops directly from yours, stress during pregnancy can affect them in utero.
Then comes birth.
Difficult labors, inductions, vacuum or forceps deliveries, and C-sections can place significant physical stress on a baby’s nervous system, particularly around the neck, upper spine, and brainstem. This tension, called subluxation, can interfere with the vagus nerve, which is essential for digestion, calming, and regulation.
We’ve seen this pattern in countless babies with colic. Their nervous system gets stuck in a stressed state, and their crying, arching, and stiffness are their way of communicating discomfort and overwhelm.
Colic Is a Signal, Not Just Fussiness
When babies cry uncontrollably, arch their backs, or stiffen their necks, they’re not just “fussy.” They’re signaling that something deeper is going on. What often appears to be a digestive issue is rooted in a stressed, tense spine and nervous system.
This is where pediatric chiropractic care can make a life-changing difference.
With gentle, specific adjustments designed for infants, a trained chiropractor can release the stress in your baby’s nervous system, restoring balance and calm. These adjustments are incredibly gentle, and the transformations we see when a baby’s nervous system begins to function properly are nothing short of amazing.
Do Babies Really “Grow Out of It”?
We often hear, “Don’t worry, they’ll grow out of it.” But what we’ve observed is different.
The nervous system stress that shows up as colic in infancy often evolves into chronic ear infections, immune challenges, allergies, or sensory and behavioral struggles as children grow. Without early support, these issues can ripple into toddlerhood and beyond.
There’s Hope and a Path to Healing
Whether you’re navigating colic right now or looking back on a fussy infant who’s now facing new challenges, there’s so much that can be done to support your child’s health and development.
Pediatric chiropractic care offers a gentle, neurologically focused approach to help your child’s body release tension, restore balance, and find relief. The earlier we begin, the faster and easier these changes occur, thanks to the incredible adaptability of your child’s nervous system.
If you’ve tried every remedy with little success—or know a family struggling with sensory or emotional challenges—there’s another option. One filled with hope, understanding, and true healing.
You don’t have to navigate this journey alone. We’re here to help.