Loading...
Loading...
Safe, gentle chiropractic care to soothe colic and help your baby feel comfortable and content.
Colic affects approximately 25 percent of newborns and is typically defined as excessive, inconsolable crying that lasts more than three hours a day, occurs more than three days a week, and persists for at least three weeks. For exhausted parents, the experience can feel overwhelming and isolating. While colic is not considered dangerous, it places significant stress on the entire family and can interfere with feeding, sleeping, and bonding during a critical stage of development. The good news is that gentle, drug-free chiropractic care has helped thousands of families find relief when traditional approaches fall short.
The birth process, even under the best circumstances, places considerable physical stress on an infant's spine and nervous system. Prolonged labor, vacuum-assisted delivery, forceps use, or cesarean birth can all contribute to subtle misalignments in the upper cervical and thoracic regions of the spine. These misalignments may irritate delicate nerves that regulate digestion, breathing, and overall comfort, potentially contributing to the symptoms we recognize as colic. At Advanced Wellness Chiropractic in Bridgeton, MO, our pediatric chiropractic approach focuses on identifying and gently correcting these issues so your baby's nervous system can function at its best.
Dr. JC has extensive experience working with newborns and infants, using only the lightest fingertip-pressure techniques specifically designed for tiny, developing bodies. Our approach is rooted in the understanding that a properly aligned spine supports healthy nervous system communication, which in turn supports better digestion, more restful sleep, and a calmer, happier baby. Every treatment is tailored to your child's unique needs, and parents are welcomed and encouraged to be part of every step of the process.
Colic can look different from one baby to the next, but there are several hallmark signs that parents and pediatricians commonly observe. If your baby is experiencing any combination of the following symptoms, gentle chiropractic evaluation may help identify an underlying cause.
Pediatric chiropractic care for colic is nothing like the adjustments adults receive. There is no twisting, popping, or forceful manipulation. Instead, Dr. JC uses gentle fingertip pressure, sometimes no more than the weight of a nickel, to encourage proper alignment in the delicate joints of your baby's spine. These precise, gentle adjustments help remove interference in the nervous system, allowing your baby's body to regulate digestion, muscle tension, and overall comfort more effectively.
Published research supports the use of chiropractic care for infantile colic. A systematic review in the Journal of Manipulative and Physiological Therapeutics found that infants receiving chiropractic care showed significant reductions in daily crying time compared to those who did not receive treatment. Studies have also shown improvements in sleep duration, feeding behavior, and overall infant temperament following a course of gentle spinal adjustments. While every baby responds individually, many families notice meaningful improvement within the first few visits.
Misalignment in the upper cervical spine can affect the vagus nerve, which plays a central role in regulating digestive function. When the vagus nerve is irritated or compressed due to spinal misalignment from the birth process, it can contribute to poor gut motility, excessive gas production, and the cramping discomfort associated with colic. By gently restoring proper alignment, chiropractic care helps ensure that the nervous system can communicate clearly with the digestive tract, supporting healthier digestion and reducing the frequency and intensity of colic episodes. Our pediatric chiropractic services are designed with your baby's safety and comfort as the top priority at every visit.
Every baby who visits Advanced Wellness Chiropractic receives individualized care built around their specific needs and developmental stage. Our approach to treating colic and infant discomfort includes:
A thorough yet non-invasive evaluation of your baby's spine, posture, and movement patterns to identify areas of tension or misalignment that may be contributing to discomfort.
Extremely light, precise adjustments using only fingertip pressure to gently guide the spine into proper alignment without any forceful manipulation or discomfort to your baby.
Practical advice on holding positions, tummy time techniques, feeding strategies, and gentle stretches you can do at home to support your baby's comfort between visits.
Regular reassessment of your baby's symptoms, milestones, and response to care so we can adjust the treatment plan and ensure your child continues to improve.
Yes, chiropractic care for newborns is extremely gentle and safe. Pediatric adjustments use only fingertip pressure, roughly the same amount of force you would use to test the ripeness of a tomato. Dr. JC has extensive training in pediatric techniques and adapts every treatment to the size and developmental stage of your baby. There is no twisting, cracking, or forceful manipulation involved in infant chiropractic care.
Babies can be evaluated and treated from the very first days of life. Many parents bring their newborns in within the first few weeks, especially after a difficult delivery involving vacuum extraction, forceps, or prolonged labor. Early evaluation allows us to identify and address subtle misalignments before they lead to persistent fussiness, feeding difficulties, or colic symptoms.
An infant adjustment involves very light fingertip pressure applied to specific areas along the spine and skull. Most babies remain calm or even fall asleep during treatment. The pressure used is no more than what you would comfortably apply to your own eyelid. Parents are often surprised at how gentle the process is, and many notice their baby appears more relaxed immediately following the visit.
Many parents report noticeable improvement within two to four visits, though every baby responds differently. Some infants show a reduction in crying and fussiness after the very first session. A typical initial care plan involves two to three visits per week for the first two weeks, then gradually spacing visits as symptoms improve. Dr. JC will monitor your baby closely and adjust the plan based on their response.
Yes, chiropractic care can be very helpful for breastfeeding challenges. Tension or misalignment in the upper cervical spine and jaw can make it difficult for a baby to latch properly, turn their head to one side, or maintain a comfortable nursing position. Gentle adjustments to these areas often improve latch quality, reduce feeding-related fussiness, and make breastfeeding a more comfortable experience for both mother and baby.
“Best chiropractor in the greater St. Louis area”
Dr. Bordeaux is hands down the best chiropractor in the greater St. Louis area. He takes the time to understand and treat your specific issue. You'll leave feeling like a million bucks.
“A million times better after one visit”
JC is totally amazing and will make you feel so comfortable and relaxed. I left feeling a million times better after one visit!
Specialized gentle chiropractic care designed for infants, children, and teens at every stage of development.
Learn MorePrenatal chiropractic care to support a healthy pregnancy and prepare your body for a smoother delivery.
Learn MoreLearn more about the chiropractic adjustment techniques we use for patients of all ages.
Learn MoreDon't wait to start feeling better. Schedule your appointment today or give us a call.
New patients seen within 24 hours