Colic and the Crying Baby: A Neurological Perspective

Few things are as distressing for parents as a baby who won’t stop crying. If your baby seems inconsolable, cries for hours at a time, and nothing you do seems to help, you’re not alone. This condition is often labeled as colic, but the term itself is more of a description than a diagnosis. The real question is: Why is your baby crying so much, and what can you do about it?

The only way a baby can tell us something is wrong is through crying. This natural response is their way of communicating discomfort, stress, or a need for support.

In this blog, we'll explore colic through the lens of the nervous system, helping you understand what might be causing your baby's discomfort and how to support their health naturally.

What Is Colic?

Colic is defined as excessive, frequent crying in an otherwise healthy baby. The classic definition is crying for:

• More than 3 hours a day

• More than 3 days a week

• For more than 3 weeks

Symptoms often include:

• Intense, high-pitched crying

• Clenching of fists, stiffening of the body, arching of the back

• Red face and signs of distress

• Gas, bloating, or digestive discomfort

But labeling it as "colic" doesn't explain why it's happening. To find answers, we need to look deeper—at the nervous system.

The Nervous System's Role in Colic

Your baby’s ability to stay calm, sleep well, and process new experiences depends on the balance within their autonomic nervous system (ANS). The ANS has two key branches:

1. Sympathetic Nervous System (Fight-or-Flight): Activated during stress, leading to increased heart rate, tension, and alertness.

2. Parasympathetic Nervous System (Rest-and-Digest): Promotes relaxation, digestion, and recovery, primarily controlled by the vagus nerve.

When a baby experiences colic, it often indicates an imbalance in these systems:

• Overactive sympathetic response (stuck in "fight-or-flight")

• Underactive parasympathetic response (poor regulation and digestion)

This imbalance can be caused by stressors that occurred before, during, or after birth.

The Perfect Storm: What Causes Nervous System Stress in Babies?

Many babies with colic have experienced a combination of stressors known as the Perfect Storm:

1. Prenatal Stress: Maternal stress, anxiety, or poor health during pregnancy can influence fetal nervous system development.

2. Birth Trauma: Even "normal" births can place significant stress on a baby’s delicate nervous system, especially if there were:

   • C-section deliveries

   • Use of forceps or vacuum extraction

   • Prolonged or rapid labor

   • Inductions with Pitocin

3. Subluxations (Neurological Interference): Tension in the upper neck and brainstem area can affect the vagus nerve, disrupting digestion, sleep, and emotional regulation.

4. Digestive Immaturity: A stressed nervous system can impact gut motility and the balance of gut bacteria, leading to gas, reflux, and discomfort.

These stressors can leave a baby’s nervous system in a constant state of dysregulation, making it hard for them to settle, sleep, or process new stimuli without becoming overwhelmed.

The Vagus Nerve: The Missing Link in Colic?

The vagus nerve is the body's main parasympathetic nerve, controlling functions like:

• Digestion and gut motility

• Heart rate and breathing

• Calming and self-soothing responses

When the vagus nerve isn’t functioning optimally due to nervous system stress, babies can experience:

• Digestive issues (reflux, gas, constipation)

• Difficulty calming down

• Poor sleep patterns

Supporting vagus nerve function is a key part of addressing colic from a neurological standpoint.

Why Traditional Solutions Often Fall Short

Many traditional approaches to colic focus on treating symptoms:

• Gas drops or gripe water

• Switching formulas

• Feeding adjustments

• Reflux medications

While these may offer temporary relief, they often don’t address the root cause: an overstressed, dysregulated nervous system.

The Neurological Approach to Colic

At Purpose Driven Chiropractic, we take a nervous system-focused approach to colic. Our goal isn’t just to soothe the symptoms but to help your baby’s body function as it was designed to.

Our Process:

1. Neurological Evaluation: Using gentle, non-invasive scans, we assess your baby's nervous system to identify areas of stress and imbalance.

2. Specific Chiropractic Adjustments: Gentle, precise adjustments help reduce subluxations, improving vagus nerve function and promoting nervous system balance.

3. Parental Support: We guide you through strategies to support your baby’s nervous system at home, including feeding positions, calming techniques, and sleep support.

What Parents Notice After Care

Parents often report:

• Less frequent and intense crying

• Improved digestion (less gas, reflux, constipation)

• Better sleep patterns

• Easier transitions and self-soothing

These changes happen because we’re not just "treating colic" — we’re supporting your baby’s nervous system development and resilience.

When to Seek Medical Attention

While colic is usually not dangerous, seek immediate medical attention if your baby has:

• High fever (over 100.4°F for infants under 3 months)

• Lethargy or unresponsiveness

• Persistent vomiting or signs of dehydration

• Bloody stools or severe abdominal distension

Always trust your instincts. If something feels wrong, consult your healthcare provider.

Final Thoughts: Hope for Parents of Colicky Babies

If your baby won’t stop crying, you’re not alone. Colic isn’t just "something to outgrow" — it’s a sign that your baby’s nervous system needs support. The good news? There is hope.

By addressing the underlying neurological stress, we can help your baby feel more comfortable, calm, and connected.

📅 Schedule a consultation today to see how we can support your family through this challenging time.

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