CONSTANTLY CRYING BABY?

The relationship between colic, physiotherapy and your baby

Every new mom is faced with the term “colic” but often nobody knows what it

really means. Colic has become an umbrella term that is often given to healthy,

well fed babies that cry for more than 3 hours a day, for more than 3 days a

week, for 3 weeks. The crying can be accompanied by symptoms of apparent

stomach cramping, increased wind and general discomfort. Colic often starts at

around the age of 3 weeks and can last until about 3-4 months.

The cause of colic is unknown and some theories suggest that the gut is still

maturing, it is therefore sensitive and this leads to muscle spasms. Other theories

include growth spurts that can cause discomfort, hormones that cause stomach

pain or a moody baby, a developing nervous system, sensitivity to light or noise

and indigestion due to the developing gut. However, it is still unclear why some

babies have colic and others don’t.

Another believed cause of discomfort is related to the vagus nerve. The vagus

nerve originates in the brain and runs through the neck and upper back as it

travels to the various organs in the body. A branch of the vagus nerve supplies

the muscles of the gut and if the vagus nerve isn’t functioning properly then the

muscles of the gut can be affected – which can cause symptoms of colic.

Babies spend 9 months in utero in a bent forward position and they naturally

still favour this bent forward position for 2-3 months after birth while they are

developing. This bent forward position can lead to stiffness of the neck and

upper back and this stiffness can potentially cause a restriction on the vagus

nerve as the nerve travels through the neck and back.

We understand that it is distressing for parents to witness a baby constantly

crying, often parents feel helpless when they feel that there isn’t much they can

do to soothe their baby. This is where physiotherapy can be helpful for both the

parents and the uncomfortable baby. Physiotherapy works on gently releasing

the tight muscles and gently mobilizing the stiff joints of the neck and back.

Releasing these muscles and joints allows for more movement in the area, which

can relieve the pressure on the vagus nerve – allowing for optimal innervation of

the gut. The gentle technique that we use ensures that this is safe for the baby

and we have found in our practice that they often find it comforting and

soothing.

Colic is usually not harmful and often passes. We have found in practice that

about 2 – 3 physiotherapy treatments seems to provide optimal relief from the

discomfort, provided that the baby has been checked by the doctor and

confirmed that there is nothing else contributing to the symptoms. However, if

treatment doesn’t provide relief or if your baby presents with any other

symptoms, such as fever, vomiting, weight loss, diarrhoea, an abnormally highpitched

cry or anything else out of the ordinary that you are worried about - it is

suggested that you seek advice from your doctor. Sometimes the symptoms can

indicate an allergy to breast milk or formula – your doctor will be able to guide

you if this is the case.

At our practice, we also offer CranioSacral therapy, which is a gentle treatment

that, in conjunction with physiotherapy, can help to relieve symptoms of colic

and reflux. We also treat babies with torticollis, developmental delays,

breastfeeding problems and difficulties with latching.