If you’ve ever been told “they’ll grow out of it,” you’re not alone. Many parents who brought home a colicky newborn were reassured that the crying, reflux, vomiting, constipation, back arching, and body stiffness were “just a phase.”
But here’s what we’ve seen over and over again—many babies don’t grow out of colic. They grow into new challenges. Maybe that baby is now a child dealing with sensory issues, anxiety, or emotional dysregulation… and you’re still searching for answers.
You’re in the right place. We’re going to walk you through the real cause of colic, what’s happening neurologically, and most importantly, what you can do to help your little one heal.
What’s Really Causing Colic?
We often hear that colic is just a tummy issue—gas, indigestion, food sensitivities. And while that might be part of the picture, it’s not the full story. It’s actually what we call the root, root cause that needs our attention.
Here’s what’s truly at the heart of colic: a stressed and imbalanced nervous system.
Your baby’s digestive system is fully regulated by their autonomic nervous system. And when a baby is colicky, what’s actually happening is that their nervous system is stuck in a stressed state—what we call dysautonomia. This prevents the digestive system from working the way it should, causing that buildup of tension, discomfort, and distress.
So while prune juice, probiotics, or switching up your diet might offer small relief, they rarely provide full resolution—because they’re not addressing the underlying cause.
Where Does the Stress Begin?
This nervous system stress often starts before your baby is even born. Pregnancy is a beautiful journey—but for many moms, it’s also full of pressure, worry, and physical tension. And since your baby’s nervous system develops directly from yours, that stress can start affecting them in utero.
Then comes birth.
If your child’s story includes a difficult labor, induction, vacuum or forceps delivery, or a C-section, chances are their nervous system experienced physical stress or tension—what we call subluxation—especially around the neck, upper spine, and brainstem. This can interfere with the vagus nerve, which plays a major role in digestion, calming, and regulation.
We’ve seen this pattern in countless babies with colic and other early struggles. The nervous system gets stuck—and your baby is simply trying to tell you that they’re uncomfortable and overwhelmed.
Colic Isn’t Just “Fussiness”—It’s a Signal
When babies arch their backs, stiffen their necks, and cry uncontrollably, they’re not just “fussy.” They’re communicating the only way they know how: through their bodies. What looks like a digestive issue is often rooted in a stressed, tense spine and nervous system.
That’s why pediatric chiropractic care can make such a profound difference.
With the right chiropractor—one trained to gently and specifically care for babies—we can locate and release that stress, restoring calm and balance to your child’s system. Adjustments for infants are incredibly gentle, and it’s amazing to see the transformation when their nervous system begins to function the way it was designed to.
Do They Grow Out of It?
We hear it all the time: “Don’t worry, they’ll grow out of it.” But what we’ve seen is different.
That nervous system stress that shows up as colic in infancy often grows into chronic ear infections, immune challenges, allergies, or sensory and behavioral struggles down the road. When a baby’s brain and body don’t get the support they need early on, the effects can ripple into toddlerhood and beyond.
But there’s hope. And there are answers.
There Is a Path to Healing
Whether you’re in the thick of colic right now or looking back on a fussy infant who’s now facing new challenges—there’s still so much that can be done to support your child’s health and development.
Pediatric chiropractic care offers a gentle, neurologically focused way to help your child’s body release tension, restore balance, and finally find relief. The earlier we begin, the faster and easier those changes come, thanks to the incredible adaptability (neuroplasticity) of your child’s nervous system.
So if you’re a mama who’s tried all the colic drops, dietary changes, and remedies with little success—or you know a family who’s navigating sensory struggles or emotional overwhelm—let them know there’s another option. One filled with hope, understanding, and true healing.
You don’t have to go it alone.
