Osteopathy and Colic in Infants

Sleepless nights, relentless bawling, and dirty diapers - all parents know the joys and tribulation new baby can bring into a family. Yet is can often come as a shock - especially to first-time parents - when the crying does not stop for hours, days, or even weeks on end. You begin to worry: does my child have colic?

What is colic?

Colic refers to the persistent and incontrollable crying that an otherwise healthy infant undergoes, starting from two weeks after birth and possibly lasting to the fourth month. Babies with colic often have crying 'sessions'(usually at the same intervals during the day, such as in the mornings and evenings) that can last up to three hours. The colic stage very rarely persists after the fifth month, and many infants are reported undergo this stage. 10-15% of all infants get severe colic, whereas mild colic is more common at 40%. But do not fret: all colic cases, both mild and severe, are only temporary.

Causes

While professionals do not know exactly what causes colic, many have linked the disorder to problems within the digestive system. Common theories include that the infant's intestines are working too hard, resulting in cramps, whereas other doctors suggest it is because of slow bowel movement, resulting in painful gas being trapped in the intestines. This can lead to the inflammation of the gut. There has been much debate on this topic among osteopaths and medical professionals, but there is no definitive cause as far as research has shown.

General Symptoms

You might ask, 'how do I know whether my child has colic?' There are various common symptoms that can help you identify the disorder:   The infant cries incessantly and very loudly for two or three hours non-stop, without being comforted, and is persistently doing so for days   Restlessness and visible discomfort   The infant pulls their thighs up to their abdomen and clenches their fists  Some babies release a lot of wind, or appear to be in pain while passing gas

Treatment and Prevention

There are several small tips that you can carry out to make your child feel better. Osteopaths recommend that you:  Strap the baby to the front of your body in a sling. Your body's movement, heartbeat, and heat should make your child feel more relaxed.   Give your baby's belly a gentle massage, using slow circular movements

If the problem persists after the fourth months, you are recommended to visit an osteopathic clinic, where medical professionals will conduct a thorough examination and look for tensions within your child's the body.

Seeing your child in pain is any parent's worst nightmare, especially when you do not know what to do about it. Now you can hopefully rest assured: with today's modern osteopathic techniques, and with the knowledge that colic is only temporary, a good night's sleep is in order for both you and your baby.

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The content of this page is informed by feedback from practices in London and also osteopathic practitioners in Birmingham. Further input was received from clinics in Chiswick and a practitioner in Glasgow. Finally a contribution was made by osteopaths in the Derby area