Can Chiropractic Care Help Babies with Colic and Reflux? A Gentle, Natural Option for Growing Families
At Dr. Noah Banks’ chiropractic office in Bentonville, Arkansas, we care for families every week—many of whom are seeking natural ways to support their baby’s comfort, digestion, and healthy development. Pediatric chiropractic is a specialized form of care that uses safe, extremely gentle adjustments to support the nervous system and musculoskeletal function in infants. When performed by a trained chiropractor, this approach can help relieve the underlying tension that may contribute to colic, reflux, and other developmental discomforts.
What Causes Colic and Reflux in Babies?
Colic affects about 20–25% of babies, usually starting around 2–3 weeks of age and peaking around 6 weeks. While the exact cause remains unclear, colic is often linked to digestive immaturity, gas buildup, nervous system overstimulation, and even subtle birth trauma affecting the baby’s spine or nervous system.
Reflux, or gastroesophageal reflux (GER), happens when stomach contents flow back into the esophagus. In infants, this may appear as frequent spitting up, arching the back during feeding, fussiness, or poor sleep. While some reflux is normal, chronic or severe cases may indicate that the baby’s digestive or nervous system isn’t functioning optimally.
In both cases, the common theme is irritation—whether in the digestive system or the nervous system.
The Role of the Nervous System in Infant Health
Your baby’s nervous system controls every function in their tiny body, including digestion, sleep, and immune response. Even before birth, the nervous system plays a critical role in how the body grows and adapts. During birth—especially if the delivery was prolonged, assisted (via forceps or vacuum), or involved a C-section—delicate areas of the spine and neck can be subjected to tension or misalignment. This can lead to increased stress on the nervous system and contribute to colic-like symptoms.
Gentle pediatric chiropractic care focuses on restoring optimal alignment and function in the spine, allowing the nervous system to regulate digestion, sleep, and mood more effectively.
What the Research Says
Though more large-scale research is needed, existing studies and clinical observations support the effectiveness of chiropractic care for colic and reflux:
A 2012 study published in the journal Manual Therapy found that infants who received manual therapy showed significant improvement in crying time compared to those who didn’t.
A 2011 randomized controlled trial published in Chiropractic & Osteopathy reported a decrease in daily crying time in colicky infants treated with gentle spinal manipulative therapy.
A 2008 survey conducted by the International Chiropractic Pediatric Association (ICPA) found that parents reported significant improvement in colic symptoms after chiropractic adjustments—with over 90% of parents noting positive changes in their baby’s behavior.
While chiropractic care doesn't "cure" colic or reflux, it may help reduce the frequency and severity of symptoms by addressing physical stress in the body.
Chiropractic for Babies: Is It Safe?
Yes, when performed by a chiropractor trained in pediatric care, adjustments for infants are extremely safe. At Dr. Noah Banks’ office in Bentonville, our approach to treating babies is gentle, precise, and non-invasive.
Adjustments for infants don’t involve the force used with adult chiropractic care. Instead, we use light fingertip pressure—about the same amount you'd use to test the ripeness of a peach. Most babies are so relaxed during treatment that they may even sleep through the session.
Parents often report that after a few visits, their baby seems calmer, sleeps more soundly, and shows less digestive discomfort. Every child is different, but the goal remains the same: to support natural growth and comfort through proper nervous system function.
Supporting Growth and Development, Naturally
Chiropractic care isn’t just about treating colic or reflux—it’s about supporting your baby’s development from the inside out. As your baby grows, so does their need for optimal movement, posture, and sensory integration. Ensuring their spine and nervous system are functioning well gives them the best foundation for learning, crawling, walking, and thriving.
At our Bentonville office, we provide care for the whole family, including moms recovering from childbirth and newborns adapting to life outside the womb.
When to Consider Chiropractic for Your Baby
You might consider bringing your baby to a chiropractor if you notice:
Excessive or inconsolable crying
Spitting up frequently or signs of reflux
Trouble sleeping or staying asleep
Fussiness during or after feedings
Favoring one side when turning the head
Tension or arching of the back
If you're unsure, we're happy to offer a gentle assessment to determine whether chiropractic care could benefit your little one.
A Gentle Start for a Healthy Life
At Dr. Noah Banks’s chiropractic office in Bentonville, Arkansas, we believe every baby deserves a calm, comfortable start to life. Chiropractic care is one of the safest, most natural ways to support that goal. Whether your baby is struggling with colic, reflux, or simply adjusting to the world, we’re here to help your family feel more at ease—one gentle adjustment at a time.
Contact us today to schedule a consultation and learn how pediatric chiropractic care can support your baby’s comfort, growth, and development—right here in Bentonville.
Disclaimer: Chiropractic care for infants is not a replacement for pediatric medical care. Always consult your child’s primary care provider for a full diagnosis and treatment plan.
