Supporting Your Baby Through Colic & Reflux
Welcoming a new baby is full of joy, wonder, and plenty of learning — but it can also bring unexpected challenges. Many parents notice their infants struggling with prolonged crying, reflux, or feeding difficulties and wonder if it’s “just a phase.” While it’s true that most babies eventually grow out of colic and reflux, it doesn’t mean they have to struggle in the meantime. At Ascend Chiropractic, we believe in finding the root cause of discomfort — even for our tiniest patients — so babies and families can experience more comfort, calm, and connection.
Colic and reflux are incredibly common during infancy, yet that doesn’t make them any less overwhelming for parents. Colic can look like hours of intense crying, back-arching, difficulty settling, and a baby who seems uncomfortable no matter what you try. Reflux brings its own challenges — frequent spit-up, gas, irritability during or after feeding, and disrupted sleep for the whole household. Many parents are told, “They’ll grow out of it,” and while that may eventually be true, it doesn’t change the fact that these symptoms are stressful, exhausting, and heartbreaking to watch. More importantly, being labeled “colicky” doesn’t explain why a baby is uncomfortable in the first place.
At Ascend Chiropractic, we believe that even tiny bodies can give us big clues about what’s going on. Our approach is to look for the root cause rather than apply a temporary bandage or simply wait for time to pass. Birth — whether vaginal or C-section, fast or prolonged — is physically demanding on an infant’s body. During delivery, a baby’s spine, neck, shoulders, and cranial bones undergo enormous pressure. Even minor tension patterns or subtle misalignments can influence how a newborn eats, digests, sleeps, and self-soothes. When these areas aren’t functioning optimally, symptoms like colic and reflux often follow.
This is where chiropractic care can offer gentle, meaningful support. Infant adjustments are nothing like adult adjustments — there is no twisting, cracking, or force. Instead, we use very light, precise fingertip pressure, comparable to checking the firmness of a ripe tomato. These gentle techniques allow us to assess and correct joint restrictions, muscle tension, and spinal subluxations in a way that feels calming and safe for your baby. Parents are often amazed at how relaxed their little ones become during the process.
Supporting the nervous system is a key part of this. The digestive system, in particular, is closely linked with the vagus nerve — a major nerve that helps regulate swallowing, digestion, and overall gut function. If there is tension in the upper neck or misalignment in the cervical spine, it can irritate the vagus nerve and contribute to reflux, excessive spit-up, gas, or discomfort during feeds. By gently restoring proper alignment and mobility, chiropractic care may help improve digestion, reduce irritability, promote smoother feeding, and support more restful sleep. Many families notice positive changes such as a calmer demeanor, less fussiness, and more comfortable tummy time after just a few visits.
Our mission is to help your baby feel their best by supporting their body’s natural ability to heal and function well. We take great care to create a soothing, nurturing environment for infants and parents alike — one where you feel heard, supported, and confident in the care your child receives. If your little one is struggling with colic, reflux, feeding challenges, or general fussiness, we would be honored to help you explore how chiropractic care may make a difference.