Colic and reflux

Reviewed by Dr. Matthew Roller, D.C., CACCP — Updated August 2026

Signs your baby might need a pediatric chiropractor

  • Inconsolable crying
  • Frequent spit up
  • Arching back
  • Feeding difficulties
  • Pulling their legs up to the belly
  • Disrupted sleep

How colic is usually defined: crying for more than three hours a day, more than three days a week, for more than three weeks — in an otherwise healthy baby. Reflux more often shows up with frequent spitting up, arching away during or after feeds, and discomfort lying flat.

Colic and reflux are often dismissed as something babies simply have to grow out of but there is frequently an underlying physical cause that can be addressed. The birth process places real stress on a newborn’s spine and neck, and even minor misalignment in the upper cervical spine can interfere with the nerves that regulate digestion, feeding, and overall comfort.

Gentle chiropractic adjustments help restore normal alignment and remove that interference, allowing your baby’s digestive system to function the way it was designed to. Many parents report a noticeable reduction in crying, spitting up, and fussiness within just a few visits and some see improvement after the very first appointment.

This isn’t a miracle cure it’s simply removing a physical obstacle so your baby’s body can do what it naturally knows how to do.

Check out this video of one of our babies we've helped

If your baby is experiencing reflux or colic, we’d love to help. Schedule online or call us to check availability today!

What to expect:

  • Brief health history with our doc
  • Head to toe musculoskeletal exam
  • After care expectations

Your baby is adjusted on the first visit. There is no second appointment booked just to come back and be given a plan and a price.

Some things parents notice after their first adjustment: 

  • They might have a blowout
  • They might go to sleep for a long period of time
  • They feel more relaxed in your arms
  • Sleep improvement
  • Feeding improvement
  • Overall more happy baby

What the research shows

Feeding difficulty showed up in nearly 8 out of 10 babies

A 2026 retrospective analysis of 145 infants under chiropractic care found feeding difficulty was the most common reason for a visit — about 1 in 4 came in for colic and more than a third for gassiness. These issues often followed a harder birth: long labour, extended pushing, or an epidural. They were linked to tight neck muscles and limited head movement — exactly what Dr. Roller checks at a first visit.

View source

Dorough A, Alcantara J. Birth Trauma, Vertebral Subluxation, Feeding Dysfunction & Early Infant Health Challenges: A Retrospective Analysis of 145 Infants Under Chiropractic Care. Journal of Pediatric, Maternal & Family Health Chiropractic, 2026.

A 16-day-old fed better, slept better, and had easier bowel movements

A case report followed a baby with neck restriction and feeding trouble from birth. After a course of chiropractic care, feeding, sleep and bowel movements all improved.

View source

Dorough A, Alcantara J. Positive Health Outcomes Following Chiropractic Care in an Infant with Birth Trauma, Clavicular Fracture, Subluxation, and Breastfeeding Dysfunction: A Case Report & Review of the Literature. Journal of Pediatric, Maternal & Family Health Chiropractic, 2025.

A retrospective analysis and a case report describe what happened for these babies. They do not predict what will happen for every baby.

Commonly asked questions

How do I know if my baby has colic or reflux or is just a fussy baby?
A: It can be hard to tell at first — all babies cry, and some are simply more sensitive than others. A few things to watch for: colic is generally defined as crying for more than three hours a day, more than three days a week, for more than three weeks in an otherwise healthy baby. Reflux tends to show up alongside frequent spitting up, arching away during or after feedings, and discomfort when lying flat. If your baby’s crying has a pattern, is difficult to soothe, and is accompanied by any of those physical signs, it’s worth getting them evaluated. You know your baby — if something feels off, trust that instinct and come in for an assessment.

How does a spinal adjustment help with digestion?
A: The digestive system is controlled by the nervous system and the nervous system runs through the spine. Subluxations can interfere with the nerve signals that regulate how the stomach, esophagus, and intestines, organs, function. A gentle chiropractic adjustment removes that interference, allowing the nervous system to communicate clearly with the digestive organs and function the way it was designed to. 

How early can I bring my baby in?
A: As early as you’d like — we see newborns regularly, including babies just days old. In fact the earlier we can assess and address any tension or restriction from the birth process, the better the outcome tends to be. There is no minimum age for a gentle chiropractic evaluation. If you had a difficult delivery or noticed symptoms right away, don’t wait — early care makes a real difference.
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