Connection Between Reflux, Colic, and Constipation
The journey of parenting comes with its joys and challenges, and for many, the struggles of dealing with reflux, colic, and constipation in infants can be overwhelming. In this blog, we aim to shed light on the interconnectedness of these seemingly disparate issues, all rooted in the nervous system. At Golden Family Chiropractic, we believe that understanding this connection is crucial for providing comfort and well-being to both infants and their families.
The Nervous System Link: Reflux, colic, and constipation may manifest differently, but they share a common thread—the nervous system. Uncomfortable and stressed babies are not the norm, and dismissing their distress as "just colic" can take a toll on families. Traditional approaches often involve medications and dietary changes, but we're here to encourage parents to trust their instincts and consider an alternative perspective.
The Evolution of Discomfort: As infants grow, so does their stress and discomfort. What may start as colic in a two-week-old can evolve into stress and symptoms in a three-month-old, creating a ripple effect that impacts their development over time. Addressing these challenges early is essential to preventing amplified or new symptoms in older children.
Identifying Reflux, Colic, and Constipation Signs: To recognize these issues in your little one, keep an eye out for the following signs at various stages of infancy:
Infant stage: latch issues, slow weight gain, failure to thrive, and disrupted sleep
Up to Two Weeks: stiffness and lifting the head, indicating discomfort and locked muscles
4 Weeks: straining and nursing difficulties
6-8 Weeks: spitting up, discomfort, and arching the back
3-4 Months: onset of colic and sleep regression
4+ Months: fussiness, constipation, tension, cranial flattening, and torticollis
Understanding the Progression: Reflux is often the initial stage, followed by colic, defined as prolonged crying and discomfort. Without addressing the underlying nervous system issues, colic becomes a gateway to constipation and gas pain.
The Role of the Vagus Nerve: To tackle these challenges holistically, we focus on the Vagus nerve—the calming nerve. This crucial nerve, emerging from the first vertebra, is commonly misaligned in infants due to the birthing process. Our goal is to restore balance to the central nervous system by addressing the underlying cause of reflux, colic, and constipation.
Three Types of Stressors:
Physical Stress: Birth traumas, interventions, in utero constraints, and dural tension.
Chemical Stress: Maternal diet during pregnancy and nursing, formula sensitivities, and exposure to toxins.
Emotional Stress: Maternal stress during pregnancy or a stressful birth process.
Our Approach: At Golden Family Chiropractic, we specialize in adjusting infants to help them shift from the sympathetic (fight or flight) side of the nervous system to the parasympathetic (rest and digest) side. Adjusting a baby is gentle and stress-relieving, aiming to ease tension and allow the nervous system to function optimally.
The Transformation: Post-adjustment, babies often experience improved sleep, better feeding and latching, easier bowel movements, and reduced gassiness. Adjustments calm the nervous system, allowing it to fully engage in healing.
What's Next? If you're ready to address the root of your baby's discomfort, contact Golden Family Chiropractic to schedule an insight scan. This safe, non-invasive scan detects any stress on the baby's nervous system, guiding us in providing the best care possible.
At Golden Family Chiropractic, our mission is to change the trajectory of infants' lives, steering away from symptom stacking and offering a path to calm and adjusted nervous systems. "Growing out of it" is not the only answer—let's work together to set the stage for lifelong well-being.
