Colic in babies
This is used to describe long, unexplained bouts of crying in an infant. There is no one single cause for colic but it is thought to be a mixture of gut irritability and general discomfort. As the gut is still immature excessive wind, sensitivity to diet, and constipation can all produce abdominal discomfort.
As the nervous system is also immature it is unable to screen out background 'noise'. This means that any pain or discomfort elsewhere in the body, such as the head or the pelvis, has the potential to cause distress. Osteopaths believe that strains at the base of the skull have the potential to cause head and neck pain as well as irritating the nerves that pass from here to the gut.
Colic usually begins between the 2nd and 3rd weeks of life and disappears by about the 12th. However, it can arise from birth which might suggest your baby is uncomfortable from the stress of delivery.
By assessing and treating any retained compression from the birth and any tension in the soft tissues that surround the bowel and abdomen, we can often help relieve this distressing symptom complex, allowing both the baby and parents to sleep better.
