Baby colic: Symptoms and Osteopathy in Lisbon

You are here: / Baby colic: Symptoms and Osteopathy in Lisbon
Visualizzazioni 494

Baby colic

Baby colic: Symptoms and Osteopathy in Lisbon

Baby colic causes pain, inconsolable crying—often involving screaming—stretching or pulling the legs up, and passing gas.

In this article, we will look at what baby colic is and how Pediatric Osteopathy can be a great help in relieving a newborn’s pain.

Article written by Sebastian Guzzetti – Osteopath in Lisbon

Baby colic

What is baby colic?

The reality is that all babies cry: it is the best (and only) way to communicate their needs at this tender age. And, as parents, we are biologically programmed to respond so that those needs are met.

There are no miracle cures for baby colic… the crying starts suddenly and for no apparent reason!

The term “colic” comes from “kolikos,” which in Greek means colon—the final part of the intestine.

Colic is not a disease; this term is used to identify excessive and inconsolable crying, likely caused by intestinal dysfunction.

It generally occurs in 1 out of every 5 babies.

Crying caused by colic can last for hours, usually from late afternoon until late at night.

There is no specific method, but below we will see some tips on how to relieve baby colic.

Pediatricians use the “RULE OF 3” as a diagnostic method.

The newborn cries:

  • For a total of 3 hours per day
  • At least 3 days per week
  • Persisting for 3 consecutive weeks

When does baby colic start and stop?

The good news is that baby colic does not last forever. In most cases, colic begins when the baby is 2 or 3 weeks old (later in premature babies), peaks at around 6 weeks, and begins to subside by 10 or 12 weeks.

By the time they reach 3 months, most babies seem miraculously cured.
Colic can end suddenly—or gradually, alternating between calm and fussy days until it disappears completely.

There are remedies and tips to help resolve or reduce the crying fits caused by colic.

Causes of baby colic

The exact cause of colic cannot be identified; there are many possible causes, such as gastrointestinal problems, neurological development, psychological factors, and inflammation or dysbiosis.

Possible causes and remedies for baby colic:

  1. Gastrointestinal
  2. Plagiocephaly or “flat head”
  3. Hormonal
  4. Neurodevelopmental
  5. Psychosocial

1. Gastrointestinal

Many gastrointestinal disorders are identified as a possible cause of colic.

When experiencing colic, the newborn tends to pull up their legs and exhibit significant flatulence (intestinal gas).

An allergy to cow’s milk proteins or to other substances introduced by the mother through her diet, the production of intestinal gas, lactose intolerance, a poor latch during breastfeeding, or dysbiosis are all factors that can lead to gastrointestinal issues and cause colic.

  • Cow’s milk protein allergy

Some specialists consider colic to be the result of an allergy to cow’s milk proteins in formula-fed babies.

More rarely, colic can be a reaction to specific foods in the mother’s diet in breastfed babies. In either case, these allergies or sensitivities can cause abdominal pain that can trigger colicky behavior.

The newborn has an immature gastrointestinal system, which can lead to difficulty breaking down and digesting proteins, causing intestinal inflammation and altering their flora.

  • Intolerance to foods introduced into the mother’s diet (in case of breastfeeding)

Everything the mother ingests through her diet is also transmitted to the newborn.

A maternal diet high in cruciferous vegetables (such as cauliflower, broccoli, cabbage, etc.) or with onions, beans, and eggs, can cause increased gas production in the baby.

It is also recommended to eliminate any product containing milk, due to the relationship explained earlier between the digestion of milk proteins and the baby’s intestine.

  • Intestinal gas production

Scientific studies indicate that the main cause of colic is intestinal gas, resulting from bacterial fermentation, voracious feeding involving the ingestion of air during suction, or breastfeeding difficulties.

  • Infant Acid Reflux

Research has found that infant GERD (gastroesophageal reflux disease) can trigger episodes of colic.

Reflux is often the result of an underdeveloped lower esophageal sphincter—the muscle that prevents stomach acid from flowing back up into the throat and mouth—which can irritate the esophagus.

Symptoms include frequent spitting up, feeding difficulties, and irritability during and after feedings.

The good news is that most babies outgrow GERD by around 1 year of age (and colic usually disappears much sooner than that).

  • Inflammation / Dysbiosis
In a recent study, it was discovered that the stools of babies with colic showed a high level of fecal calprotectin, a marker of intestinal inflammation.
It is known that levels are higher in breastfed babies, but when these were analyzed separately from formula-fed babies, fecal calprotectin was consistently higher in babies with colic than in those without symptoms.
It was evidenced that the fecal microbiota was different in babies with colic, showing a lower number of Actinobacteria (of which 95% are Bifidobacteria).
Principal component analysis revealed that microbial \beta-diversity differed significantly.
Colon inflammation creates an intestinal environment that influences the newborn’s brain function and behavior.

2. Plagiocephaly or “flat head”

Plagiocephaly, or “flat head” in newborns, creates a positional alteration of the head, compressing the jugular foramen (a cranial opening) through which the vagus nerve passes.

This generates an alteration in the nerve signaling between the visceral system and the brain.

Plagiocephaly can lead to problems with breastfeeding and head mobility.

Consequently, digestive difficulties may arise, causing colic.

In these cases, Pediatric Osteopathy is an effective remedy for newborn colic, as it helps resolve postural issues that can interfere with digestion.

3. Difficulty during suction

One of the causes of colic can be the excessive ingestion of air during latching, which leads to increased air in the stomach and creates digestive difficulties.

If the newborn cannot achieve a proper latch on the breast or if the bottle nipple is unsuitable, the baby may become agitated and irritable, as well as feeding too voraciously.

It is necessary to check if there is any dysfunction at the cranial, cervical, jaw, or tongue level.

The first days of breastfeeding are very important and often difficult; the milk initially present in the breast is more “watery,” and only after a few days does the more nutritious milk, rich in fatty acids, arrive.

One should not give up immediately, but rather persist with the latch, even if the baby tends to let go.

Breast milk is produced based on the stimulation of the breast.

If the newborn has difficulty sucking, the cause could be due to weakness in the sucking muscles or dysfunctions of the TMJ (temporomandibular joint).

A dysfunction between the first cervical vertebrae can create a problem with head extension; consequently, the newborn cannot project the tongue, resulting in suction problems.

4. Hormonal

A  study demonstrates how a high level of serotonin can favor the onset of colic in newborns.

Serotonin produced at the intestinal level has a direct relationship with mood and behavior.

5. Neurodevelopmental

Neurological development factors have also been proposed as one of the contributing causes of colic.

According to a theory by Dr. Harvey Karp, a developmental specialist, babies are born “too early”—by about 3 months (or one trimester)—which manifests as episodes of inconsolable crying.

According to his theory, newborns miss the comforting sensations of the mother’s womb (which can be mimicked by keeping them warm and calm, swaddling them snugly, placing them on their stomachs, and rocking them with a gentle motion).

In his book, he compares the human newborn to that of horses, highlighting how humans are born defenseless and unable to care for themselves, whereas a newborn horse begins to run on the very day it is born.

Episodes of inconsolable crying resolve in most children around 3 months of age, the point at which babies begin to “wake up,” accepting their environment, smiling, rolling over, and making vocal sounds.

6. Psychosocial

Emotional factors experienced by the newborn can contribute to the manifestation of colic.

Parental anxiety, maternal smoking, the age of the mother, and maternal or paternal depression are factors associated with colic.

Baby colic

Symptoms of Baby Colic

How can you tell if a newborn has colic?

In addition to the “rule of three” mentioned earlier (more than three hours a day, at least three days a week, for more than three weeks), there are symptoms and signs that help identify it:

  • Excessive and inconsolable crying: A high-pitched and persistent cry without an obvious cause (such as hunger, fatigue, or a dirty diaper). It usually happens at the same time of day (typically late afternoon/evening, though this can vary).
  • Leg flexion: The baby pulls their legs up toward their belly.
  • Arched back: The baby stretches and arches their back during crying fits.
  • Rigid limbs: The arms become tense, and the hands are clenched into fists.
  • Flatulence (Gas): Frequent release of gas during the crying episodes.
  • Abdominal distension: The baby’s belly appears swollen, hard, or tense to the touch.
  • Facial expression of pain: A flushed face and expressions of distress.
  • Feeding and sleep interrupted by crying: The baby frantically seeks the nipple only to reject it as soon as suction begins.

What is the difference between a colic cry and a normal cry?

There is no clear definition of exactly what colic is or how (and if) it differs from other types of crying.

However, doctors generally agree that a colic cry is louder, more intense, and higher-pitched than normal crying, sometimes sounding almost as if the baby is screaming.

Babies with colic seem inconsolable and tend to cry for a total of at least three hours a day. (Although it can certainly feel like the entire day, much to the despair of tired and tense parents).

Very often, colic episodes repeat daily, even though some babies may have an occasional night of truce.

Osteopath lisbon

Remedies for Newborn Colic

Infant colic is often managed at home through behavioral adjustments and relaxation techniques.

Physical and Behavioral Comfort Strategies e Comportamental
  • Support Techniques: Rocking, walking with the baby in your arms, or using swings or vibrating chairs are effective methods to soothe crying.
  • Abdominal Massage and Heat: Gentle massage on the abdomen (sometimes using chamomile or fennel oils) and the application of warm compresses (such as a heated towel) can relieve discomfort caused by gas.
  • Stimulus Reduction: Dimming the lights and reducing noise, or using white noise, helps to calm the infant’s nervous system.
  • Positioning: One position that can provide comfort to the newborn is lying on their stomach. This position warms the abdomen and reduces intestinal air movement, which is one of the possible causes of colic. Additionally, holding them in your arms will make them feel safe and protected.
Feeding Adjustments
  • Maternal Diet (breastfeeding): Reducing the mother’s consumption of cow’s milk, dairy products, caffeine, soy, nuts, and wheat can significantly reduce colic symptoms in the baby.
  • Bottle Techniques: Using curved bottles or those with ventilation systems can help reduce the amount of air the baby swallows.
Natural Remedies and Supplements
  • Herbal Infusions: Some studies suggest that specific teas containing chamomile, verbena, licorice, and fennel can reduce crying time.
  • Herbal Oils: The use of caraway, fennel, or lemon balm oils also shows benefits in some cases.
  • Probiotics: As mentioned previously, Lactobacillus reuteri remains one of the strongest recommendations, especially for breastfed babies.
Take them to a Pediatric Osteopath

One of the most effective remedies for newborn colic is Osteopathic Treatment.

Through gentle manipulations, the Osteopath can improve the baby’s gastrointestinal functionality and release areas of tension that may be causing pain or movement difficulties.

When to contact the doctor in case of baby colic

Most of the time, inconsolable crying is due to colic. However, if you feel the crying is excessive, do not hesitate to contact your pediatrician.

The pediatrician will ask about the frequency, duration, and type of crying.

Describing it, as well as the presence of other symptoms, will help the doctor rule out any underlying medical condition (such as reflux, an infection, or a milk allergy) that could be triggering the crying.

Pediatric osteopath lisbon

Osteopathy and Colic

One of the remedies for newborn colic is Osteopathy, which generally assesses and treats:

1. The intestine

We have seen the importance of having a functional intestine; in this case, Visceral Osteopathy helps reduce air production in the belly and improve emptying capacity.

There are techniques that can be easily repeated by parents, even daily, to prevent the accumulation of air.

2. The diaphragm and the rib cage

Trauma during childbirth can cause tension and twisting in the spine and sternum.

This can result in gastric dysfunction, specifically in the cardia valve, and cause incontinence that may lead to malocclusion and allow acid to rise up the esophagus.

Osteopathic techniques can balance the rib cage and release twists through the diaphragm.

3. The head, neck, and mouth

The vagus nerve is the most important nerve of the parasympathetic system, also known as the pneumogastric nerve.

It is the tenth cranial nerve, originating in the medulla oblongata, exiting the skull through the jugular foramen, and traveling toward the thorax and abdomen.

Compression along its path can create an alteration in the nerve signal and generate problems in the neck and around the tongue, preventing optimal suction.

Pediatric Osteopathy helps to gently release restrictions in the neck and around the tongue, allowing the baby to suck more easily and ingest less air.

4. The baby in general

Sometimes, after a stressful pregnancy or a complicated birth, problems of various kinds can arise, ranging from plagiocephaly (flat head) to digestive difficulties or sleep issues.

In all cases, a Pediatric Osteopathy consultation is recommended to release specific zones or areas that may be at the root of these dysfunctions.

Osteopathic Treatment is gentle and painless; newborns are often relaxed after the treatment and show improved sleep quality.

From a dietary standpoint, breastfeeding “latch” problems can be resolved.

Most newborns can be treated even in synergy with pharmacological therapies. In these cases, medical and pediatric consent is always necessary.

Baby colic: when to go to the Osteopath?

Ideally, babies should be seen as early as possible after birth, with it generally being recommended to do so during the first month.

Even in the absence of problems, a consultation with a Pediatric Osteopath allows for the early assessment of any tension or blockage that could lead to future complications.

If the newborn had a difficult birth, a delivery involving a vacuum extractor, or an emergency C-section after an attempted vaginal birth, it is advisable for the baby to be examined as soon as possible.

Remember that Osteopathy proves to be one of the most effective remedies for infant colic.

Article written by Sebastian Guzzetti – Osteopath Lisbon

Osteopath and Pediatric Osteopath in Lisbon, with over 10 years of experience in Italy. Degree in Human Motricity with a specialization in Sports Science.

Pregnancy pain: the benefits of osteopathyDor na gravidez