Symptoms of Colic

Fussing and crying are normal for infants, especially during the first three months. And the range for what is normal crying is difficult to pin down. In general, colic is defined as crying for three or more hours a day, three or more days a week, for three or more weeks.

 

Symptoms of colic may include:

• Intense crying that may seem more like screaming or an expression of pain

• Crying for no apparent reason, unlike crying to express hunger or the need for a diaper change

• Extreme fussiness even after crying has diminished

• Predictable timing, with episodes often occurring in the evening

• Facial discoloring, such as reddening of the face or paler skin around the mouth

• Bodily tension, such as pulled up or stiffened legs, stiffened arms, clenched fists, arched back, or tense abdomen

 

Sometimes there is relief in symptoms after the infant passes gas or has a bowel movement. Gas is likely the result of swallowed air during prolonged crying.

 

When to see a doctor

Excessive, inconsolable crying may be colic or an indication of an illness or condition that causes pain or discomfort. Schedule an appointment with your child's doctor for a thorough exam if your infant experiences excessive crying or other signs or symptoms of colic.

 

Causes of Colic

The cause of colic is unknown. It may result from numerous contributing factors. While a number of causes have been explored, it's difficult for researchers to account for all the important features, such as why it usually begins late in the first month of life, how it varies among infants, why it happens at certain times of day and why it resolves on its own in time.

 

Possible contributing factors that have been explored include:

• Digestive system that isn't fully developed

• Imbalance of healthy bacteria in the digestive tract

• Food allergies or intolerances

• Overfeeding, underfeeding or infrequent burping

• Early form of childhood migraine

• Family stress or anxiety

 

Risk factors of Colic

Risk factors for colic are not well-understood. Research has not shown differences in risk when the following factors were considered:

• Sex of the child

• Preterm and full-term pregnancies

• Formula-fed and breast-fed babies

 

Infants born to mothers who smoked during pregnancy or after delivery have an increased risk of developing colic.

 

Colic Complications

Colic does not cause short-term or long-term medical problems for a child.

Colic is stressful for parents. Research has shown an association between colic and the following problems with parent well-being:

• Increased risk of postpartum depression in mothers

• Early cessation of breast-feeding

• Feelings of guilt, exhaustion, helplessness or anger

​

Osteopathic Manipulation for Colic

Mothers often describe the infant with colic as feeling rigid and tense while they are being fed. Many of these infants have abnormal musculoskeletal tone and abnormal cranial movement.  They can have tension from the base of the skull all the way to the feet and ankles. 

 

An experienced osteopathic physician with expertise in osteopathic manipulation can assess the movement of the child’s joints and tissues as well as their cranial movement.  Utilizing gentle osteopathic manipulative techniques these can be normalized and many infants with colic can be helped.