If your baby cries for hours and nothing seems to settle them, you are not doing anything wrong. Colic is common, it is exhausting, and it does pass. At Activate Chiropractic in Poway, Dr. Derek Libby offers gentle, neurologically focused care for infants, with adjustments so light they are often compared to checking the ripeness of a peach. This page explains what colic is, why it happens, how chiropractic care may help, and what a first visit looks like. It is part of our care for infants and children.
Chiropractic Care for Colic and Excessive Fussiness in Poway
What colic is
Colic describes when a healthy baby cries for long periods of time without an obvious reason. It often begins in the first weeks of life and usually improves by 3–4 months of age. Health providers often use the “rule of threes” to define it: crying for more than 3 hours a day, at least 3 days a week, for 3 weeks or longer.
This crying is often intense, sudden, and harder to soothe than normal fussiness. Babies with colic may:
- Appear uncomfortable or gassy
- Clench their fists or curl their legs toward their belly
- Have a tight, firm tummy
- Struggle to settle or sleep well
Colic is not harmful and does go away in time, but it can be very stressful for both babies and parents. Many families describe these weeks as some of the hardest days of early parenthood.
Why colic happens
While the exact cause of colic isn’t fully understood, many experts believe that it relates to a baby’s developing nervous system. Some babies are especially sensitive to stimulation and haven’t yet learned how to calm themselves. Their immature nervous system makes it harder to adapt, and crying becomes the main way to release that stress.
Even the birth process, though natural, can sometimes add tension to a baby’s spine and nervous system. This may affect how the body regulates digestion, sleep, and comfort—three areas closely connected to colic.
How chiropractic care can help a baby with colic
At Activate Chiropractic, our goal is to support your baby’s nervous system so it can function as smoothly as possible. With colic, extra stress on the spine and nervous system may make it harder for infants to settle, digest, and rest. Gentle, precise chiropractic adjustments help release this tension, allowing the body to relax and restore balance.
Adjustments for infants are extremely gentle—using light pressure similar to checking the ripeness of a peach. This safe, specific approach supports the nervous system in calming down and adapting more easily to the world around them.
Parents often notice positive changes such as:
- Less frequent or intense crying spells
- Longer and more restful sleep
- Easier digestion with less gas
- A calmer, more relaxed baby
By caring for the nervous system, chiropractic offers a natural way to help bring greater comfort to your baby and peace of mind to your family.
Chiropractic care does not replace your pediatrician. If your baby has a fever, is vomiting, is not gaining weight, or you are worried for any reason, please see your pediatrician first.
What to expect at your baby's first visit
Your first visit starts with a conversation. Dr. Libby will ask about your pregnancy, the birth, feeding, sleep, and what your baby’s hard moments look like. He then does a gentle, hands-on assessment of your baby’s spine and nervous system. Adjustments use light fingertip pressure, and most babies stay calm or even fall asleep during care.
Before you leave, you will know what he found, what he recommends, and how often he would like to see your baby. You do not need a referral, and we are glad to work alongside your pediatrician.
Frequently asked questions about chiropractic care for colic
Is chiropractic care safe for babies?
Infant adjustments are nothing like adult adjustments. There is no twisting or cracking. Dr. Libby uses light fingertip pressure, about the amount you would use to check whether a peach is ripe. He has advanced training in pediatric and prenatal chiropractic care and is Webster certified.
What does an infant adjustment feel like?
Most parents say it looks like a gentle touch. Babies often stay relaxed, and many fall asleep during or after the visit. If your baby fusses, we pause, let you soothe them, and continue when they are ready.
How many visits will my baby need?
Every baby is different. After the first visit, Dr. Libby will recommend a plan based on what he finds and how your baby responds. Many families start with a short series of visits and then spread them out.
When does colic usually get better on its own?
Colic typically improves by 3 to 4 months of age. Care during those months is about helping your baby settle, digest, and sleep more comfortably while their nervous system matures.
Do we need a referral from our pediatrician?
No referral is needed. We encourage families to keep their pediatrician informed, and we are happy to work alongside them.
Related care at Activate Chiropractic
Book your baby's first visit
We are here to walk alongside you during this season. If your little one is struggling with colic, gentle, neurologically focused chiropractic care may provide the support and relief you’ve been searching for. Activate Chiropractic is at 12237 Poway Road in Poway, serving families from Poway, Rancho Bernardo, 4S Ranch, Scripps Ranch, Carmel Mountain Ranch, and Ramona.
Prefer to talk first? Call us at 858-486-3400.