As a new parent, have you ever found yourself exhausting all avenues to find the root cause of what is causing your little one to frequently spit up after feedings or randomly throughout the day? You are not alone. Reflux and colic are two of the most common reasons why people seek out chiropractic care to help their little one’s digestive system function properly.

Our spine has a direct correlation to the nervous system in which has a connection to the digestive system. Misalignments in the spine can impact the efficiency of nervous system which often can be often indicate the need for chiropractic care. There are many reasons that a baby may experience nervous system interference resulting in reflux. While it may be frustrating in new parents-- there is hope! Many parents have been right where you are and have seen success in nervous system focused chiropractic care helping decrease reflux or spit up in their littles.

Dr Sura has successfully supported families and cared for newborns and babies with holistic pediatric care and abdominal therapy. Parents are relieved to see how gentle and soothing the care is and how effective chiropractic is in helping their baby heal and resolve the reflux and/or digestive stress. In addition, Dr Sura teaches parents techniques to help support your baby at home with gentle abdominal massage and some other things you can try to help your baby be more comfortable, and some things that may help you be more comfortable, too.

Pediatric Chiropractic Care: Safe & Effective for Babies with Reflux

Over the years a number of studies have looked into the effectiveness of chiropractic care for babies with reflux. These studies overwhelmingly suggest that pediatric chiropractic care is a safe and effective for newborns and infants.

In one case study, a three month old baby was struggling with symptoms associated with gastroesophageal reflux disease, fussiness, irritability with sleep disorder syndrome and irritable infant syndrome of musculoskeletal origin.  Her symptoms included frequently interrupted sleep, excessive intestinal gas, frequent vomiting, excessive crying, difficulty breastfeeding, plagiocephaly and torticollis.  Within four visits, her mother reported there was noticeable improvement of her daughter’s symptoms and within three months of holistic pediatric care,  the baby experienced full resolution of her symptoms.

In another case study, a two month old baby was suffering with severe acid reflux and constipation since birth.  Within six weeks of pediatric holistic chiropractic care, the symptoms had fully resolved. 

A six month old baby was diagnosed with gastroesophageal reflux (GER).  Milk, soy, and bananas worsened her GER while a hypoallergenic formula helped decrease the frequency of the GER attacks. The patient was also medically determined to be allergic to milk and soy.  A care plan of two times per week for four weeks and then one time per week for six weeks was initiated.  Chiropractic care was used to successfully support the baby in healing the symptoms and achieving full resolution of GER.

References supporting Chiropractic for Infants with Reflux:

1. Alcantara J, Anderson R. Chiropractic care of a pediatric patient with symptoms associated with gastroesophageal reflux disease, fuss-cry-irritability with sleep disorder syndrome and irritable infant syndrome of musculoskeletal origin. J Can Chiropr Assoc. 2008 Dec;52(4):248-55. PMID: 19066699; PMCID: PMC2597889.

2.  Alcantara J, Bryant B.  Resolution of Chronic Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease and Constipation in an Infant Following Chiropractic to Reduce Vertebral Subluxation: A Case Report & Review of the Literature. Journal of Pediatric, Maternal & Family Health, Chiropractic. November 19, 2019: Pages 129-133. 

3.  Joel Alcantara J, Egan A.  Resolution of Gastroesophageal Reflux in an Infant Following Chiropractic Care to Reduce Vertebral Subluxation: A Case Report & Review of Literature.  Journal of Pediatric, Maternal & Family Health Chiropractic, Volume 2019: May 27, 2019 ~ Pages 46-54.