Infant Colic

Infant colic — inconsolable crying for hours in an otherwise healthy baby — is exhausting for the whole family. Gentle chiropractic care addresses the birth-related spinal tension and craniosacral dysfunction that are often the hidden cause.

What Is Infant Colic?

Colic is defined as crying for more than three hours per day, more than three days per week, in a baby under three months of age, without an identifiable medical cause. Birth — even a routine vaginal delivery — places significant compressive and torsional forces on the newborn's cervical spine and cranium. Craniosacral restrictions from birth stress, upper cervical subluxation, and vagal nerve compression are common findings in colicky infants. The vagus nerve governs gut motility, and when compromised, can produce the abdominal discomfort, gas, and dysregulated gut function that underlies colic. Gentle chiropractic care often resolves colic remarkably quickly.

Common Symptoms

Inconsolable crying lasting 3+ hours daily without clear cause
Baby draws knees to chest and arches the back during episodes
Episodes typically occur in the late afternoon or evening
Baby passes excessive gas or has difficulty burping
Difficulty settling or nursing
Normal between episodes — baby appears healthy otherwise

Common Causes & Contributing Factors

Craniosacral restriction from birth trauma
Upper cervical subluxation (C1–C2) compressing vagal nerve
Gut dysbiosis and immature microbiome
Cow's milk protein sensitivity (if breastfed or formula-fed)
Tongue tie impairing feeding and causing air swallowing
Parental stress and maternal cortisol in breast milk

The Pura Vida Protocol: Chiropractic Care for Infant Colic

Infant chiropractic at Pura Vida uses the lightest possible touch — the pressure is comparable to checking the ripeness of a tomato. Dr. Foss evaluates the occiput, atlas, temporal bones, and upper cervical spine for restrictions and applies gentle sustained contact to release them. Vagal nerve function is restored, gut motility normalizes, and the infant's cry pattern typically changes within a few sessions. Parents are often present and can observe the treatment. Studies support chiropractic care as an effective and safe intervention for infantile colic, with significant reductions in daily crying time.

At Pura Vida Chiropractic, Dr. Foss uses Sacro-Occipital Technique (SOT) — a gentle, category-based system that addresses the spine, pelvis, and craniosacral rhythm as one integrated unit. SOT restores proper biomechanics, reduces nerve interference, and creates the neurological environment your body needs to heal itself.

Why Choose Pura Vida Chiropractic in San Antonio?

Pura Vida Chiropractic is a family-friendly, bilingual (English/Spanish) clinic serving San Antonio, TX. Dr. Dan Foss is trained in Sacro-Occipital Technique (SOT), a comprehensive chiropractic system that addresses the whole body — not just the area of pain. We combine hands-on spinal correction with the latest regenerative technology to help patients resolve the root cause of their condition rather than masking symptoms.

We are insurance friendly with most insurance plans including Blue Cross Blue Shield of Texas, UnitedHealthcare, Humana, Aetna, Ambetter, Oscar Health, Community First, and Molina Healthcare. New patient appointments are available promptly.

Ready to Get Relief from Infant Colic?

Schedule your new patient appointment with Dr. Foss at Pura Vida Chiropractic in San Antonio, TX. We'll identify the root cause and build a personalized care plan.

Book Your Appointment