Colic treatment protocol

Aim: At this office, we try to follow the protocols used in the research projects. At times we alter one or another aspect of care within our professional judgement and your approval. We collect a similar range of information from the babies brought to us with colic-like symptoms.

Plan: We recommend a treatment program over two-four weeks, with two-three chiropractic visits per week. Your chiropractor will advise the best duration of treatment. At each visit, the tender areas are reassessed in the same manner as the first.

Treatment: Your chiropractor will demonstrate the location of the problem areas and the treatment needed. He/she will demonstrate the Activator instrument if it is to be used. He or she will proceed only with your approval.

Outcome: We cannot promise specific benefit, but we think there is a greater than 80% chance of reduction if we find spinal problems. Put in another way, the failure rate is about 1 in five (or 20%). Parents notice changes in some babies almost immediately. In others, the full program is required before a response is noted. We cannot predict this. We recommend that you complete the schedule of care as advised. One study on chiropractic care showed that a treatment program of only 3 manipulations gave no benefit. Other studies that included 6 more more visits showed benefit.

Further options: At the completion of the recommended treatment program, we review the baby’s status and parents report. If there has been no change, we discuss the options available, including referral.

Barring other problems, the next chiropractic check-up for your child should be at about 12 months of age, or after they have begun walking.

For further information call Burswood Health Professionals on 08 9361-2628.  References available from our frontdesk.

Prepared by Peter Bryner, M Chiro Sc, B App Sc.