INFANT REFLUX & CHIROPRACTIC
Understanding Infant Reflux
Infant reflux occurs when stomach contents flow back into the esophagus — causing spitting up, discomfort, and fussiness. It's common in newborns because the muscle at the top of the stomach (the lower esophageal sphincter) is still maturing.
There's a spectrum. Simple reflux involves spitting up without significant distress. Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) involves more severe symptoms — pain, poor weight gain, feeding refusal, and arching. And silent reflux occurs when acid rises into the esophagus but the baby doesn't spit up, making it harder to identify.
Why Reflux Happens — The Nervous System Connection
The vagus nerve is the primary nerve controlling digestive function — including stomach motility, sphincter function, and the coordination of swallowing and digestion. It runs from the brainstem through the upper cervical spine and down to the digestive organs.
When birth stress creates subluxation in the upper cervical region, it can compromise vagus nerve function. The result is impaired digestive coordination — and reflux.
This is why reflux, colic, and feeding difficulty so often overlap. They share a common neurological root.
How Chiropractic Supports Babies With Reflux
Gentle upper cervical adjustments and craniosacral therapy help restore vagus nerve function by removing the structural interference that's compromising it. When the vagus nerve can communicate properly, digestive function improves — sphincter tone normalizes, motility regulates, and symptoms decrease.
We don't treat reflux directly. We address the nervous system dysfunction that's contributing to it.
Signs Your Baby May Be Struggling
Common indicators of reflux include frequent spitting up (or swallowing it back down in silent reflux), arching the back during or after feeding, fussiness or crying during feeds, poor sleep — especially when lying flat, slow weight gain or feeding refusal, and excessive hiccups or wet burps.
Frequently Asked Questions
Still have questions? Take a look at the FAQ or reach out anytime. If you’re feeling ready, go ahead and apply.
-
Yes. By addressing upper cervical subluxation and supporting vagus nerve function, chiropractic care helps improve the digestive coordination that's often at the root of reflux.
-
An immature lower esophageal sphincter is the primary anatomical factor. From a neurological perspective, birth stress and upper cervical subluxation can compromise the vagus nerve, which controls digestive function.
-
Very gentle. We use fingertip pressure and craniosacral techniques — safe for newborns and well-tolerated by even the fussiest babies.
-
Many parents see improvement within the first few weeks of care, though the timeline varies based on severity and your baby's individual response.