A common problem in the first few months
Infant colic is one of the main concerns for parents. The term describes episodes of intense and inconsolable crying, lasting at least three hours a day for at least three days a week, in an otherwise healthy and well-fed newborn.
Although they are a transient phenomenon – usually disappearing spontaneously by the fourth or fifth month – they can have a significant impact on family well-being: parents feel helpless, sleep is disturbed, and stress within the home increases.
What are the causes?
The causes of colic are not yet fully understood. The most common hypotheses involve:
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an immature digestive system,
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the presence of intestinal gas,
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increased sensitivity of the infant's nervous system,
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environmental and behavioral factors, such as parental anxiety or breastfeeding difficulties.
This complexity explains why there is no single and definitive solution.
Basic treatments
The most common recommendations focus on simple and safe strategies:
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Supporting breastfeeding, to reduce air swallowing and improve digestion;
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Offering comfort positions (e.g., tummy down on the parent's arm) and gentle abdominal massages;
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Promoting skin-to-skin contact and closeness, which reassure the baby;
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Using behavioral techniques (walking, rocking, using rhythmic sounds).
In some cases, probiotics or adjustments to the mother's diet are also considered, but scientific evidence is not always consistent.
And can osteopathy help?
In recent years, pediatric osteopathy has attracted attention as a possible complementary resource for colic. The manipulative techniques used are gentle and aim to promote a better balance between the digestive system, diaphragm, and autonomic nervous system.
What the studies say
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Clinical trials: some randomized studies have observed that infants treated with osteopathy cried less, up to 2-3 hours less per day, and had fewer episodes of regurgitation.
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Cochrane Review: already in 2012, it reported possible benefits, while highlighting the need for more robust research.
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Pilot and observational studies: confirm positive trends, but have methodological limitations (small samples, lack of control groups).
Overall, the evidence suggests that osteopathy can reduce the intensity and duration of crying, although more studies are still needed to support this observation.
Safety
An important aspect is safety: published trials have not reported serious adverse events. The techniques are considered well-tolerated, provided they are performed by osteopaths trained in pediatric care.
What the guidelines recommend
Scientific societies do not yet include osteopathy among standard treatments for colic, due to the limited quality of available evidence. Recommendations remain focused on conservative strategies and parental support. However, from an integrative perspective, osteopathy can be considered as an additional option, always shared with the pediatrician.
In summary
Colic is part of the physiology of the first few months and in most cases resolves spontaneously. However, the discomfort for families is real and legitimate. Osteopathy is not a "miracle cure," but according to some studies, it can help reduce crying and improve the well-being of both baby and parents. Pending confirmation from larger studies, it remains a possible complementary resource, to be integrated into a multidisciplinary approach based on education, support, and reassurance.
Dr. Andrea Pagani