Introduction
As midwives, you play a crucial role in guiding parents through the early stages of their baby's life, ensuring their health, comfort, and overall well-being. One area of growing interest in infant care is the vestibular system, a key component in balance, coordination, and sensory processing. Vestibular dysregulation, which occurs when this system is out of balance, can contribute to issues such as colic, poor sleep, feeding difficulties, and excessive fussiness in babies. Chiropractic care is emerging as a gentle and effective way to help regulate the vestibular system and improve infant well-being.
What is Vestibular Dysregulation?
The vestibular system is located in the inner ear and is responsible for balance, spatial orientation, and coordination of movement. It works closely with the nervous system to process sensory information and ensure the body responds appropriately to its environment. When functioning optimally, the vestibular system allows infants to develop critical motor skills, regulate emotions, and experience comfort in movement. However, in some cases, this system may become dysregulated due to factors such as:
Birth trauma (especially in cases of prolonged labor, forceps, or vacuum-assisted deliveries)
Restricted movement in utero
Tension or misalignment in the upper cervical spine
Sensory processing difficulties
Vestibular dysregulation can manifest as colic, excessive crying, trouble settling, difficulty feeding, or hypersensitivity to movement and touch. Research published in Frontiers in Pediatrics found that colicky babies scored higher in vestibular hyperactivity than non-colicky babies, indicating a likely link between these symptoms and vestibular system imbalance. Many of these symptoms are commonly seen in babies with no clear medical explanation, leading to frustration for both parents and healthcare providers.
The Role of the Cerebellum
An important—but often overlooked—player in this process is the cerebellum, and there is growing evidence supporting its role in this context. Research shows that the cerebellum integrates input from multiple sensory systems, including vestibular and proprioceptive pathways, to coordinate movement, posture, and balance (Bower, 1997; Manto et al., 2012). Proprioceptive input from the spine, particularly the cervical region, travels to the cerebellum via the spinocerebellar tracts, making spinal function essential to cerebellar processing. Dr. Heidi Haavik's research has demonstrated that chiropractic adjustments can influence sensorimotor integration and somatosensory processing in areas of the brain that include the cerebellum and prefrontal cortex, suggesting that improving spinal motion may enhance central nervous system regulation., the part of the brain responsible for coordinating movement and integrating sensory information. It works closely with the vestibular system to help maintain balance, muscle tone, postural control, and motor learning. The cerebellum receives information from multiple sensory systems, including the proprioceptive input that comes from the spine and musculoskeletal system.
When the spine is not moving well—due to birth trauma, tension, or restricted movement—the quality of information sent to the cerebellum may be altered. This can affect the way a baby processes balance and movement, potentially contributing to delayed motor milestones, an exaggerated startle reflex, or difficulty calming and settling. Chiropractic adjustments aim to improve spinal function and proprioceptive input, which may enhance cerebellar processing and contribute to better regulation of the nervous system.
Signs of Vestibular Dysregulation in Infants
Midwives can observe certain physical and behavioral signs that may indicate vestibular dysregulation in babies, including:
Arching of the back during feeding or when being held
Excessive head tilting or favoring one side
Frequent startle reflexes or being easily unsettled
Difficulty latching or signs of discomfort during breastfeeding
Persistent colic symptoms despite dietary or medical interventions
Fussiness when changing positions, such as being laid down or picked up
Avoidance of tummy time or discomfort when placed on the stomach
Sensitivity to movement, such as disliking car rides or being rocked
Recognising these signs early can help midwives guide parents toward appropriate support, including chiropractic care.
The Link Between Vestibular Dysregulation and Colic
Recent research suggests that colicky babies often experience vestibular system hyperactivity. A study published in Frontiers in Pediatrics examined a five-point clinical index for assessing vestibular (hyper)activity in colicky infants. The results showed that babies with colic had significantly higher vestibular activity scores compared to non-colicky infants.
This hyperactivity can cause excessive discomfort, resulting in the inconsolable crying and restlessness associated with colic. Parents are often left feeling helpless, cycling through numerous methods—diet changes, probiotics, reflux medications—with little success. Understanding vestibular dysregulation as a potential root cause provides an opportunity for a different approach to helping these infants regulate their nervous system.
How Chiropractic Care Can Help
Chiropractic care focuses on optimising the nervous system, which plays a crucial role in regulating the vestibular system. Gentle chiropractic adjustments, particularly in the upper cervical spine, can help relieve tension in the sub-occipital muscles and improve nervous system function.
In the study published in Frontiers in Pediatrics, infants with colic who received chiropractic care showed a significant decrease in vestibular hyperactivity. The treatment involved gentle, pulsed vibrations in the occipital/upper-cervical region to release muscular tightness and improve nervous system function. Many parents reported their babies became more settled, experienced improved sleep, and displayed reduced colic symptoms following care.
Additionally, chiropractic care can support:
Improved motor development: By addressing restrictions in the spine and nervous system, babies can develop movement patterns that support crawling, rolling, and sitting. While clinical evidence is still emerging, some case reports and practitioner experience suggest potential benefits in this area. However, there are no large-scale randomised controlled trials (RCTs) confirming this effect in infants, and most of the evidence is anecdotal.** By addressing restrictions in the spine and nervous system, babies can develop movement patterns that support crawling, rolling, and sitting. While clinical evidence is still emerging, some case reports and practitioner experience suggest potential benefits in this area.
Better sleep regulation: Chiropractic adjustments may improve nervous system tone and help infants settle more easily into sleep. Some studies and parental reports suggest benefits, but most of the data is from small case series or subjective reports. Sleep is multifactorial, and more rigorous research is needed to draw definitive conclusions.** Chiropractic adjustments may improve nervous system tone and help infants settle more easily into sleep, though more research is needed.
Feeding difficulties: Gentle adjustments may help relieve tension in the jaw, neck, or upper spine that can affect latch and feeding comfort. This has been supported by case reports and practitioner observations, but strong clinical evidence is limited. Feeding issues should always be addressed with a multidisciplinary approach including lactation support and pediatric evaluation.** Gentle adjustments may help relieve tension in the jaw, neck, or upper spine that can affect latch and feeding comfort. This should be considered alongside lactation support and pediatric evaluation.
Reduction in excessive startle reflex: Chiropractic care may help regulate heightened reflexes in some babies by improving the quality of sensory input to the brain, including areas like the cerebellum. However, no peer-reviewed studies directly confirm this effect, and claims are currently based on clinical observation rather than controlled trials.** Chiropractic care may help regulate heightened reflexes in some babies by improving the quality of sensory input to the brain, including areas like the cerebellum, though more research is needed.
A Note on the Limitations of Research
While we have highlighted several potential benefits of chiropractic care in infants, it's important to recognise that the lack of high-quality, large-scale studies is not unique to chiropractic. Across healthcare, conducting clinical trials in infants and young children presents ethical and practical challenges. This results in a general gap in pediatric research—not only in chiropractic but in many forms of manual therapy, nutrition, and even pharmaceuticals. Ethical considerations around consent and the vulnerability of this age group often limit the types of studies that can be performed. Therefore, much of the guidance across pediatric care must rely on clinical experience, case studies, and careful observation. As research methods evolve, we hope to see more robust studies that can help validate and guide best practices across all disciplines, including chiropractic.
Addressing Concerns About Chiropractic Care for Babies
Chiropractic care for infants differs significantly from adult chiropractic adjustments. Chiropractors who focus on working with babies and children use extremely gentle techniques—often applying no more pressure than one would use to test the ripeness of a tomato. There is no cracking or forceful movement involved.
Concerns about safety are understandable, and it’s essential to ensure that any chiropractic care is administered by a qualified professional who focuses on working with babies and children. Studies, including those from the Journal of Clinical Chiropractic Pediatrics, have found that chiropractic care for infants is safe when provided by trained practitioners.
How Midwives Can Support Parents
As trusted healthcare providers, midwives play a vital role in supporting parents through their baby's early development. Educating parents on the vestibular system and its impact on their baby's well-being can empower them to seek solutions beyond conventional medical interventions.
When parents express concerns about excessive crying, poor sleep, feeding struggles, or sensory sensitivities, consider discussing vestibular regulation and how chiropractic care may help. Encourage parents to observe their baby’s movement patterns, startle reflexes, and responses to sensory input. If there are signs of vestibular dysregulation, referring them to a chiropractor who works with babies could provide significant relief.
Midwives can also support babies' vestibular development by recommending activities that naturally engage the system, such as:
Gentle rocking or swinging
Babywearing to provide vestibular stimulation
Skin-to-skin contact to promote nervous system regulation
Encouraging tummy time to support muscle development
Tummy time guidance: Based on current evidence and developmental recommendations, tummy time should begin from the newborn stage with short, supervised sessions (1–2 minutes, several times daily) and increase gradually. By 4 months of age, aim for a total of up to 80 minutes per day, spread across multiple sessions. Tummy time supports motor milestone achievement, strengthens neck and trunk muscles, aids in cranial shaping, and enhances perceptual learning. Parents may need support, creative strategies, and reassurance to build their baby’s tolerance over time.
Conclusion
Vestibular dysregulation is an often-overlooked factor in colic, fussiness, and other common infant concerns. Chiropractic care provides a gentle, non-invasive approach to helping babies regulate their nervous systems and find relief.
By understanding the signs of vestibular dysregulation and collaborating with chiropractors who focus on working with babies and children, midwives can play a key role in supporting parents and improving infant health outcomes. Encouraging parents to explore safe and evidence-based chiropractic care could make a significant difference in the well-being of the babies you care for.
For midwives interested in learning more or referring parents to a trusted chiropractor who focuses on working with babies and children, feel free to reach out to our practice at Structural Chiropractic. We are happy to provide further education and support to ensure the best possible outcomes for the families in our community.
Dr. Ryno Tope is a Doctor of Chiropractic, a member of the New Zealand Chiropractic Association, and owner of Structural Chiropractic in Hastings, Hawke’s Bay. Dr. Tope focuses on an area of chiropractic called Structural Correction and has been in practice for 6 years. You can reach Dr. Tope at drryno@structuralchiro.co.nz or 06•651•1004. You can also follow the Structural Chiropractic Facebook page (www.facebook.com/StructuralChiropracticHB).
