Dr. Kathleen Mary Mcgarvey, D.C.

Yes! Indeed, chiropractic care can help “fussy” babies. They have spines and nervous systems just like adults and can benefit from an alignment. When babies are fussy or “colicky”, the bowels are generally the culprit. Because the nervous system controls, literally, every function in our bodies including organs, glands, and muscles, chiropractic adjustments can help with more than just the back and neck.

Hope that helps!

If your sprain happened last week and you are still experiencing intense pain, X-rays are in order to rule out a fracture. Distal fibula fractures are often present with certain ankle sprains. Additionally, a referral to an orthopedist may be warranted. Continue to ice and elevate, leave the heat off for now. Good luck!

He needs to have it X-rayed sooner rather than later. Without a traumatic reason for a bony change, bone growths can be from more serious, and life threatening causes, such as tumors.

It is never "too late" to see a chiropractor after an auto accident. Unfortunately, ER docs rarely refer patients, who have been involved in an accident, to chiropractors. The usual treatment is a prescription for muscle relaxers and pain killers and possibly, a work note. This is unfortunate because the soft tissue damage incurred in "whiplash" type injuries, alters the biomechanics of the spine and can lead to more disc and joint degeneration than necessary.
Soft tissue tends to heal in a way that leaves scar tissue, in a cross hatch pattern, that can cause alterations in the movement of the muscles and joints. When chiropractic care is administered early on, following a soft tissue injury, these biomechanical alterations can be addressed and corrected.

Yes, most chiropractors do offer free consultations. In my office, a free consultation lasts about 15 minutes and helps, both the doctor and the patient, gather information about whether or not chiropractic care would be the best course of treatment.

The answer to that questions really depends on the philosophy, regarding X-rays, that the treating doctor holds. Of course, if trauma is involved, all docs would require X-rays before a chiropractic treatment. With more routine symptoms or conditions, philosophy plays more of a role and will vary by chiropractor. For example, in my office, I routinely take X-rays and do a complete physical exam on new patients before treating them, to rule out any reason NOT to adjust them. I.e. Occult fracture, bone disease, joint infection etc. I believe that X-rays are not only informative for the doctor, but also educational for the patient. The saying, " a picture is worth a thousand words" applies well in this case and helps them stick to treatment plans. I am always seeking to educate my patients and provide them with the knowledge that they need to advocate for their health. On the other side of the coin, some doctors feel that exposing their patients to X-rays is not worth the information that they would gain, on top of their regular physical exam. The best course for you, as a patient, is to decide what you feel most comfortable with, and seek out a chiropractor that most closely matches your needs. I hope this helps.