Signs and Causes of Kyphosis

 

Kyphosis refers to a spinal condition that results in a forward curvature of the vertebrae in the upper back. According to Dr. Jay McClanahan of Dr. J Chiropractic & Wellness Center, with an office that serves the greater Nitro, WV, area, normal upper back kyphosis has a range that exists between 10 and 50 degrees. However, excessive or hyper-kyphosis can cause your upper back to appear more rounded – sometimes called “a round back” or a “hunch-backed.”

Signs of Kyphosis

Mild cases of kyphosis typically cause no obvious signs or symptoms. When the condition becomes moderate or more severe, the following may also be experienced as additional symptoms of hyper-kyphosis –

• Shortness of breath.
• Back pain or discomfort.
• The head bends forward.
• Back stiffness restricts movement.
• Tingling sensations in the legs.
• Tight hamstrings.

Causes of Kyphosis

There are several types of kyphosis. These include the following -

• Postural kyphosis refers to a curvature of the spine.
    This type of kyphosis is typically caused by constant slouching, poor posture, or by toting heavy items on your back.
• Scheuermann’s kyphosis is developmental and happens during bone growth spurts.
    This type of kyphosis is caused by a spinal structural deformity in which vertebrae grow in a wedge shape rather than rectangularly.
• Congenital kyphosis refers to a curvature of the spine that occurs during gestation.
    This type of kyphosis occurs when vertebrae do not segment/form in the womb.

If the spine’s curvature becomes extreme (beyond expected or established ranges), any of the above-mentioned is considered hyper-kyphosis.

Prevention of Postural Kyphosis

Fortunately, there are ways to proactively prevent postural kyphosis. This is accomplished by addressing known risk factors that encourage the development of this condition. Following the guidance noted below will help you reduce your risk of developing a spinal curvature or hyper-kyphosis -

• Do not carry excess weight, and try to maintain a healthy, recommended weight.
• Be mindful of your posture, and try to maintain good posture.
• Be consistent with exercises that help to strengthen your back and abdominal muscles.
• Carry heavy loads in backpacks or rolling bags rather than on the shoulders.

Note that Kyphosis is only one type of spinal curvature.

• Lordosis refers to an inward spinal curve - causing an arching of the lower back.
• Scoliosis refers to a curve to the left or right.

A spine typically has a certain amount of upper back kyphosis and lower back lordosis.

Contact a Leading Nitro, WV Chiropractor Near You

If you would like additional information on how chiropractic care can help with kyphosis, contact Dr. McClanahan or a member of our team at Dr. J Chiropractic & Wellness Center at 304-776-1520 or online.

What are Chiropractic Adjustments For?

 

If you live in pain or are feeling less than your best, don’t lose hope. Dr. Jay McClanahan and the team at Dr. J Chiropractic & Wellness Center of Nitro, WV, offer chiropractic adjustments and other techniques to help.

 

The Purpose of Chiropractic Adjustments

Any time you visit a healthcare provider, and they want to administer some sort of treatment, you wonder what the treatment is for and what exactly it will do. It’s no different when you visit a chiropractor who recommends adjustments. Below, Dr. McClanahan and the team at Dr. J Chiropractic & Wellness Center of Nitro, WV, explain chiropractic adjustments, their purpose, and how you can benefit.

 

What Are Adjustments For?

To put it simply, adjustments are used to restore alignment to the musculoskeletal system. This short answer, however, leaves one wondering why alignment is so important.

Your body wasn’t haphazardly thrown together. Your bones are stacked on top of one another to help your body stay upright. Between them sits discs that cushion your bones. Muscles, ligaments, and tendons surround them to provide support and help you move. And nerves travel out to the rest of the body from the spinal cord to ensure your body does its various jobs.

As the bones are in the midst of this intricate structure, any misalignment can throw the entire system off balance. A misaligned bone puts unnecessary stress, strain, and pressure on the surrounding discs, nerves, muscles, and other soft tissues.

Unfortunately, this can lead to pain, muscle tension, numbness, weakness, burning sensations, impaired nerve function, and more. Adjustments are a technique used to restore proper alignment, eliminating undue pressure, strain, and related symptoms.

 

Benefits of Adjustments

A misalignment can lead to many types of symptoms – some of which are mild while others can be debilitating. And they can vary among the people experiencing them, which means the benefits of restoring alignment can vary, too. However, some common benefits include relief from:

• Back pain
• Neck pain
• Headaches and migraines
• Joint pain
• Sciatica
• Shoulder pain
• Knee pain
• Fibromyalgia
• Limited range of motion

Adjustments also help improve nerve function and blood flow, which can have a direct impact on your general health and wellness.

 

Learn more about the healing power of chiropractic adjustments and how they can help you by visiting Dr. McClanahan at Dr. J Chiropractic & Wellness Center of Nitro, Cross Lanes, Charleston, St. Albans, and Teays Valley, WV. You can schedule an appointment by calling our team at (304) 776-1520.

Holistic Ways to Manage Arthritis

 Arthritis is a disease that affects at least 25% of the population, according to the OASH. There are several types of arthritis out there, but they all involve excessive pain and inflammation in the joints. It's commonly treated with medications that suppress the immune system, but did you know arthritis symptoms can often be reduced without this type of intervention? At Dr. J. Chiropractic and Wellness Center of Nitro, WV, we advocate for the use of holistic, non-invasive treatment methods wherever possible, and also use them on a complementary basis. In this article, we'll cover some of the best ways to manage arthritis naturally.

1. Exercise at your Level

Exercise is a great way to lubricate the joints and reduce extra weight. Being overweight places excess strain on the joints and worsens symptoms, but it's important to choose exercises that don't irritate your condition. Low-impact exercise is usually recommended in these situations. Things such as walking, biking, and swimming will allow you to stay active in a healthy way.

2. Herbs and Other Natural Remedies

Herbs have been used for millennia to resolve health issues. Some of them boil down to superstition, but some of them have serious evidence of their effectiveness. Tumeric, for example, is extremely effective at reducing joint pain and inflammation. Hot and cold therapy and meditation are also sometimes effective at relieving arthritis symptoms.

3. Healthy Lifestyle Changes

All of the common unhealthy lifestyle habits exacerbate arthritis. They may even be underlying causes of it. This includes smoking, drinking, and unhealthy diets. If you're unsure which of your habits contribute to your symptoms, feel free to reach out to Dr. J. Chiropractic and Wellness Center of Nitro, WV. Dr. McClanahan is available for consultations to discuss your situation. Surprisingly, stress also has a serious impact on arthritis. Try to keep calm and cut stress out of your life. You might just feel better!

 Give us a call at (304) 776-1520. We look forward to hearing from you!

Maintaining Good Back Health During Pregnancy

 Pregnancy in Nitro, WV, can be a beautiful time, but it can also be stressful on the expecting mother's body. That's why new moms must take extra care to support their back. Luckily, with the team at Dr. J Chiropractic & Wellness Center, pregnant patients can have all the support they need for a healthy back. Visiting the center can provide therapeutic practices that help your back even after delivery.

The Benefits of Massage

An expectant mother has a lot of weight bearing down on her back. As your belly expands, your center of gravity pushes forward, which can put more pressure on your lumbar spine and feet. Luckily, when you visit the Dr. J Chiropractic & Wellness Center team, you can take advantage of chiropractic massage. 

Chiropractic massage is not the same as getting a deep tissue massage or an intensive spinal adjustment. After all, your local chiropractor understands how vulnerable your body is at this time. Rest assured that massage therapists won't do anything that can cause harm. This type of massage technique focuses on your back and your feet. Taking advantage of these regular massages can help ease your back pain and stress. These sessions can also provide advice on how you can ease your back at home with various stretching techniques.

Feet and Back Connection

As your local chiropractor will tell you, your feet can affect your back. When you don't stand straight or walk properly, it puts pressure your spine and back muscles. That's why you should have the right footwear and posture. Whether you're standing or sitting you should keep your feet as comfortable as possible. Thanks to hormones, weight pressure, and sometimes underlying conditions, it is easy for feet and ankles to get swollen. Women can prevent or ease the situation during pregnancy in Nitro, WV, by having comfortable footwear and customized orthotics.

The compassionate team at Dr. J Chiropractic & Wellness Center wants to help expectant mothers as much as possible at this time. Our expertise in chiropractic care and massage therapy can ease your back stress during pregnancy in Nitro, WV. Call our office at 304-776-1520 for an appointment today.

Lifestyle Improvements to Prevent Back Pain

 Back pain is a common ailment that affects countless people throughout the United States. At Dr. J's Chiropractic and Wellness Center in Nitro, WV, Dr. Jay McClanahan works with patients experiencing seemingly random back pain every day. No symptom is without a cause, though. In this article, we'll cover some lifestyle adjustments you can try out to relieve back pain.

1. Stay Active Throughout the Day

Spending the day sitting down has been fairly common in recent years, but it wasn't for our ancestors. Our bodies are built to move. A lot. When we spend all day on the couch or at the office, it doesn't give the muscles enough stimulation to grow strong. Even if sitting down all day is a part of your job, stand up every twenty minutes to move and stretch. With professional oversight, people should try to work regular exercise into their schedules, but 5 jumping jacks a few times a day will  be better for most people than none.

2. Avoid Straining the Muscles

Many people will lift heavy items without thought, but lifting improperly can strain the muscles, wear the joints, and irritate underlying conditions. For example, herniated discs are commonly the result of excessive back strain. It's best to avoid activities you aren't strong enough to do confidently, but when that's not possible, maintain a straight back and lift from the legs to avoid improper strain on the spine.

3. Evaluate Posture and Sleeping Position

Sometimes, something as seemingly innocent as the sleeping position can worsen back pain. For example, side-sleepers commonly experience lower back pain. This can be avoided by placing a pillow between the knees. Also, trying to be mindful of posture throughout the day can help improve health.

4. See a Chiropractor Regularly 

A chiropractor is able to give you advice on how to preserve and improve your back health. They also have countless treatment options at their disposal to help with back pain. If you need a regular chiropractor in the Nitro, WV, area, reach out to Dr. J's Chiropractic and Wellness Center. Dr. McClanahan is always taking new patients.

If you're suffering from back pain in the Nitro, WV, area, Dr. J's Chiropractic and Wellness Center may be able to help. Reach out to us today by calling us at (304) 776-1520. Dr. McClanahan is available for consultations to examine your situation. We look forward to hearing from you! 

Know the Signs of Whiplash

 Dr. Jay McClanahan at the Dr. J Chiropractic & Wellness Center serving Nitro, WV, is no stranger to the symptoms of whiplash. Patients regularly visit us for chiropractic care to address the whiplash they are experiencing after sustaining injuries to their neck or cervical spine!

What Is Whiplash?

Whiplash is a traumatic injury of the neck. It's caused by forcible and sudden movement, or bending of the neck back and forth in a forward-to-backward position or vice versa. Patients are most likely to suffer from whiplash after an automobile accident, especially if they are rear-ended during a collision.  Other patients displaying symptoms of whiplash are those who regularly participate in contact sports like football, rugby, and ice hockey, where the possibility of being injured is high.

What Are the Signs and Symptoms of Whiplash?

The severity of your whiplash will depend on the severity of your injury and the symptoms vary from mild to debilitating. While this condition is not completely understood, it can affect the cervical spine and discs, nerves, muscles, and tendons in the neck area. Common symptoms include:

• Neck pain and stiffness
• Muscle spams
• Shoulder and/or back pain
• Dizziness and disorientation
• Tiredness
• Limited range of motion in the neck area
• Headaches
• Arm pain or numbness especially if the nerves are affected.

How Can Chiropractic Help Me?

Dr. McClanahan at Dr. J Chiropractic & Wellness Center serving Nitro, WV, is well-versed in identifying and treating whiplash using non-invasive chiropractic interventions to relieve your pain, improve range of motion, and address soft tissue tenderness and muscle spasms.

After a complete assessment that is likely to include a diagnostic tool such as X-rays, Dr. McClanahan can recommend a course of treatment that is likely to include chiropractic interventions like:

• Adjustments and manipulations to realign the spinal column.
• DTS spinal decompression therapy to decompress or stretch the spine and allow improved blood flow and nutrient transfer.
• Massage therapy to relieve soft tissue aches and tension associated with whiplash.
• Electrical stimulation therapy to reduce muscle swelling and relieve trigger points that are causing the muscles to tense up.

Chiropractic is easily integrated into a holistic regime for treating whiplash. It can be used in the long run to optimize and strengthen that part of the body, especially if your whiplash is a contact sport injury.

Contact Us!

To find out more about the symptoms of whiplash and seek exceptional chiropractic intervention to bring you back to better health in Nitro, VW, look no further than Dr. McClanahan, and his team at Dr. J Chiropractic & Wellness Center. Call us now at 304-776-1520 to book your consultation!

What is Degenerative Disc Disease?

 Degenerative disc disease is a spinal condition that affects the discs of the spine. Spinal discs are responsible for providing cushion between the vertebrae and enhancing spinal mobility. Nearly everyone experiences some disc degeneration as they age, but those with degenerative disc disease have a serious problem. At the Dr. J. Chiropractic and Wellness Center in Nitro, WV, Dr. Jay McClanahan is able to identify degenerative disc disease and recommend treatments to combat it.

What is degenerative disc disease?

Degenerative disc disease involves wear and tear on the cartilaginous outer ring of the discs between the vertebrae, or their loss of inner fluid. When these discs start to break down, it can be extremely painful and limit mobility. This is because the discs serve to cushion spinal movement and absorb shock, so when they're not in good shape, it can make even walking painful. Cartilage breaks down with age normally, but it can be accelerated by issues like excessive slouching and strain that compresses and tears the tissue. There are a few different kinds of degenerative disc disease, so be sure you ask your chiropractor which one you have.

Symptoms of Degenerative Disc Disease

The most common symptoms of degenerative disc disease include stiffness in the spine, pain while doing certain activities, and muscle spasms. Decreased space between the vertebrae can cause pinched nerves, so numbness and tingling in the legs aren't unusual. As the compressed nerve worsens, it can also cause muscular weakness.

How is degenerative disc disease treated?

Treatment for degenerative disc disease varies from person to person. Depending on the unique spine in question, typical chiropractic care for pain management may be best. The goal is to reduce pain and minimize further wear on the discs. Manual chiropractic adjustments, spinal decompression therapy, or even physical therapy can be beneficial. During your initial consultation with Dr. McClanahan of Dr. J Chiropractic and Wellness Center in Nitro, WV, he'll evaluate your unique situation and prescribe a treatment plan to help you achieve your goals.

If you suspect you are suffering from degenerative disc disease in the Nitro, WV, area, contact Dr. J Chiropractic and Wellness Center. Dr. McClanahan would be happy to meet for a consultation and discuss your options. Simply give us a call at (304) 776-1520 to ask questions about how to get started. On the call, our staff will be able to schedule your consultation. We look forward to supporting you along your journey to optimal spinal health and wellness.