What is a Dislocation?

At the Dr. J Chiropractic & Wellness Center in Nitro, we use non-surgical, non-addictive therapies to help people recover from musculoskeletal injuries. Among the most common of those injuries is a subluxation, which is the partial dislocation of a joint. But what are dislocations, anyway? We thought it would be helpful for our patients if we gave a brief description of how this injury is defined, and why chiropractic treatment is effective for it.

 

A joint is the place where two or more bones connect to each other. When those bones get separated or knocked out of place, they’ve been dislocated. This could happen because of an acute injury, or it could be due to the long-term weakening of their connective tissue. But once the bones are out of place, they are likely to rub against and irritate nearby tissues, resulting in inflammation. Dislocations are often painful and they prevent the bones from going through their full range of motion or bearing weight efficiently.

 

An x-ray can be used to determine whether injured joints are merely dislocated, or if the bones are fractured. If a doctor deems it safe, they will adjust the dislocated bones back into place, relieving pressure on the soft tissues. At our office, we also provide several treatments for reducing inflammation, including therapeutic massages and electric muscle stimulation. Although healing joints may need to be immobilized or allowed to rest in the short-term, preventing a relapse will ultimately require the surrounding muscles to be strengthened through exercise, and to be trained to be more flexible and resilient to injuries.

 

Dr. Jay McClanahan is the owner and chiropractor of Dr. J Chiropractic & Wellness Center. Our office is located in Nitro, WV. To schedule an appointment with Dr. McClanahan visit our website or call 304-776-1520. 

Preventing Pain from Fall Yardwork

Each fall, we at the Dr. J Chiropractic & Wellness Center see people who are concerned about injuring their backs while raking. This year, especially, when many people were less active in the summer, many will have weakened cores and be at greater risk for injury. We can assist people suffering lower back and joint pain by practicing several holistic, non-addictive therapies, but we wanted to share some reminders about preventing pain from raking and establishing good health practices.

 

The first thing to decide whenever you put your back at risk is whether you need to be doing the chore at all. You might want to consider using a leafblower, or at least staggering your raking over several days. Before you rake, do dynamic stretches, and put on clothing that is form-fitting but breathable. After at least five minutes of stretching, begin raking while standing with your feet in a scissor position, so that you can make use of your leg muscles to pull the rake as well as your arms and shoulders. Switch your feet and which hand is higher on the rake about every fifteen minutes to prevent cramps.

 

As you pick up leaves, squat down instead of bending your lower back. Test the pile to see whether you can lift it easily, and frequently try lifting the leaf bag to determine whether it’s too full for you to move. After a few hours of activity, do a cool down and cover the leaves you haven’t bagged yet with a tarp. If something else requires you to bend down, bend at your hips, and remember to stay hydrated. If done properly, raking can be good exercise and an opportunity to get sunlight and Vitamin D.

 

Dr. Jay McClanahan is the owner and chiropractor of Dr. J Chiropractic & Wellness Center. Our office is located in Nitro, WV. To schedule an appointment with Dr. McClanahan visit our website or call 304-776-1520.