Common Contributors to Lower Back Pain

 

Lower back pain is a common cause of visits to a chiropractor. According to the NIH, it is estimated that almost a quarter of the world's adult population suffers from pain in the lower back. Dr. Jay McClanahan of Dr. J Chiropractic and Wellness Center serves Nitro, WV, Cross Lanes, Charleston, St. Albans, and Teays Valley. Many things can cause lower back pain and the treatments recommended will often depend on the cause. 

Muscle strain

Muscle strain can result from repetitive motions or from lifting things incorrectly. You don't have to lift something heavy, it is more about using your legs, not your back, to take the brunt of the stress. Electric muscle stimulation is one therapy your chiropractor can use to help the muscles to relax and relieve the pain. 

Pregnancy

Pregnancy shifts the center of balance in the body and the baby can press on nerves that result in back pain. Massage therapy can be especially beneficial for pregnant women and their babies. 

Disc issues

Disc issues can be caused by an injury or just from aging. The discs are the cushion located between your vertebrae that allow them to move freely. A damaged disc can press on the nerves along the spine and this results in pain. Relieving that pressure is what is needed. This can be done with spinal decompression, which stretches the spine to allow more space between the vertebrae. A vacuum is created that pulls the disc back into its correct location, relieving the pressure. 

Scoliosis

Scoliosis is an abnormal curvature of the spine. In 80% of cases, the cause is unknown, making it hard to prevent. Depending on the curvature, it may or not cause lower back pain in children, but for adults with scoliosis caused by aging bones, it can be very painful.  

Not being physically fit

Having a strong core helps to keep your spine healthy and strong, which helps with fewer cases of lower back pain. Your muscles help support the spine and making sure they are in good condition to do their job is vital for your back. 

Traumatic injury

If your lower back is injured, you will likely result in lower back pain. Falls, auto accidents, sports, and sometimes just moving the wrong way can result in pain that can make any movement excruciating. Your chiropractor can help with exercises and adjustments to help you to get back to your normal life.

You can count on Dr. McClanahan of Dr. J Chiropractic and Wellness Center in Nitro, WV to help with your lower back pain.  Give our office a call today at 304-776-1520 to make an appointment. We are accepting new patients. 

Non-Invasive Care for Shoulder Injuries

 

If you are suffering from shoulder injuries and live in or near Nitro, WV, Dr. Jay McClanahan of Dr. J Chiropractic and Wellness Center provides the non-invasive care you are looking for. Dr. McClanahan serves Nitro, Cross Lanes, Charleston, St. Albans, and Teays Valley.

Many things, including sports and auto accidents, cause shoulder injuries. The shoulder is a complex joint with many moving parts and diagnosing and treating shoulder injuries takes the kind of expertise that you will get from Dr. McClanahan. A thorough exam will be done to determine the cause of the shoulder pain and then a treatment plan will be recommended personalized to your needs. 

Chiropractic manipulation

Chiropractic manipulation can help the shoulder joint to be realigned. It can also help with misalignment in the spine which can relieve nerve pain in the shoulder and arm. Low force adjustments can be very helpful for many causes of shoulder pain including frozen shoulder. Used in combination with other therapies, it is a great way to get movement back into your shoulder. 

Massage therapy

Massage therapy helps to relax the muscles that may be tight and tense. Getting the muscles to relax helps the other therapies to be more effective when they are used. Massage can also release trigger points, which are painful knots that develop in the soft tissue. Tendonitis in the shoulder is among the many causes of shoulder pain that responds well to massage. 

Therapeutic exercise

Therapeutic exercise helps to stretch the shoulder and to continue the healing process while you are at home. They will be designed specifically for your shoulder problems. The exercises will be explained so that you are able to perform them in a way that will provide the desired results. Knowing these exercises may be able to keep your shoulder from becoming painful again and give you back a full range of motion.  

Ultrasound therapy

Ultrasound therapy uses sound waves to promote healing in the shoulder. The waves vibrate and produce heat deep in the tissues and help promote healing. It helps with conditions like frozen shoulders that are locked in place with inflammation and pain. 

Electric muscle stimulation

When muscle pain is causing your shoulder to keep you from performing at your best, electric muscle stimulation can help to get the muscles to relax and allow other therapies to be more effective. 

Contact Dr. McClanahan of Dr. J Chiropractic and Wellness Center in Nitro, WV if you have shoulder injuries. He offers a number of non-invasive treatments that can provide the relief you need. We can be reached on the phone at 304-776-1520 to set up an appointment or drop us a line through our website.

Signs You Might Need a Spinal Adjustment

 

Feeling like something’s not quite right with your health? Or living with chronic pain? If you live in Nitro, Cross Lanes, Charleston, St. Albans, or Teays Valley, WV, a spinal adjustment by Dr. Jay McClanahan at Dr. J Chiropractic & Wellness Center might be the solution to your needs.

5 Signs Its Time to See Your Nitro, Cross Lanes, Charleston, St. Albans, and Teays Valley, WV Chiropractor

Regular visits are always best, but at a minimum, the following are five signs it’s time to visit Dr. McClanahan at Dr. J Chiropractic & Wellness Center.

1. You’re Living In Pain

Pain always comes from somewhere – and most likely, it comes from the musculoskeletal system. Misalignment can create pain from the top of your head to the soles of your feet. A spinal adjustment is one of the most effective and natural methods of relieving pain associated with the spinal column.

2. Your Job Requires Repetitive Movements or Sitting Still

Sitting for hours at a time – especially with poor posture – can wreak havoc on your musculoskeletal system. It can lead to misalignment, disc compression, and more.

Repetitive movements like constant bending and lifting can create the same injuries, as well as lead to sprains, strains, and more. A spinal adjustment can help undo current damage and prevent future injuries.

3. You’ve Recently Been In An Accident

Any accident – even a minor one – can lead to trouble now and in the future. And, unfortunately, you might not notice any signs until the symptoms become debilitating. So, whether it’s a car accident, an accident at work, or a fall in your yard, you should see a chiropractor immediately.

4. You Have An Ongoing Condition

Your nervous system plays an important role in your overall health. Spinal misalignment can compress the nerves, which can lead to a variety of chronic physical, mental, and emotional issues, such as high blood pressure, gastrointestinal trouble, migraines, insomnia, depression, and more. Spinal adjustments help relieve nerve compression, which can reduce or eliminate any related symptoms and help you achieve optimal health.

5. Your Shoes Seem to Wear Out At a Different Rate

Have you noticed that your left shoe needs to be replaced before your right one – or the other way around? If this occurs, it’s likely due to misalignment, which can naturally be addressed with a spinal adjustment.

Have you noticed any of the signs above or feel like something else is off? Schedule a spinal adjustment appointment with Dr. McClanahan at Dr. J Chiropractic & Wellness Center in Nitro, Cross Lanes, Charleston, St. Albans, and Teays Valley, WV by calling (304) 776-1520.

How Massage Therapy Works With Chiropractic

 

If ever there was a match made in heaven, massage therapy and chiropractic care are that match. Dr. Jay McClanahan of Dr. J Chiropractic and Wellness Center in Nitro, WV offers health and wellness services to residents of Nitro, Cross Lanes, Charleston, St. Albans, and Teays Valley WV. 

How chiropractic works

Chiropractic is a way of treating illness and injuries without having to use pain medication or surgery. It is a holistic approach that treats the entire person. When messages from the brain are traveling unencumbered throughout the body, it will operate more efficiently, and be able to heal itself. When the vertebrae are out of alignment, the messages can't get through and problems develop. 

Chiropractic adjustment is the procedure that the chiropractor uses to get the vertebrae back into alignment. There are many different types of adjustments, some are done with the hands and some are done with instruments. Some are very gentle and others can be quite vigorous. All of them have the same goal, to restore alignment. 

Massage therapy

Massage therapy also comes in several varieties and can be gentle and relaxing, or it can be applied with force as it goes after the trigger points that are causing your pain. In its more relaxing form, it is a warm up for a chiropractic adjustment. It stands alone when it is dealing with the trigger points that are the source of pain. 

Massage therapy is also part of an overall chiropractic health maintenance program. Along with nutritional counseling, chiropractic manipulation, massage therapy helps the body to perform at its optimal level. 

If you have been in an auto accident or had a sports injury, massage therapy goes hand in hand with other chiropractic therapies to resolve the pain that can result from these types of injuries. Getting a massage before or after your adjustment can help the results to be even more positive. While the chiropractic manipulation deals with the bones, the massage takes care of the soft tissues. They both assist the body in restoring its natural balance. 

Contact Dr. McClanahan of Dr. J Chiropractic and Wellness Center in Nitro, WV when you are in need of chiropractic care together with massage therapy. Call us at 304-776-1520 for an appointment or use the form on our website.

DOT Physical

 

Everything About DOT

When you need anything done that deals with DOT requirements and federal guidelines, Dr. Jay McClanahan has you covered. Please visit Dr. J Chiropractic & Wellness Center, Cross Lanes Drive, Nitro, WV., for your next DOT physical. 

What is DOT?

DOT stands for the US Department of Transportation system in the United States. The DOT system is a massive network of, 

• Highways
• Airways
• Railways
• Rivers
• Roads
• Hundreds of waterways

DOT has over 60,000 employees within its management and organizational infrastructure. DOT employees must adhere to strict rules and federal regulations.  

DOT aims to improve public health and safety by decreasing fatalities and injuries associated with all means of transportation and promoting an excellent balance between work and home life through chiropractic care.

Dr. McClanahan at Dr. J Chiropractic & Wellness Center, Cross Lanes Drive, Nitro, WV, can set you up for a DOT physical, or we honor walk-in appointments.

What is Involved with a Physical for DOT Employees?

Dr. McClanahan does DOT physicals at Dr. J Chiropractic & Wellness Center, Cross Lanes Drive, Nitro, WV. The minimum age requirement to work for DOT is 21. You must understand, read, and speak fluent English.  You must have commercial driving experience and training and be licensed for CDL. Passing your physical through this clinic qualifies you for a job to drive a commercial motor vehicle. 

Once you arrive at this clinic, our doctor,

• Fills out an Official Medical Examination Report 
• The doctor assures all his, and your information is correct. 
• Reviews in-depth medical history
• List all medications you take
• Tests vision, hearing, blood pressure, and urinalysis
• Documents your general health
• Oral cavity/throat
• Heart/lungs
• Abdomen
• Urinary system
• Limbs
• Spine 
• Musculoskeletal system

DOT generally overlooks corrective lenses and hearing aids. Your blood pressure must be no more than 140/90. Outside this range, you may have to have your blood pressure checked every three months to yearly. 

A urinalysis checks the urine for,

• Sugar
• Blood
• Protein
• Substances such as cocaine, amphetamines, THC, PCP, or opioids.

The doctor will look for and document specific physical issues. Have you experienced any of the following?

• Spinal Cord Injuries
• Brain Injuries
• Paralysis
• A Stroke or Heart Attack
• Substance Abuse
• Dizziness
• Fainting Spells
• Emotional or Mental Disorders
• Overall Wellbeing

Call for Your Physical Today

The doctor must ascertain if you are physically, emotionally, and mentally healthy to drive a commercial motor vehicle. There are physical exemptions that DOT may consider.

Dr. McClanahan of Dr. J Chiropractic & Wellness Center, at 304-776-1520, 642 Cross Lanes Drive, Nitro, WV., asks you to bring the following to your appointment. 

• Current DOT certificate, if you have one
• Photo ID
• List of current medications
• List of pre-existing conditions

What is Degenerative Disc Disease?

 

What is Chiropractic Medicine?

The conventional medical community calls upon these specialized doctors like Dr. Jay McClanahan to treat severe medical conditions like degenerative disc disease at Dr. J Chiropractic & Wellness Center, 642 Cross Lanes Drive, Nitro, WV 25143. 

This alternative treatment believes that the body is self-healing. However, over the last several years, chiropractic medicine has earned the respect it deserves, and now the traditional medical community works in conjunction with chiropractic doctors to enhance patient healing. 

Do You Suffer From Spinal Degeneration?

Spinal degeneration is, 

• Progressive
• Increasingly painful
• Robs you of your quality of life
• Makes walking difficult
  

Degenerative disc disease is loss of fluid in the spinal discs. These discs are what provide cushioning between the vertebrae, and without their fluid, they are less effective and more vulnerable to injury.

Spinal Degeneration is a Four Step Process Toward Disability

Spinal degeneration has four steps. Working with your doctor for a healthier back and spine is always possible, but early intervention can prevent the more severe results from developing. 

Phase 1

• Average balance and curve
• Minor bone loss
• Pressure on the spine, nerves, discs, and joints
• No pain or discomfort

Your chiropractic doctor can help you keep your back healthy and stop the progression of disc damage. 

Phase 2

• Discs narrow
• Bone deformities begin
• Bad posture
• Minor back pain 
• Fatigue
• Stressed 

There is still time for the chiropractic doctor to initiate a plan of care to keep your back healthy and reverse the damage. 

Phase 3

• Physical and mental coercion
• Increased bone stress 
• Decreased energy
• Experience a loss in height

The damage to your spine may be reversible through treatment by your chiropractic doctor. 

Phase 4

When you reach this phase of spinal degeneration, your only recourse is pain control. There is too much scar tissue, bone deformation, and nerve damage. Chiropractic treatments can still make you more comfortable, but the discs might not fully rebuild.

Seek help from Dr. McClanahan at Dr. J Chiropractic & Wellness Center, 642 Cross Lanes Drive, Nitro, WV 25143. Unfortunately, we cannot help you until you call us today at 304-446-1520. We serve the communities of Nitro, Cross Lanes, Charleston, St. Albans, and Teays Valley, WV.

Prevent Kyphosis

 

Kyphosis patients in Nitro, Cross Lanes, Charleston, St. Albans, and Teays Valley, WV, need to look after their spine. Dr. Jay McClanahan and his team at the Dr. J Chiropractic & Wellness Center is there to look after your spinal needs, including preventing kyphosis, while simultaneously providing pain relief and working with you to improve your overall quality of life!

What Is Kyphosis?

Kyphosis is a condition that affects the spine, more common in females. People suffering from kyphosis,  a spinal deformity, are diagnosed via x-ray, where it is established that the curvature of your spine measures 50 degrees or more. There are three main types.

• Postural kyphosis, also known as postural roundback
• Scheuermann’s kyphosis
• Congenital kyphosis

Causes of Kyphosis

If you have congenital kyphosis, it means that you were born with this condition of the spine, but it can also develop for one of the following reasons:

• Neuromuscular conditions
• Metabolic imbalances
• Familial risk
• Low bone density
• Age and poor posture

You are at risk of developing kyphosis if you suffer from Osteogenesis Imperfecta or Spina Bifida. Dr. McClanahan at the Dr. J Chiropractic & Wellness Center serving Nitro, Cross Lanes, Charleston, St. Albans, and Teays Valley, WV, is available to help manage the symptoms and treat your kyphosis and, where possible, the underlying cause.

Symptoms of Kyphosis

Early treatment is vital, and some symptoms to watch out for include the following:

• Shoulder or shoulder blade height differences
• The head bends forward unnaturally compared to the rest of the body.
• The height of the upper back is out of proportion when bending forward.
• Tight hamstring muscles
• Mild back pain

Prevention and Treatment of Kyphosis

The standard treatments for kyphosis are specialized exercises to help strengthen the back, bracing, or surgery. However, when it comes to our health, prevention is better than cure. First and foremost, if you are at risk of developing kyphosis, regular chiropractic check-ups are a must. This helps with early detection while keeping your spine at optimal health through manipulations and adjustments.

As we age, our bones become more brittle, and we are more prone to back pain and slouching. Chiropractic care keeps our muscles strong and toned while decreasing poor posture with a therapeutic exercise regime. Nutrition is another crucial aspect of helping to prevent kyphosis, and specific nutritional supplements help stabilize the metabolic system and support bone health.

Contact us!

If you need help preventing or treating kyphosis in the Nitro, Cross Lanes, Charleston, St. Albans, and Teays Valley, WV areas, look no further than Dr. McClanahan at the Dr. J Chiropractic & Wellness Center. Call us today on 304-776-1520 to book an appointment for you or a family member.

Physical Rehab

 

Whether you have suffered an auto accident injury, or you have recently been injured at work, physical rehab in Nitro, WV is going to help you move forward from your injuries. At Dr. J Chiropractic & Wellness Center in Nitro, WV, we understand the complexities of recovery after an accident, and how to provide you the treatment you need to heal. Chiropractic care is an excellent therapy to utilize when you are in pain and looking for natural pain management that doesn't involve medication. If you need physical rehab in Nitro, WV, it's time to schedule with Dr. Jay McClanahan for an evaluation.

Your Physical Rehab Assessment in Nitro, WV

When you receive an assessment from a chiropractor, you will go over your recent medical history and any complaints you may have regarding your health. Dr. McClanahan will take a look at any imaging that has been done, and take measurements to determine your current range of motion and strength throughout your body. You will have the opportunity to ask questions, and discuss your treatment goals. Once your assessment is complete, you can begin physical rehab to address problem areas. 

What to Expect From Physical Rehab in Nitro, WV

Physical rehab is a process, and you start off slowly getting treatment to align your spine and reduce inflammation. Chiropractic care focuses on spinal alignment, which will help to minimize inflammation. You will be taught exercises to do at home, to slowly strengthen and stretch your body. If you have any pain when exercising, it is important to stop the exercise and report this back to your provider. When you are recovering from an accident or injury, the exercises you are prescribed should not cause you further pain. You can expect therapy sessions two or three times a week for about a month, and you will eventually taper down sessions as you heal from your injuries. 

Contact Us for Physical Rehab in Nitro, WV Now

If you are in pain from a recent accident, and you are looking for physical rehab, it's time to see how a chiropractor can help. Contact Dr. J Chiropractic & Wellness Center in Nitro, WV at 304-776-1520, and schedule an appointment with Dr. McClanahan. Get started on your rehab journey today, and get the care you deserve.

Recovering from Sports Injuries

 

Athletes in the Nitro, WV area recovering from sports injuries are fortunate enough to have Dr. Jay McClanahan and his team at Dr. J Chiropractic & Wellness Center at their disposal. Our state-of-the-art chiropractic center offers quality chiropractic care to help you recover from sports injuries and get back to doing the sport you love.

What Is a Sports Injury?

A sports injury occurs when the body's structure is affected negatively during sports practice or competition, and it is considered a global health problem. This is complicated by the fact that there is no standardized definition of what a sports injury is. However, a sports injury may include such symptoms and conditions as:

• Sprain and strains
• Swelling and swollen muscles
• Fractures, breaks, and dislocations, including knee injuries
• Tendon ruptures

Sports injuries can happen to anyone, from children participating in school sports or extramural activities to mature athletes and active or retired professionals.

Chiropractic Care for Athletes

Time is of the essence when an athlete is injured. Receiving a diagnosis and treatment is vital to aid in a quick recovery and relieve any pain. These days, athletes need to bounce back from injuries and perform better than they did before. None more so than professional athletes, who rely heavily on chiropractic care to get them back on their feet without too many OTC medications or invasive alternatives like surgery that could keep them out of action for extended periods.

Chiropractic care offers health care in a holistic way that looks to treat the body as a whole rather than as individual parts. This includes the spinal column, joints, muscles, tendons, and ligaments. Simultaneously, it supports the nervous system and promotes natural function and activation of the body's healing capabilities. The treatments that Dr. McClanahan and his team at the Dr. J Chiropractic & Wellness Center serving Nitro, WV, offer to help with recovery include:

• Chiropractic adjustments and manipulations
• Massage therapy and therapeutic exercise
• Spinal decompression

Preventing Sports Injuries

Chiropractic is not only for when you are hurt or recovering; preventative chiropractic treatments can help reduce injuries and improve your overall quality of life. Using the correct equipment and proper sporting techniques is also a good idea. In addition, you can avoid sports injuries by warming up correctly before exercising, cooling down afterward, easing into a fitness regime, and not pushing your body too hard or too fast.

Contact Us!

If you are recovering from sports injuries in the Nitro, WV area, reach out to Dr. McClanahan and his team at the Dr. J Chiropractic & Wellness Center today at 304-776-1520 for an appointment so that we can help you on the road to recovery. 

Problems in Facet Joints

 

Problems in the facet joints are more common than you think, which is why if you need a chiropractor in the Nitro, WV area, look no further than Dr. Jay McClanahan and his team at Dr. J Chiropractic & Wellness Center. Our chiropractic approach is more than making the pain disappear. It is also taking care of your body to improve your quality of life in the long run.

What Are Facet Joints?

The facet joints are those essential connectors between the bones of the spines. The roots of your nervous system run through them to go to other parts of your body. Facet joints also give the spine the mobility to move and twist but without exceeding the safe limits that would result in injuries. Furthermore, facet joints are lined with synovium, a particular type of connective tissue unique to specific joints in the body. They also contain lubricating joint fluid necessary for you to move smoothly.

Symptoms of Facet Joint Problems

Facet joint disease or syndrome is common as patients age and is when the facet joints become a source of pain. Your facet joints can also cause pain if they swell due to trauma or arthritis. The type of pain experienced will depend on which facet joints are affected.

If they are lower back facet joints, you will experience pain in the lumbar region with referred pain in the buttocks and thighs. If the facet joints affected are in the neck area, then you may struggle to turn your head without pain or suffer from headaches.

Dr. McClanahan at Dr. J Chiropractic & Wellness Center serving Nitro, WV, want you to know that your nerves may be affected if the facet joints swell so much that it causes blockages to the openings where the nerves pass through. Most people who suffer from facet joint syndrome complain that they must turn their whole body left or right to look in that direction. Patients may struggle to stand up from a seated position and walk hunched over.

Chiropractic for Facet Joint Problems

Chiropractic can help reduce and relieve pain caused by facet joint problems. Spinal adjustments and manipulations can help realign the spine and relieve the pressure on the facet joints. DTS therapy works to stretch and relax the spine through decompression, allowing blood and nutrients to flow to the affected area, improving healing and relieving pain.

Contact Us!

Take control of your health and quality of life today through chiropractic, exercise, and nutrition. Call Dr. J Chiropractic & Wellness Center at 304-776-1520 to book your appointment with Dr. McClanahan to help relieve pain from swollen facet joints.

How Chiropractors Treat Neck Pain

 

Neck pain can be caused by many things. It can be as simple as sleeping in the wrong position or from whiplash in an accident. Dr. Jay McClanahan of Dr. J Chiropractic and Wellness Center in Nitro, WV has a full service practice that provides help for neck pain and many other kinds of pain as well. We also serve Cross Lanes, Charleston, St. Albans and Teays Valley. 

Chiropractic manipulation and adjustment

Chiropractic manipulation and adjustment is one of the primary therapies that is used by chiropractors. When things are out of alignment in your back and neck, it causes a variety of symptoms including neck pain. It goes without saying that if you have had an accident, it may very well have caused the vertebrae in your neck to go out of alignment. Misalignment affects the discs as well as the soft tissue and nerves in your neck. Getting them back in alignment is the first step in your recovery.

Therapeutic massage

Tension and stress often result in neck pain. Therapeutic massage helps release some of that tension. Massage may also help release the toxins in the muscles. Not only do muscles benefit from therapeutic massage, connective tissue everywhere in the body also benefits. Massage helps to promote a sense of well-being and encourages the healing process for many conditions including neck pain. 

Electric muscle stimulation

The muscles in the neck may become very tense and sore. The trauma of whiplash leads to severe muscle pain in the neck as well. Electrical muscle stimulation uses low levels of electricity to stimulate the muscles which tire them out. When they get tired, they relax, which helps with healing and pain. It also encourages the body to release endorphins, the body's natural pain reliever. 

Ultrasound therapy

Soundwaves are used to massage and vibrate the soft tissue and joints in the neck. This encourages the healing process and discourages the formation of scar tissue. Scar tissue is frequently a problem with injuries and the ability to heal. Some forms of this therapy create heat, which also allows for healing at a basic cellular level. 

Therapeutic exercise

Therapeutic exercise is designed to treat specific muscles and soft tissue and helps to continue the treatment when you are out of the office. Stretching can be particularly effective in helping the neck to get back to a pain-free life. 

Contact Dr. McClanahan of Dr. J Chiropractic and Wellness Center in Nitro, WV when you need help with your neck pain. You can schedule an appointment by calling our office on 304-776-1520. Don't delay getting treatment. The quicker you act, the sooner you will get relief. 

Holistic Care for Auto Injuries

 

Getting holistic care after auto injuries is as important as calling your insurance agent and your auto repair shop. Dr. Jay McClanahan of Dr. J Chiropractic and Wellness Center in Nitro, WV provides the therapies and treatments that can help you to recover as quickly as possible. 

The impact on the human body from an automobile accident can be devastating. Some people feel the effects right at the scene of an accident, others won't feel anything for a few days. The first three things you should do after an auto accident are to call your insurance agent, call your auto repair shop and call your chiropractor. Even if you are not feeling the effects yet, the best thing you can do for your continued health is to get holistic care immediately for your auto injuries. 

What is holistic care?

Holistic care is care that considers the entire body. All aspects, spiritual, mental, physical and social, are taken into consideration. If one part is injured or not functioning at optimal levels, it affects all the other parts. The treatment in holistic care is usually medication free and relies on the belief that the body has the capacity to heal itself if all things are in alignment. 

What is whiplash?

Whiplash is an injury that results from the sudden snapping forward or backwards of the head and neck due to the vehicle having impact with another vehicle or an immovable object. It can affect the soft tissues but also the joints and discs in the neck and back. Sometimes the pain is immediate and other times it takes a while. Some symptoms include pain in the neck back, arms, and shoulder. It can also cause dizziness, headache, blurred vision, and nausea. 

Treatments for auto injuries

Manipulation

After your exam and diagnosis, the first thing is to get things back where they belong. Spinal manipulation helps speed the healing by causing the muscles to relax and to help the body heal itself. Manipulation helps to break up scar tissue so that it will never form to cause issues. 

Therapeutic massage

After an auto accident, having tense and sore muscles is a given. A therapeutic massage can help the body to relax and that allows healing to happen faster and helps to relieve the tensions and pressure points. It also allows other therapies that your chiropractic may want to try to work more effectively. 

If you are looking for holistic care after auto injuries, look no further than Dr. McClanahan of Dr. J Chiropractic and Wellness Center in Nitro, WV. To make an appointment for an evaluation, call 304-776-1520. 

Pain in the Hip Flexors

 

If you are suffering from pain in the hip flexors what you want is fast relief. You can get that relief is a quick, non-invasive, non-addictive way from Dr. Jay McClanahan of Dr. J Chiropractic and Wellness Center in Nitro, WV. He offers a variety of treatments and therapies that can help get you back to a pain-free life. 

What are hip flexors?

Hip flexors are muscles that are located on the front side of the hip bone. They help you to lift and move your leg and knee up towards your torso and also to bend at the waist. You have one group on either side, and they are some of the strongest muscles in the body. When you feel pain in your hip flexors, it is usually located in the groin where the thigh connects with the pelvis. 

Causes of hip flexor pain

Hip flexors can be injured through too much exercise and by not enough exercise. This is a muscle that gets damaged in runners, martial artists, and soccer, football and hockey players, all people who use their legs a lot. But if you sit too much, you can also suffer from hip flexor pain from not using the muscle.  Stretching helps both types of injury. You should warm up before exercise and get up and move around hourly if you have a sedentary job or lifestyle. 

Treatment for hip flexor pain

After the initial examination and diagnosis, it may be decided that rest is the treatment that needs to happen first. With the addition of ice, this can be enough to help with the pain. But if the injury is more severe, there are other options. 

Massage therapy

When it comes to soft tissue injuries, massage therapy increases circulation and flexibility in the muscles and this allows for relaxation. When used in combination with other therapies, it allows them to work more efficiently. 

Ultrasound therapy

The ultrasound creates soundwaves that vibrate and massage the soft tissues. They cause the muscles to relax and help injuries to heal. They facilitate healing deep in the tissues at the cellular level. 

Electrical stimulation therapy

Electrical stimulation uses low levels of electricity to cause the body to produce endorphins. It helps to release the tension in the muscles and relax pressure points. When the muscle relaxes it can heal rather quickly. 

Manipulation

Manipulation of the spine is not the only area that can be adjusted. The hip can be manipulated, and it can help the hip flexor stretch. 

Contact Dr. McClanahan of Dr. J Chiropractic and Wellness Center in Nitro, WV when you need treatment for pain in your hip flexors. Contact us through the website or call us at 304-776-1520 for an appointment. 

Relief for Soft Tissue Stress

 

For relief from soft tissue stress, you can count on Dr. Jay McClanahan of Dr. J Chiropractic and Wellness Center in Nitro, WV. Chiropractors are experts in soft tissue pain relief not just in the back but the entire body. 

What are soft tissues?

Soft tissues include fat, muscles, ligaments, tendons, and fascia that surround and support the organs and the skeleton. Without them, movement would not be possible. This makes them particularly vulnerable to injuries. Think sprains, strains, whiplash, and pain from overuse. 

What causes soft tissue stress?

You may think that soft tissue stress happens to athletes. You are not incorrect, but everyone is vulnerable to injuring soft tissue. It just takes one wrong step, and you can twist your ankle, lift a heavy box and strain your back, or take a bike ride and have screaming leg muscles. All of these result in pain and getting relief is what you need. 

Chiropractors and soft tissue stress

Chiropractors take a whole body approach to treating any pain. Not just treating the symptoms but getting to the root cause of why the injury happened. Medication is not the treatment of choice, but there are many treatments that can result in healing  and pain relief. 

Spinal manipulation is hands-on therapy that helps to realign the vertebrae in the spine. When the spine is in alignment, messages can get through from the brain unimpeded. The body has the ability to heal itself, but it needs to work at an optimal level. 

Therapeutic massage not only relaxes the muscles in the body which helps relieve soft tissue stress, but when the body is relaxed, it is more receptive to other therapies. Many different types of massage are available and one of them is right for you. 

Ultrasound therapy is not the same as the ultrasound that is used to look at babies in the womb. It uses sound waves to accelerate healing at the cellular level. It is a handheld device that the chiropractor used to bring heat directly to the affected soft tissue. 

Electrical stimulation therapy uses a small amount of electricity to cause the muscles to spasm, which tires them out and they relax. It can help with many types of soft tissue stress. This therapy can help with both chronic and acute pain. 

Therapeutic exercise can help your muscles to get stronger and stronger muscles help support the structure of the body. 

When you need relief from soft tissue stress, contact Dr. McClanahan of Dr. J Chiropractic and Wellness Center in Nitro, WV. We also serve Cross Lanes, Charleston, St. Albans and Teays Valley. For an appointment, call 304-776-1520. 

 

What to Do When You Have a Disc Injury

Have you been diagnosed with or think you might have a disc injury in Cross Lanes, St. Albans, Charleston, Teays Valley, or Nitro, WV? Dr. Jay McClanahan at Dr. J Chiropractic & Wellness Center can help you heal naturally and effectively through customized care.

Steps to Take When You Have a Disc Injury

A disc injury can create a lot of pain and suffering. And unfortunately, the human body is put at risk of such an injury each and every day. Fortunately, you’re not powerless if you do sustain such an injury. The following steps can help.

Take a Rest

When you first sustain a disc injury, taking a couple of days to rest can help. It’s important to note, though, that resting for too long can actually create more problems. That’s why you should limit that rest period to no more than two days. During this time, using a little heat can help alleviate some of your pain and discomfort.

Ease Back Into Life

When those couple of days of rest are over, it’s imperative that you don’t just dive back into your regular activities full force. Instead, you want to ease back into it. And be sure that you take breaks throughout the day, don’t sit for too long at once, and spend some time stretching.

Do Some Light Exercise and Stretches

Targeted movement and stretches can go a long way in helping a disc injury heal – and in providing relief while it does. The key here is to listen to your body. If a specific movement or stretch causes pain, avoid it. When you find those that are relieving, aim to repeat them several times a day.

Visit Your Chiropractor

One of the most important steps to take when you have a disc injury in Cross Lanes, St. Albans, Charleston, Teays Valley, or Nitro, WV is to schedule an appointment with Dr. McClanahan at Dr. J Chiropractic & Wellness Center. Through various treatment methods, such as spinal decompression, spinal adjustments, massage therapy, and therapeutic exercise, Dr. McClanahan can help you get back to living your life.

You don’t have to take pain and suffering due to a disc injury when you have someone like Dr. McClanahan that has your back. If you live in Cross Lanes, St. Albans, Charleston, Teays Valley, or Nitro, WV, call Dr. J Chiropractic & Wellness Center at (304) 776-1520 to schedule an appointment today.

What are Some Signs of Osteoarthritis?

 

Osteoarthritis is a progressive condition, with symptoms that can vary in intensity. While chiropractic care with Dr. Jay McClanahan in Nitro, WV does not cure osteoarthritis, you can find significant relief from symptoms when you see a chiropractor. At Dr. J Chiropractic & Wellness, we provide treatment for the stiffness, poor range of motion, and pain that often accompanies osteoarthritis. If you are having trouble with mobility, or you have pain that is difficult to treat, it's time to see how chiropractic can help.

Signs of Osteoarthritis 

Osteoarthritis usually comes on slowly, but there are a number of signs that osteoarthritis is present. Pain in your joints after exercise, stiffness, poor range of motion, swelling, or a loss of flexibility can all indicate that you have arthritis in your body. Getting enough exercise will help you maintain flexibility, but this is hard if you have pain that is caused by osteoarthritis. Treatment with a chiropractor can improve strength and ease pain, making it easier for you to get the exercise you need.

Chiropractic Care and Osteoarthritis 

When you see a chiropractor for osteoarthritis, the goal will be to improve your overall wellness to make it easier for you to function. Stretching, home exercises, spinal adjustments and massage may all be part of your treatment plan. You can get stronger, and move about with less pain when you work with a chiropractor in Nitro to address your stiff joints. Once you begin working with a chiropractor, you will see your ability to move about with less pain improve.

Schedule With a Nitro, WV Chiropractor Today

To learn more about the benefits of chiropractic care and osteoarthritis, give Dr. J Chiropractic & Wellness a call today at 304-776-1520 and set up your first appointment. You will meet with Dr. Jay McClanahan, and talk about your treatment goals. You can feel better with osteoarthritis, but you have to find natural ways to improve your overall health through chiropractic.

Risk Factors for Shoulder Injuries

 

Of all the joints in the body, the shoulder is the most intricate. Shoulder injuries are quite common because of the complexity and range of motion that the shoulder has. Dr. Jay McClanahan of Dr. J Chiropractic and Wellness Center in Nitro, WV has treatments and therapies that can help to get your shoulder on the road to healing.

Car accidents

A car accident can cause a severe shoulder injury. The seatbelt can cause the collarbone to be fractured. The collarbone and the shoulder share a connection and the injury of one will pain the other. Another common injury to the shoulder caused by a car accident is a torn rotator cuff. The rotator cuff is four muscles and tendons that surround the shoulder joint. It is an important part of the stability of this complex joint. A tear is painful if it is touched or if you try to use your shoulder. 

Aging

Aging is a major risk factor for shoulder injuries. The more often you repeat a movement, the more likely you are to injure it and your shoulders get a lot of repetitive use. Rotator cuff injuries are more common as you age and, of course, the wear and tear that your shoulder gets increases your chance of developing osteoarthritis and bone spurs. Frozen shoulder is also more common as you age and this can severely limit the amount of movement in your shoulder. 

Sports injuries

There is no doubt that shoulders are vulnerable to sports injuries. With contact sports like football, landing on your shoulder can do painful damage. Rotator cuff injuries are of particular risk to athletes who do repetitive motions, like swimmers, tennis players, and baseball pitchers. Shoulders are also at risk of injuries in sports like wrestling and volleyball. 

Poor posture

Poor posture can lead to shoulder impingement. Impingement is when the muscles or tendons in your shoulder rub against the bursa, which causes it to become inflamed and results in bursitis. If you are slumping or hunching your shoulders, this is a risk factor for shoulder injuries. 

Many chiropractic treatments can benefit the pain you are feeling in your shoulder. Massage can help the muscles to relax, ultrasound can help with injury healing and therapeutic exercise will help get your shoulder back to 100%. These are just some options your chiropractor will discuss with you. 

To receive treatment for shoulder injuries in Nitro, WV, you can count on Dr. McClanahan of Dr. J Chiropractic and Wellness Center. To make an appointment for an evaluation, give us a call at (304) 776-1520 or use the form on our website. 

What is Therapeutic Ultrasound?

 

Ultrasounds are often associated with pregnant women for imaging purposes. However, the use of ultrasound technology - soundwave technology - can also be used to help with the pain. And Dr. Jay McClanahan of Dr. J Chiropractic and Wellness Center, serving Nitro, WV, and the surrounding areas, offers this therapy. Let's discuss. 

What's Therapeutic Ultrasound? 

When used in a therapeutic sense, the ultrasound waves are directed toward soft tissue, causing a deep heating effect. This stimulates blood circulation to the part to help with the healing process. Through this, ultrasound technology may also reduce pain. Ultimately, our chiropractor may use the ultrasound to improve your flexibility and enhance your range of motion. 

Sometimes, a chiropractor will use therapeutic ultrasounds to stimulate the expansion and contraction of cavitation near injured tissue. This will speed up the healing process. 

Uses of Ultrasound Therapy 

Our practitioner may recommend ultrasound therapy for either acute or chronic pain. It has the potential to promote healing, which can aid in either. Some examples of reasons a chiropractor may recommend this therapy include the following:

• Shoulder pain
• Tendinitis
• Carpal tunnel
• Ligament injuries 

Safety Precautions 

As a general rule, an ultrasound is a safe procedure that doesn't emit any radiation. However, the purpose of the procedure is to heat the tissue. If it heats too much, it could cause discomfort or damage, though. Your practitioner monitors this part of the process carefully to prevent overheating.

Pregnant women shouldn't undergo this therapy until they deliver, nor is it recommended for people with pacemakers.

What to Expect 

Wear comfortable clothing so you have no problem moving as your chiropractor requests. The practitioner will use an ultrasound wand to send vibrations to the tissue underneath the skin. These vibrations cause a heating effect that promotes circulation and potentially eases pain while speeding up healing. 

It takes about 10 minutes for this procedure. And you'll notice during that time, the practitioner will use a stroking motion to administer the treatment. 

At Dr. J Chiropractic and Wellness Center, serving Nitro, WV, Dr. McClanahan provides ultrasound therapy to help with pain and healing. To prevent complications, our practitioner takes every step possible to assist. And this is a rather quick procedure that - and we should note - doesn't usually cause any side effects. 

Book an appointment with us by calling 304-776-1520 today. 

Causes of Lower Back Pain

 Lower back pain is very common. So common in fact that 80% of people will suffer from it during their lifetime. It is one of the most common reasons for visiting a medical professional. Worldwide, almost 600 million people suffer from it. If you're one of them, you know that what you want is relief and to understand what causes it. Dr. Jay McClanahan of Dr. J Chiropractic and Wellness Center in Nitro, WV offers many services for those who are suffering from lower back pain. 

Two types of lower back pain exist, acute and chronic. Acute lower back pain is of short duration and many cases will resolve themselves if you take it easy and pamper it. Chronic lower back pain is of a longer duration and is usually still around after a year. One in five people with lower back pain will become chronic. 

Aging

Aging is a primary factor in the development of lower back pain. As you age, it is likely that you may suffer from degeneration in your spine. This can take the form of osteoarthritis, which is wear and tear to your cartilage, or of osteoporosis, which is the honeycombing of the bones. You may have degeneration in your discs as they wear down and no longer offer the same amount of cushion. Spondylosis is the name given to the general wear and tear that occurs in the spine as you age. 

Injury

If you have had an accident it can result in damage to your spine. Injuries damage the muscles and tendons that support your back and this leads to lower back pain. Young people, especially those who participate in sports, can end up with pain in their lower back. Traumatic injuries can damage not only the ligaments but the discs themselves. After a vehicle accident, whiplash is something to be on the lookout for. 

Spinal irregularities

Certain congenital conditions can cause lower back pain. If the spine is not straight, this can result in pain. The condition called scoliosis is just one of the better-known conditions. 

If you are looking for relief from your lower back pain, contact Dr. McClanahan of Dr. J Chiropractic and Wellness Center in Nitro, WV. In addition to Nitro, we serve Cross Lanes, St. Albans, Teays Valley, and Charleston. Call our office at 304-776-1520 for an appointment. 

Keep Good Posture While Driving

 

Dr. J Chiropractic & Wellness Center and Dr. Jay McClanahan constantly work to help improve their patients' posture in Nitro, WV. Unfortunately, many people don't keep their backs properly supported while driving and suffer. Thankfully, it is possible to avoid slumping and protect yourself here.

Many People Slump While Driving

If you're like most people, you probably spend many hours in your car every week. Whether you commute to work, take your children to school, or enjoy going out for the day, you may be slumping when you drive. Many people do, and this problem can cause many issues with your health.

For example, it's not uncommon to suffer from pain in the neck, shoulders, wrists, arms, fingers, back, legs, and feet if you don't drive with the best posture in Nitro, WV. Thankfully, it is possible to avoid this problem by adjusting how you drive and minimizing long-term health issues as well.

Keeping Your Back Straight In the Car

By now, you should understand the importance of keeping your back straight in the car. Achieving a straight back is fairly simple if you take a few steps. The following process may seem somewhat involved, but once you get it down pat, you'll be ready to drive:

1. Slide your tailbone as close to the seat as possible to support your back
2. Lift your hips as much as possible to increase blood circulation
3. Adjust your seat so that you can hit your pedals without being too close
4. Tweak your seat until your eyes are three inches above the steering wheel
5. Lean slightly back to keep your back at about a 100-110 degree angle
6. Carefully adjust your headrest so that it just touches the back of your head
7. Insert a lumbar support in your car to get maximum back support as you drive
8. Properly adjust your rearview mirrors to avoid having to crane your neck to see
9. Know when it's time to take breaks and stretch your back to keep it limber

If you notice any strain in your back, neck, or shoulders, talk with your doctor right away. They can help you find a better seating position or even prescribe support that works for you. This process can ensure that you don't suffer while you're driving your car. You may even use some of these steps when sitting in your home's many seats.

Help is Available

Dr. J Chiropractic & Wellness Center and Dr. McClanahan can help you manage any posture problems in Nitro, WV, and ensure you drive properly every time you're in the vehicle. Doing so can help keep your back stronger and healthier. Please call 304-776-1520 right away to learn more.

Spinal Spurs

 

Dr. J Chiropractic & Wellness Center and Dr. Jay McClanahan know that people in Nitro, WV, with spinal spurs experience heavy pain that can be hard to manage. Our team of experts can help you understand why these bone spurs develop and ways you can manage them without difficulty.

How Spurs Develop

Spurs on your spine are just like any other bone spur and are hard bumps of extra bones that often form between joints or where two bones meet. However, they can form just about anywhere and don't cause any problems on their own. Unfortunately, spurs on your spine are a bit more problematic.

They typically occur because of things like osteoarthritis, degenerative joint disease, gout, injury, excessive use, obesity, genetic bone problems, spinal stenosis (narrowing of the spine), and a poor diet. Many of these influences can be properly regulated to prevent these spurs from ever developing.

If you develop spinal spurs in Nitro, WV, you may not experience any problems at all. Unfortunately, they may also cause a variety of symptoms like pain in the affected area, difficulty moving the area, spasms through the muscles, cramps, and even bumps beneath your skin.

Spurs in your spine are problematic because they may affect nerve signals if they're allowed to worsen or develop. As a result, it is important to talk with a treatment specialist who understands these issues and who can manage them before they worsen on you.

Treating This Painful Problem

When treating your spurs, our team will carefully scan your body to identify what is happening. These diagnostic steps may include x-rays and MRI scans that can get a quick look inside of your body, although we don't request those needlessly. If we see any spurs, we'll decide what kind of treatment method may work the best for you.

Medication and surgery are not always necessary to mitigate problems from spinal spurs, and even in cases where they are recommended, it is important to take holisitc steps to prevent spurs from developing again. For example, losing weight, eating a calcium-rich diet, and avoiding excessively working the affected area may all help. We'll help you come up with a plan that makes the most sense for your overall needs.

We Can Help You

Are you experiencing bone spurs in your spine and need help to manage them? You aren't alone. Thankfully, Dr. J Chiropractic & Wellness Center and Dr. McClanahan can manage spinal spurs for Nitro, WV, residents. Call us at 304-776-1520 to set up an appointment with a team who cares.

Weight and Joint Stress

 

Weight gain is a common problem that affects many people, but can be a serious issue if it isn't properly managed. For example, your joint health may suffer if you gain even just a little bit of weight. Thankfully, Dr. J Chiropractic & Wellness Center and Dr. Jay McClanahan can help you understand how extra weight affects your joints in Nitro, WV, and what you can do to stay healthy.

Weight Gain May Damage Your Joint Connections

Excessive weight gain will affect all parts of your body, including your joint health. Experts state that even 10 extra pounds can increase the force on your knees by 30-40 pounds, which will wear them down much sooner and cause serious health complications for many people.

Even worse, your joints in Nitro, WV, may end up giving out on you and causing you to struggle to walk, operate tools, or live your normal day-to-day life. As a result, it is critically important to take steps to manage your weight and get back into shape. Doing so can ensure that you are healthier.

Losing Weight for Joint Health

Our team at Dr. J Chiropractic & Wellness Center can help you manage weight gain and get your life back into control. First, we can help you manage your joint pain and ensure that you aren't needlessly suffering. Our careful manipulations will get your joint health stronger to help you exercise longer.

We can then help you find a nutritional care plan that makes sense for your needs. We'll work with your primary care team to produce a nutritional eating schedule that supports your overall weight loss and health. In this way, you can improve your physical health and feel better about exercising.

Here comes the tough part: working out. We'll start out by working you into some simple exercise routines, like walking every day, that burn calories and improve your metabolism. Non-impact options, like swimming, work well if you're already suffering from joint pain.

As you recover, our team will direct you through various physical therapy and chiropractic routines that will improve your joint health. In this way, you can not only lose weight but feel stronger as a person and able to handle life's many demands.

Help is Available for You

If your joint health is suffering because of extra weight, and you aren't sure where to begin, you might want to call us at Dr. J Chiropractic & Wellness Center right away. Dr. McClanahan knows how to support your joints in Nitro, WV, and can give you the help that you need. Make sure that you call us at 304-776-1520 to learn more about our treatment methods.

Bones of the Spinal Column

 

Spinal column health and wellness are essential to daily life. Dr. Jay McClanahan at Dr. J Chiropractic & Wellness Center is committed to helping Cross Lanes, Charleston, St. Albans, Teays Valley, and Nitro, WV residents keep their spines in the best possible shape.

Makeup of the Spinal Column

The spinal column is an intricately-designed system that supports your body and its movements. It is made up of 33 bones that are separated into five regions, each of which has its own job.

Cervical Region

The cervical spine has seven distinct bones that are labeled C1 to C7. The C1 bone is located at the base of your skull and is responsible for moving your head up and down. The C2 is directly below that and allows your head to move from side to side. The C7 is the lowest bone, which stops at the top of the shoulders.

Thoracic Region

The thoracic spine or the mid-back has 12 bones labeled T1 to T12. The purpose of this entire region is to protect your lungs and heart while holding your rib cage together. As such, this area does not move like the cervical or lumbar region.

Lumbar Region

The lumbar spine is the lower back region. It’s made up of five bones, labeled L1 to L5. These are responsible for bending and lifting, as well as holding up the weight of the body.

Sacral Region

Your sacral spine connects your hip bones and the spine. There are five bones in this region, labeled S1 to S5. As they are fused together, they have very limited movement.

Coccyx Region

The coccyx spine is made up of four bones that are also fused together. They have one important job: to provide a way for the pelvic muscles and ligaments to stay attached.

Other Features

The bones are a very important part of the body, but they can’t do their job alone. In between the bones lies a cushion or disc that helps protect the bones and provide shock absorption. There are also ligaments, muscles, tendons, and nerves that ensure everything is supported and working properly.

To keep your spinal column in optimal health, Dr. Jay McClanahan at Dr. J Chiropractic & Wellness Center offers the residents of Cross Lanes, Charleston, St. Albans, Teays Valley, and Nitro, WV natural, holistic chiropractic care. Through various treatment methods, he can help you keep every component of your spine operating efficiently.

Be proactive in your spinal column health and wellness. If you live in Cross Lanes, Charleston, St. Albans, Teays Valley, and Nitro, WV, schedule an appointment with Dr. McClanahan at Dr. J Chiropractic & Wellness Center at (304) 776-1520.

What is Text Neck?

 

Living with neck pain in Cross Lanes, Charleston, St. Albans, Teays Valley, and Nitro, WV? Put your recovery in the skilled hands of Dr. Jay McClanahan at Dr. J Chiropractic & Wellness Center.

What Is Text Neck?

Text neck is the term used for symptoms that occur due to looking down for long periods. Typically, this happens when you’re looking down at your phone. However, hanging your head down over a book, report, or even to do your nails can lead to text neck if you stay in that position for too long.

Why does this happen? The human head weighs around 10 to 12 pounds. Your neck is designed to hold that weight upright. When you sit in what is known as the Forward Head position, the weight of your head is being distributed to places of your neck not meant to withstand it. This can impact the spine, nerves, muscles, and ligaments in and around the neck.

How Do I Know It’s Text Neck?

Neck pain can come from a variety of issues. It’s important that you know how to differentiate text neck symptoms from symptoms of other conditions. If you are experiencing text neck, you likely have a combination of several of the following symptoms.

• Headaches
• Shoulder, upper back, and neck pain
• Trouble with balance
• Curved spine, especially around the neck
• Trouble with vision that wasn’t there before or not as bad
• Hunched back
• Muscle spasms
• Pinched nerves
• Pain in the arms

If you experience such symptoms and they’re not addressed, it will only worsen. In serious cases, text neck can lead to spinal disc degeneration.

How to Address Text Neck in Cross Lanes, Charleston, St. Albans, Teays Valley, and Nitro, WV

Fortunately, text neck can be treated with a two-part plan: visiting your chiropractor and making some lifestyle adjustments. After an assessment, Dr. McClanahan at Dr. J Chiropractic & Wellness Center will determine the best forms of chiropractic treatment. Your recovery plan will likely include:

• Spinal adjustments to correct any misalignment
• Massage therapy to help relieve tension and promote circulation to the neck area
• Therapeutic exercises designed to stretch and strengthen damaged tissues

Other treatments might be utilized as well. You’ll also be given recommendations for things you can do in your daily life, such as adjusting your habits and stretches you can perform at home or work.

Don’t let neck pain slow you down. If you live in Cross Lanes, Charleston, St. Albans, Teays Valley, and Nitro, WV, schedule an appointment with Dr. McClanahan to start your journey to recovery. Call Dr. J Chiropractic & Wellness Center at (304) 776-1520 today.

Cyclists and Musculoskeletal Pain

 

Chiropractic care from Dr. Jay McClanahan at Dr. J Chiropractic & Wellness Center can help cyclists in Cross Lanes, Charleston, St. Albans, Teays Valley, and Nitro, WV stay on their bikes longer.

Ups and Downs of Cycling

It doesn’t matter if you enjoy cycling as a hobby or workout, or if you like to compete. There’s no argument that it’s good for your health. It’s a great cardio and muscle workout. It can also be great for joint health and can even delay arthritis.

Unfortunately, it can also cause some problems. Cycling puts repetitive strain on various areas of the body, which can lead to injuries, pain, inflammation, and suffering. Some of the most common are below.

Knee Pain

One of the most common injuries for cyclists is knee injuries. As you pedal, you put constant pressure on the knee cap. This can cause the joints to wear down, resulting in the bones rubbing one another and tissues being compressed.

Neck Pain

When you ride, you’re likely leaning over while holding your head up to watch where you’re going. This puts the neck in an unnatural position, which can impact your cervical discs, muscles, and joints.

Shoulder Injuries

Many cyclists experience fractures, damaged joints, rotator cuff injuries, torn cartilage, and more to the shoulder. This typically occurs from crashing or falling off the bike.

Back Pain

Overuse injuries and spinal disc injuries to the back are common for cyclists due to the position and constant movement. And the longer you ride without taking a break or stretching, the more serious these injuries can become. Unfortunately, back pain can keep you from cycling.

Foot Pain

It’s not uncommon for cyclists to experience numbness, tingling, and pain in the front or on the bottom of the foot. This can be caused by compressed nerves or a tight plantar fascia band.

Achilles Tendonitis

Pedaling can put a great deal of stress on the Achilles tendon, which is the tissue that connects the ankle and the calf. This can easily lead to pain, inflammation, and discomfort.

Chiropractic Treatment for Cyclists in Cross Lanes, Charleston, St. Albans, Teays Valley, and Nitro, WV

Dr. McClanahan at Dr. J Chiropractic & Wellness Center offers several chiropractic methods to keep you cycling longer. These include:

• Chiropractic massage
• Therapeutic exercise
• Spinal decompression
• Spinal and extremity adjustments
• Ultrasound therapy
• Custom foot orthotics
• Electrical muscle stimulation

Dr. McClanahan at Dr. J Chiropractic & Wellness Center is dedicated to keeping cyclists in Cross Lanes, Charleston, St. Albans, Teays Valley, and Nitro, WV on the move. Schedule your appointment by calling (304) 776-1520.