Pinched Nerves and the Spine

 

A pinched nerve can make daily life unbearable, but you can put a stop to the pain in Cross Lanes, Charleston, St. Albans, Teays Valley, and Nitro, WV with the help of Dr. Jay McClanahan at Dr. J Chiropractic & Wellness Center.

What Is a Pinched Nerve and How Does It Happen?

Pinched nerves can occur anywhere along the spine – from the neck down to the lower back. Typically, pinched nerves are the symptom of too much pressure caused by misaligned joints or damage to the muscles, ligaments, and tendons.

For example, a misalignment can cause a bulging disc, which can then press against the nerve. Swollen or tense muscles or tendons can do the same. Additionally, conditions such as osteoporosis and rheumatoid arthritis can lead to nerve compression.

All of these issues can easily be caused by a severe injury, but they can also be due to repetitive movements, improper posture or lifting, and even being overweight. Regardless of the cause, a pinched nerve can lead to very undesirable symptoms.

Common Symptoms of a Pinched Nerve

Pinched nerves can result in several different symptoms, but they can vary depending on the patient. Below are some of the most common things that sufferers experience.

• Headaches and neck pain
• Radiating pain from the lower spine down the foot
• Shooting pain, dull aches, or burning sensations
• Numbness or muscle weakness
• Tension in the neck and shoulders
• Tingling sensations or feeling like an area is “falling asleep”

How a Chiropractor Can Treat Your Pinched Nerve in Cross Lanes, Charleston, St. Albans, Teays Valley, and Nitro, WV

Chiropractic care is a holistic, gentle, and effective way of treating pinched nerves. After fully evaluating your condition and symptoms, Dr. McClanahan at Dr. J Chiropractic & Wellness Center will determine the best course of treatment to help decompress the nerve and heal the damaged area. Some treatments typically utilized include the following.

• Spinal adjustments: Realigning the spine is the first line of treatment for compressed nerves, as this condition is often caused by a misalignment.
• Spinal decompression: This therapy can further take pressure off of the nerve by stretching the spine and pulling any bulging discs back into place.
• Therapeutic exercise: Dr. McClanahan can guide you through targeted stretches and exercises to relieve pressure and address pain.
• Lifestyle recommendations: In many cases, changes to your daily habits are necessary to achieve optimal healing and prevent further pain.

Don’t let a pinched nerve put a stop to living. If you live in Cross Lanes, Charleston, St. Albans, Teays Valley, and Nitro, WV, partner with Dr. McClanahan at Dr. J Chiropractic & Wellness Center for relief by calling (304) 776-1520.

Chiropractic and Common Sports Injuries

 

Sports injury got you down and out? Dr. Jay McClanahan at Dr. J Chiropractic & Wellness Center is committed and specialized in treating sports injuries for residents in Cross Lanes, Charleston, St. Albans, Teays Valley, and Nitro, WV

4 Common Sports Injuries

Sports injuries are common for all athletes – whether you participate on the weekends for fun or professionally. While sports can be great for getting and staying in shape, they can also lead to some painful injuries. Below are five of the most common sports injuries that athletes face.

Misalignment

From a full-body tackle to landing improperly as you run, anything can impact your spinal alignment. Unfortunately, a spinal misalignment can impact your muscles, joints, nerves, and more.

Pinched Nerves

Injuries and misalignment of the spine can often put pressure on the surrounding nerves. When this occurs, you can suffer through tingling, weakness, numbness, and shooting pain.

Sprains, Strains, and Overuse Injuries

Playing hard at your favorite sport means putting your muscles through the wringer, and often leads to tears in the fibers. At times, these tears are minor and can heal pretty quickly. Other times, they may induce muscle spasms, weakness, inflammation, and more that simply won’t go away on their own.

Dislocations

Joint dislocations are not an uncommon occurrence, especially in high-impact activities. Without treatment, it can take weeks or longer to heal – during which you will likely suffer an immense amount of pain.

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

Sports injuries can range from minor annoyances to such severe pain that you cannot enjoy your favorite activity any longer. However, a visit to Dr. McClanahan at Dr. J Chiropractic & Wellness Center can help you recover more quickly through a variety of treatment methods, including those below.

• Spinal adjustments: This is a safe, effective treatment option that realigns the spinal column and helps relieve pressure on pinched nerves.
• Massage therapy: This can help relieve tension and soft tissue injuries.
• Therapeutic exercise: Targeted workout problems can help you stretch and strengthen damaged areas.
• Therapeutic ultrasound therapy: This method helps address soft tissue injuries by increasing blood flow and breaking down scar tissue in a targeted area.

These are just a few of the methods Dr. McClanahan uses to address sports injuries. Your specific treatment plan will include a combination of treatment options that can address your individual needs.

Don’t let sports injuries win. If you live in Cross Lanes, Charleston, St. Albans, Teays Valley, or Nitro, WV, schedule an appointment with Dr. McClanahan at Dr. J Chiropractic & Wellness Center by calling (304) 776-1520 today.

 

What is a Cervicogenic Headache?

Headaches are an unfortunate part of life for many people. Some come from worry and stress, while others could stem from a nutritional deficit. Dr. Jay McClanahan of Dr. J Chiropractic & Wellness in Nitro, WV, would like you to know that some could be a cerviogenic headache. But, what's that? 

General Information 

Cerviogenic means that something comes from the cervical portion of your spine, which is the upper portion of your spine located in your neck. Therefore, a cervicogenic headache is pain that is referred to the head from an issue in the cervical spine.

Not only could the pain occur from the discs or vertebrae in this region, but it could be contributed to by the nearby soft tissue in this region. 

Often, this form of headache is misunderstood because some individuals believe that any headache caused by neck pain is cerviogenic. However, this term is specifically related to pain caused by a lesion or disorder in this part of the spine that's triggering a headache. Some potential causes include a fracture or rheumatoid arthritis in the neck. 

Symptoms of a Cerviogenic Headache 

People who suffer from these headaches may experience a limited range of motion in their necks in addition to their headaches. The headache pain may worsen when the person moves their neck in a certain way, or they apply pressure to a specific region of their neck. 

Typically, a cerviogenic headache only affects one side of a person's head. It's possible that the pain will begin at the back of the neck and reach the top of the head. Some people experience pain that reaches behind the eye. 

Treating Cerviogenic Headaches

Although treating the root cause of the headaches is essential if it's from an issue, such as a tumor, our chiropractor in Nitro, WV, can help in many cases involving misalignments and fluid blockages. 

Through the use of exercise therapy, our practitioner can guide you through exercises that gently work the neck to increase your range of motion and strengthen the soft tissue in the region. Additionally, these movements also encourage blood flow to the region to promote healing. The increased blood flow can also bring additional nutrients to the neck to reduce the prevalence of a nutrient deficiencies. 

If you're experiencing recurring headaches that could be caused by an issue in your cervical spine or the surrounding region, Dr. McClanahan of Dr. J. Chiropractic & Wellness in Nitro, WV, may be able to help. Our practitioner uses natural remedies to help you find relief. 

Book an appointment today by calling our office at 304-776-1520.