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.