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.