How Chiropractors Approach Neck Pain

 

Chiropractors see patients come in with neck pain every day. It's a fairly common condition, especially since many people spend so much time sitting down and using devices these days. At Dr. J Chiropractic and Wellness Center, we use a variety of chiropractic techniques to help patients treat the root cause of their neck pain, not just the symptoms. Dr. Jay McClanahan has years of experience using natural chiropractic techniques to remedy various conditions of the neck and spine.

Common Causes of Neck Pain

Neck pain is a symptom, not a condition itself. That means there are a variety of factors and causes behind it. One of the most prevalent causes in modern day society is poor posture. People commonly spend hours craning their heads over phones and computers in order to accomplish tasks. The best thing someone can do to avoid this is to work with better posture and take frequent breaks to move around. Other causes of neck pain are injuries, nerve conditions, spinal issues, and arthritis.

How can chiropractors help with neck pain?

Chiropractors help with neck pain by first evaluating the underlying source of the pain. From there, they will be able to formulate a care plan suited to your needs. This may include a therapeutic exercise routine, chiropractic adjustments, or massage therapy. Here at Dr. J Chiropractic and Wellness Center, we offer a wide variety of treatment options at our Nitro, WV, clinic that will help patients overcome neck pain. Some other options we might employ in your treatment include electric muscle stimulation and spinal decompression therapy.

How to Improve Neck Pain at Home

In addition to chiropractic treatment, there are a few ways to improve neck pain at home. It's not advised to treat severe or persistent pain on your own, as this may be dangerous. However, some of the best ways to avoid pain are to consistently maintain good posture, change positions frequently, and gently mobilize the neck. Heat and cold are often helpful when applied safely. Also, stop any activity that worsens the pain.

To learn more about how Dr. J Chiropractic and Wellness Center can help you reduce neck pain and optimize your quality of life, contact us today. Our team is on standby to answer any questions and help you set up an initial consultation with Dr. J. At this initial consultation, the doctor will evaluate your symptoms and goals. Then, he'll design you a custom treatment plan to meet your needs. You can reach us by calling (304) 776-1520. We look forward to hearing from you!

Low Impact Exercise

 

Almost everyone benefits from regular exercise, regardless of age, gender, or condition. However, not every type of exercise is beneficial for everybody. For the more sensitive, it's important to incorporate low impact exercises to keep active while avoiding pain and joint damage. At Dr. J Chiropractic and Wellness Center, we regularly help our Nitro, WV, patients design low impact exercise plans optimally suited to their needs.

Low Impact Exercise vs. High Impact Exercise

Low impact exercises are those that are gentle on the joints. High impact exercises, on the other hand, involve heavy pressure exerted on the joints, such as when running or jumping. For those with pain or weak joints, low impact exercises are the healthiest way to stay active. There are plenty of different low impact exercises to choose from, from aerobics to yoga. If you're not sure what to choose, have a discussion with your chiropractor.

Who should do low impact exercises?

Many different types of people can benefit from low impact exercises, even healthy individuals! At Dr. J Chiropractic and Wellness Center, we advise our Nitro, WV, patients with chronic illnesses, injuries, and those who are rehabilitating from surgery to engage in these types of exercises. Therapeutic exercise is recommended for people experiencing musculoskeletal pain. Low impact is especially valuable for those with arthritis since their cartilage is worn away in their joints, and higher impact exercises can be very painful. Other conditions benefiting from low impact exercise include asthma, heart conditions, fibromyalgia, pregnancy, and general aging.

How to Select Low Impact Exercises

All low impact exercises are suitable for most people. There's a wide variety, which means you can probably find a routine that suits you. If you're having a hard time or a medical professional has advised you against devising your own workouts, always feel free to reach out to your doctor to discuss options and get new ideas. Some common low impact exercise ideas include aerobics, water aerobics, power walking, swimming, working with therapeutic bands, body weight exercises, and more.  You can choose exercises according to specific parts of your body you'd like to strengthen, or just select for overall health and wellness.

If you'd like to learn more about low impact exercise and its benefits, reach out to Dr. J Chiropractic and Wellness Center today. Our staff is here to answer questions and tell you more about how Dr. J's therapeutic exercise programs can help you improve your strength, health, and mobility. They'll also be able to set you up with an initial consultation. We look forward to hearing from you!

Benefits of Therapeutic Ultrasound

 

At Dr. J's Chiropractic and Wellness Center in Nitro, WV, we offer patients therapeutic ultrasound to help with musculoskeletal issues and more. Prior to receiving this treatment, you might like to learn a bit more about it. Dr. Jay McClanahan's specialty is helping patients just like you overcome their musculoskeletal ailments with natural chiropractic treatment methods.

What is therapeutic ultrasound?

Therapeutic ultrasound is different from the kind used for pregnancy imaging tests. Therapeutic ultrasound involves sending low level sound waves into the body as a form of massage. These sound waves are able to target deep tissues that can't be reached with the hands. This type of ultrasound is completely safe and comes with minimal risk since it's a non-invasive form of treatment.

Who needs therapeutic ultrasound?

Therapeutic ultrasound comes with a wide variety of benefits. It's able to relieve pain, relax tissues, reduce inflammation, promote healing, and even improve flexibility! If you're looking for any of these benefits, come in to Dr. J's Chiropractic and Wellness Center in Nitro, WV, for an initial consultation where Dr. J will take inventory of your symptoms and goals in order to determine whether therapeutic ultrasound is the right treatment option for you.

What to Expect at a Therapeutic Ultrasound Appointment

Therapeutic ultrasound is a fairly quick procedure that is painless. After a brief consultation, you'll lay down on a table, and a warm gel will be applied to the targeted area. This gel is designed to better conduct sound waves and prevent friction between the skin and treatment tool. From there, the doctor will move a handheld device over the area that emits the sound waves. During this part of the treatment, patients often feel a warm or tingling sensation in the affected area. Then, the gel will be cleaned off, and you'll be free to resume your normal daily activities. Sessions usually don't last more than 15 minutes.

If you think therapeutic ultrasound may be a good treatment option for you, contact Dr. J's Chiropractic and Wellness Center in Nitro, WV, today. Dr. J will be happy to meet with you for an initial consultation and further discuss the suitability of this treatment option. Simply give us a call at (304) 776-1520 with any questions or to have your consultation scheduled. We look forward to hearing from you!

Potential Symptoms of a Herniated Disc

 The spine’s discs are the structures between each vertebra. Their primary function is to cushion movement and provide flexibility to the vertebrae while walking, running, stretching, and more. However, a disc can become herniated or ruptured and cause discomfort and pain by pressing on a nearby nerve. Dr. Jay McClanahan of Dr. J Chiropractic & Wellness Center, with an office that serves the greater Nitro area, can offer relief if you experience one or more symptoms of a herniated disc.

Potential Herniated Disc Symptoms

If you herniate your disc, your symptoms will likely vary from someone else’s. These herniation symptoms typically depend on the spinal location and the intensity of the compression on the nerves generating the symptoms. Some people may only experience mildly irritating symptoms and only learn they have a disc issue from a doctor reviewing an image taken for another medical purpose.  Typical symptoms of a slipped or herniated disc include the following -

• Varying Levels of Pain
  • While pain is the most common herniated disc symptom, it can remain localized to travel down the extremity along the nerve’s path.  
  • Prolonged sitting, bending, or lifting may aggravate/intensify the issue, but lying in a prone position may provide relief.
• Muscle Weakness

Nerve pressure can weaken muscles, influencing your ability to move or engage in activities or sports.

• Tingling/Numbness

Compressed nerves have the potential to generate tingling (a.k.a. pins and needles) or numbness.

• Reflex Changes

At times, a disc that has become herniated may influence your reflexes. This ultimately may cause a diminished capacity.

Herniated Disc Treatment Options

Our chiropractor provides these options that can help treat the symptoms of a herniated disc -

Spinal Adjustments

These chiropractic manipulations seek to reduce nerve pressure by realigning the spine and releasing the impacted joint.

Electrical Stimulation Therapy

This complementary therapy can help mitigate pain as it helps to relax the muscles impacted by the herniation.  

Soft Tissue Techniques

Therapies such as massage contribute to easing muscle tension in the vicinity of a herniated disc, helping to relax muscles further.

Therapeutic Exercises

Exercise, which can manage current symptoms and prevent future events, can be prescribed to help strengthen the muscles and support proper posture.

In addition, Dr. J can help you understand how your lifestyle choices can help avoid a re-occurrence of a future event. This may include selecting appropriate ergonomic devices, proper lifting, and more.  

Contact a Leading Nitro, WV Chiropractor Near You

If you experience persistent back pain or suspect disc degeneration, contact Dr. McClanahan or a member of our Dr. J Chiropractic & Wellness Center staff at 304-776-1520 online.

Chiropractic Care and Headaches

 If you’re suffering from headaches and migraines, it’s a good idea to schedule an appointment with a chiropractor. The right types of hands-on treatment may be enough to provide lasting pain relief without the need to rely on medication. Folks living in or near Nitro, WV, who are struggling with headaches should come to see Dr. Jay McClanahan at the Dr. J Chiropractic and Wellness Center. He may be able to provide lasting pain relief even when other treatment methods fall short.

How Chiropractors Approach Headache Treatment

A chiropractor can work with you to try to figure out the cause of your headaches and what might be triggering them. Many different things can trigger headaches, including poor nutrition, bad posture, stress, and problems with your spine. Once the source of your headaches is uncovered, your chiropractor can work with you to develop a custom treatment plan.

Tension headaches are one of the most common types of headaches. Most adults will experience at least a few of these throughout life, according to the National Institutes of Health, and many will suffer from them chronically. If your spine is not properly aligned, it could cause the muscles in your neck and face to tense up. This, in turn, can put pressure on your cranium, which can result in a tension headache. 

A chiropractor can use soft tissue massage therapy to loosen up muscles. Meanwhile, chiropractic adjustments can be used to realign the spine, which may prevent muscle tension in the future. If tension headaches are a problem, hands-on treatment may be the best course. Folks who live around Nitro, WV, and are struggling with headaches can work with Dr. McClanahan at the Dr. J Chiropractic and Wellness Center.

Dr. McClanahan can also use electric muscle stimulation and other techniques to relieve tense muscles and thus potentially tension headaches. Further, correcting your posture might also reduce muscle strain. Adjustments to your nutrition and lifestyle may provide lasting relief as well. Ultimately, a holistic approach often produces the best results.

The Benefits of Chiropractic Treatment for Headaches

Pain medications can cover up your headaches. However, they will eventually wear off. Sometimes, you’ll find that the headache has gone away. Yet you may find the pain returning as soon as the medication wears off. Sadly, pain medications often fail to resolve the underlying issues causing your pain.

A chiropractor will seek to address the underlying things triggering headaches. That may mean adjusting the spine or relieving muscle tension. It may mean something else. What’s crucial is addressing the root causes. If you live near Nitro, WV,  and headaches are disrupting your quality of life, Dr. McClanahan may be able to provide lasting relief. Call (304) 776 1520 to reach the Dr. J Chiropractic and Wellness Center.

Lifting Weights Correctly

 Working out is often a great idea. Strength training can help you build muscle, lose excess weight, and improve your overall well-being. However, there are some catches. Perhaps most importantly, if you lift weights incorrectly, you could quickly injure yourself. If you’re going to be hitting the gym, it’s crucial to learn how to work out properly. If you’re thinking about getting into weight lifting in Nitro, WV, come see Dr. Jay McClanahan at the Dr. J Chiropractic and Wellness Center. He can teach you how to properly lift weights and can provide other pointers for safely working out.

How Lifting Weights Can Strain the Body

When you lift weight, it makes your muscles work. As you lift the weights, you’ll actually create tears in your muscles. This isn’t necessarily bad if you’re lifting weights correctly. The tears will be very tiny and when they heal, you’ll build muscle mass. However, if you lift weights incorrectly or try to lift too much, you can cause more substantial tears. This could result in pain and your muscles may struggle to heal correctly.

Lifting weights incorrectly could strain other tissues, including ligaments and tendons. You may also damage your spine and knock it out of proper alignment. Back problems due to poor gym habits and incorrect form are all too common. Once this damage has occurred, your body may struggle to heal. You may find yourself suffering chronic pain, and you might be forced to skip the gym and other activities.

The good news is that Dr. McClanahan can show you the proper form and techniques. If you live in or near Nitro, WV, and want to get into weight lifting, schedule an appointment at the Dr. J Chiropractic and Wellness Center.

Healing Weight Lifting Injuries

Unfortunately, it’s possible that you’ve already suffered an injury. If you worked out and felt a sudden, sharp pain while lifting, something may have been damaged. Likewise, if your back is sore after hitting the gym, or other muscles seem strained, you may have suffered a lifting injury. Unfortunately, your body may struggle to heal on its own. The good news is that a chiropractor can help.

If you or a loved one recently suffered a weight lifting injury in Nitro, WV, it’s time to work with Dr. McClanahan. He can provide hands-on treatment and teach you how to avoid injuries in the future. Call (304) 776 1520 to reach the Dr. J Chiropractic and Wellness Center so you can schedule an appointment.

The Role of the Hip Flexors

 Curious about the hip flexors and worried you may have strained or injured them? The good news is that a chiropractor may be able to help. If you’re suffering aches or mobility issues, including problems with your hip flexors, and you live around Nitro, WV, come by the Dr. J Chiropractic and Wellness Center to speak with Dr. Jay McClanahan. For now, let’s take a closer look at these muscles and how they could impact your overall well-being. 

A Closer Look at Hip Flexors

The human body is immensely complex. There are 206 bones in the average adult’s body and  over 630 skeletal muscles. Then there are tendons, ligaments, and various other tissues, all working together to make things go. Many of these tissues play crucial roles. 

The hip flexors are a group of muscles that flex your hip during swing. This means they play a crucial role in everyday mobility. The hip flexors actually include five different muscles found toward the front of your hip that all work together, including:

• The psoas major: connects the legs to the spine.
• The iliacus: Found inside the pelvis and connects to the femur.
• The rectus femoris: Attaches the pelvis to the knees and helps facilitate knee extension.
• The pectineus: AKA the groin muscle, it sits at the top of the inner thigh.
• The sartorius: Runs all the way from the hip and the knee. It’s responsible for flexing your knee and leg and is the longest muscle in the human body.

As you can see, there are lots of different tissues in the hip flexor group. The details are rather complex but if you want to learn more about how these muscles function, it’s a good idea to speak with a chiropractor like Dr. McClanahan. He can help with hip flexors in Nitro, WV. These muscles all play a crucial role in allowing people to walk and move around. Sadly, they can be strained, torn, or otherwise injured. The good news is that a chiropractor may be able to help relieve pain and improve the functioning of your hip flexors.

Treating Hip Flexor Pain and Issues

Your hip flexors can end up injured while playing sports, doing work around the yard, or simply while walking. In some cases, the injury may be related to your spinal column and posture. If so, chiropractic adjustments may help. Massage therapy, therapeutic exercises, and electric muscle stimulation may also relieve strain and help strengthen the muscles. Custom orthotics, meanwhile, may help prevent strain and injury within these leg muscles.

If you want to learn more about the role of specific muscles or need help with pain, it’s time to see a chiropractor. Folks who need assistance with hip flexors and live near Nitro, WV, can call (304) 776 1520 to reach the Dr. J Chiropractic and Wellness Center. From there, you can schedule an appointment with Dr. McClanahan.

When Can a Chiropractor Help You?

 If you’re in pain, there’s a high chance that a chiropractor can help. At the end of the day, reducing and eliminating pain is number 1 priority for many chiropractors. That said, they can also help you improve mobility, increase sports performance, lose weight, and accomplish many other things. If you’re looking for a chiropractor serving Nitro, WV, and other communities nearby, come see Dr. Jay McClanahan at the Dr. J Chiropractic and Wellness Center.

The Chiropractic Approach to Wellness

Chiropractors focus on providing pain relief and resolving other issues without having to rely on medication. They use a variety of treatments, many of them hands-on, to resolve the underlying issues that are causing you pain, limiting your mobility, or otherwise, disrupting your quality of life.

Chiropractors are sometimes thought of as back doctors because one of their main forms of treatment is chiropractic adjustment. They can use their hands to help ensure that your spine is properly aligned. This can relieve strain throughout the body. Problems with your spine could put pressure on your sciatic nerve, for example, causing numbness in your leg. Tense muscles in your neck could contribute to tension headaches and jaw pain.

These days, many chiropractors can provide treatment outside the back and spine. They can help with your posture, nutrition, and more. Electronic muscle stimulation, therapeutic ultrasound, and massage therapy can be used to treat various parts of the body. Custom foot orthotics and various other types of treatment may also help with your aches and pains.

Not every chiropractor can provide all these services, but Dr. McClanahan has steadily built up his skill set so he can best serve the community. If you live in or near Nitro, WV, and want to work with a chiropractor, visit the Dr. J Chiropractic and Wellness Center.

The Benefits of Chiropractic Care

Crucially, chiropractors can treat pain without relying solely on medication. Unfortunately, many pain medications fail to fully address the underlying issues causing you pain. This means the aches typically return after a short period of time. A patient might try simply taking more medication, but this runs the risk of fueling dependency.

By resolving the underlying issues causing your pains, it may be possible to reduce, if not eliminate, the need for pain medications. Resolving issues can also improve your well-being as you enjoy increased mobility. This may help you better manage your weight and nutrition.

Ultimately, chiropractors can treat a variety of conditions and can help you develop a holistic approach to healthy living. If you reside near Nitro, WV, and need to see a chiropractor, call (304) 776 1520 to reach the Dr. J Chiropractic and Wellness Center. You can then schedule an appointment or chat with Dr. McClanahan.

The Benefits of Custom Orthotics

 

The health of our feet is essential for living a comfortable and pain-free life. Many individuals experience issues with their feet that can lead to pain in the foot, knee, and lower back, trouble walking, and poor postural alignment. Custom orthotics are specially designed insoles that go in your shoes to help realign the bones in the feet and ankles. With proper foot alignment, the body does not need to over-compensate to create balance when walking, as the orthotics help distribute the weight evenly. This can alleviate pressure off the hips, back, shoulders, and neck and reduce pain when walking and doing daily activities. If you want to learn more about custom orthotics in Nitro, WV, Dr. Jay McClanahan with Dr. J Chiropractic & Wellness Center is an experienced and qualified chiropractor who can evaluate your feet and advise on whether custom orthotics are right for you.

Custom orthotics can be beneficial for a wide range of conditions. Individuals with flat feet, plantar fasciitis, bunions, arthritis, foot abnormalities, bursitis, back pain, and diabetes (foot ulcers) can benefit tremendously from custom orthotics. Custom orthotics can also be helpful for individuals who have recently undergone hip, knee, or lower back surgery. They treat biomechanical misalignments in the feet, which can reduce strain on the surrounding muscles and ligaments and improve gait. Custom orthotics help reduce muscle fatigue, support individuals with excess weight, and increase mobility, and are also highly recommended for athletes, particularly those who engage in high-endurance sports and strength training.

Dr. McClanahan with Dr. J Chiropractic & Wellness Center in Nitro, WV, offers prescriptions for custom orthotics. Upon your first visit with Dr. McClanahan, he will conduct a comprehensive physical exam, including medical history and lifestyle. He will thoroughly examine your feet, ankles, and legs and observe your gait as you walk, and will also examine your posture and spinal alignment to determine if custom orthotics suit you. After receiving your prescription for custom orthotics, you will visit a foot care specialist who will use an impression to make an exact impression of your feet. The foot specialist will create personalized orthotics that help distribute the weight in your feet evenly, improve overall stability, strengthen the ankles, and reduce chronic pain from muscular and ligament strain. 

Custom orthotics generally last a year or more and are a significant investment in your overall well-being and health. Custom orthotics can help alleviate back and foot pain and allow you to conduct your daily activities with freedom and mobility. If you live in Nitro, WV, contact Dr. J Chiropractic & Wellness Center for an expert evaluation and orthotics recommendation. Your feet will thank you! (304) 776-1520

How Spinal Spurs Can Cause Problems for Your Back

 

A bone spur (osteophyte) is a tiny piece of bone (calcium deposit) that projects out from the bone, usually in persistently inflamed areas. Bone spurs commonly emerge on the spine and are known as spinal spurs; these typically occur near the facet joints and, over time, can narrow the space in the spinal column. Spinal spurs can pinch the nerve roots and cause numbness, weakness, pain in the legs or arms, and swelling in the surrounding tissue. If you are experiencing spinal spurs in Nitro, WV, Dr. Jay McClanahan with Dr. J Chiropractic & Wellness Center is an experienced and qualified chiropractor who can help address and alleviate painful symptoms resulting from spinal spurs.

Spinal spurs can affect the health of the back by causing friction between adjacent vertebrae, resulting in the bones grinding together and increased inflammation. Spinal spurs can lead to a compression of the nerve roots, spinal cord compression, degenerative disc disease, and stenosis, which is a narrowing of the spine. This may result in pain and numbness when standing or walking. Individuals with osteoarthritis are particularly at risk of developing spinal spurs - as degeneration causes the cartilage cushioning the ends of the bones to break down, the body attempts to compensate for the loss by growing more bone. Individuals can also develop bone spurs through aging, injuries, poor posture, poor nutrition, and genetic factors.

Chiropractic care can be an excellent modality for treating spinal spurs without invasive surgery. Individuals in Nitro, WV, should contact Dr. J Chiropractic & Wellness Center for comprehensive and quality care regarding bone spurs and other musculoskeletal system issues. Chiropractic treatments for spinal spurs can include chiropractic adjustments, also known as spinal manipulation. Chiropractic adjustments involve manual manipulation of the spine's vertebrae back into its natural, healthy state. Chiropractic adjustments can help improve joint flexibility, reduce inflammation, alleviate pain, and enhance range of motion. While this process will not reverse spinal degeneration, it can halt the progression.

Upon your first visit with Dr. J Chiropractic & Wellness Center in Nitro, Dr. McClanahan will conduct a comprehensive exam, including an analysis of symptoms, medical history, and lifestyle factors. In addition to adjustments and manipulation, Dr. McClanahan may recommend spinal decompression, a specialized therapy that uses a traction table to help move spinal spurs off compressed nerves. A personalized treatment plan may also include massage therapy and therapeutic exercises to help you regain mobility, flexibility, and strength in your back and core.

Dr. McClanahan has vast experience treating spinal spurs and injuries to the back and musculoskeletal system. Call Dr. J Chiropractic & Wellness Center to make an appointment today! (304) 776-1520.

Lifestyle Tips to Prevent Back Pain

 

Preventing back pain generally requires the adoption of a healthy lifestyle and making choices that can help support your back's overall well-being. Dr. Jay McClanahan and his staff of professionals at Dr. J Chiropractic & Wellness Center in Nitro, WV offer these lifestyle tips to help you prevent back pain -

Lifestyle Tips to Help Prevent Back Pain

While most people know that it is important to practice proper posture when sitting, standing, and walking, most people tend to slouch, especially when tired. Remember to avoid back pain and poor posture; keep your back straight, shoulders back, and head and spine aligned. In addition, consider these other lifestyle suggestions to prevent avoidable discomfort and pain -

• Engage in regular physical activity (i.e., walking, swimming, and yoga), as this helps strengthen your abdominal (core) and back muscles, supporting/stabilizing your spine and reducing injury risk.
• Work in an environment that is ergonomically optimized, as this helps to minimize back strain. It is recommended that you select an adjustable chair and desk that allows you a comfortable seated position with a neutral wrist position when typing.
• When lifting, bend with your knees - engage your leg muscles rather than your back and avoid twisting or awkward motions when lifting.
• Maintain a healthy weight to avoid excess back strain – which generally includes eating a well-balanced diet and getting enough regular exercise. Additionally, stay hydrated to prevent back pain.
• Stretch regularly – as this helps to reduce muscle tension and improve flexibility. Avoid sitting for extended periods when possible, but get up and stretch if you do sit for prolonged stretches.
• Choose to wear comfortable footwear that offers sufficient arch support – high heels can lead to back pain.
• Invest in quality pillows and a mattress – restful sleep is incredibly important in support of recovery and staying healthy.
• Learn/practice stress reduction methodologies to minimize muscle tension – which may include meditation, four-square breathing, yoga, etc.
• Quit smoking – the thousands of chemicals in cigarettes have been shown to be toxic and reduce blood flow to the spine and other body parts – ultimately hindering your capacity to heal issues that may cause back pain.
• Avoid activities that require high-impact movements – these types of activities (awkward or abrupt motion) can place excess strain on your back, causing a temporary or chronic issue.

Contact Our Leading Chiropractor in Nitro, WV

If you experience persistent or severe back pain, contact Dr. McClanahan or a member of our professional staff at Dr. J Chiropractic & Wellness Center at 304-776-1520 or online. We look forward to customizing guidance and exercises to help relieve current pain and prevent reoccurring pain.

How Core Strength Helps Your Back

 

Exercise provides tremendous benefits for your overall well-being. It promotes improved sleep and increases your energy and stamina while helping to prevent or manage certain medical conditions. According to Dr. Jay McClanahan of Dr. J Chiropractic & Wellness Center in Nitro, WV, exercise also helps build core strength – which is critical for proper support and stabilization for your back.  

How Core Strength Can Benefit Your Back

Core muscles, which include the abdomen, pelvis, lower back, and hip muscles, play an essential role in providing a solid foundation, proper balance, and the protection required for your back and internal organs. In addition, a strong core provides better spine support (thereby reducing disc pressure and maintaining the spine’s natural curvature), and these benefits -

• Strong core muscles help maintain proper spinal alignment – a misaligned spine can cause a muscle imbalance, increases injury risk, and other issues.
• A strong core promotes better posture – which minimizes stress by distributing your weight evenly across the spine. Weak core muscles often cause poor posture, ultimately resulting in chronic back pain.
• The core muscles are your spine’s stabilizing force - they can help maintain proper vertebrae alignment, helping to lessen the risk of injury.
• A strong core helps support proper functional movement – everyday actions - like bending, twisting, and lifting, can be done with reduced strain on your back.
• A strong core may help reduce existing discomfort or back pain – stronger core muscles may help support your spine and reduce or potentially alleviate existing back pain and stiffness. In fact, professional rehab programs managed by chiropractors and physical therapists often focus on core strengthening exercises.

How to Build Core Strength

Dr. J can assess your spine and posture and identify and treat current problems that may impact your core strength or stability – i.e., undiagnosed conditions like postural anomalies or even misaligned vertebrae that may be factors contributing to core muscle weakness.

Dr. J will then create a tailored guidance and treatment plan that is likely to include simple but effective core strengthening exercises – leg raises, planks, and other abdominal-focused movements, as needed.

Contact a Leading Chiropractor in Nitro, WV

For additional information on how spinal adjustments and complementary therapies can assist in core strengthening, contact the professional staff at Dr. J Chiropractic & Wellness Center at 304-776-1520 or online. Dr. McClanahan and his team look forward to helping you reach your health objectives.

Help for Soft Tissue Injuries

 Soft tissue injuries can happen to anybody at any time, and they are wholly treatable if you take action immediately. For natural healthcare solutions in Nitro, WV, Dr. Jay McClanahan at the Dr. J Chiropractic & Wellness Center is on hand to provide exceptional chiropractic care for your whole musculoskeletal system to return to optimal health.

What Is a Soft Tissue Injury?

Your soft tissues are your muscles, tendons, ligaments, and other fibrous tissues, and they are subject to injuries, tears, bruises, strains, and sprains. A soft tissue injury may occur while you exercise, participate in sports, or receive a blunt force trauma injury. Soft tissue injuries are frequent among patients who participate in impact sports. You may also sustain injuries with repetitive motion tasks or while going about your day.

What Are the Symptoms of a Soft Tissue Injuries

Soft tissue injuries typically begin with inflammation, and this may be accompanied by:

• Pain or discomfort in the affected area
• Redness and bruising
• Swelling
• Reduced range of motion

There may be other symptoms based on the type of injury you receive, which is why seeking professional healthcare is a must.

How Can a Chiropractor Help With Soft Tissue Injuries

Dr. McClanahan at the Dr. J Chiropractic & Wellness Center serving the Nitro, WV, area is a chiropractor who knows his way around soft tissue injuries and their treatment. At our practice, we offer a complete set of chiropractic services to treat soft tissue injuries that include:

• Chiropractic massage therapy and a selection of massage treatments for relaxation and healing.
• Ultrasound therapy
• DTS therapy
• Spinal adjustments and manipulations to support better soft tissue recovery.
• Electrical muscle stimulation therapy to promote healing on a cellular level.
• Therapeutic exercise to support tissue strengthening and flexibility.
• Preventative chiropractic

Every patient receives a thorough assessment so that we can offer you the best course of action for your health. We believe in relieving the pain and treating the underlying cause so that you can have an active lifestyle and an overall better quality of life.

Likewise, our team offers holistic care for various chiropractic conditions in addition to treating soft tissue injuries. We also serve our community by providing weight loss programs and DOT exams.

Contact Us!

For chiropractic that will treat your soft tissue injuries, relieve your pain, and increase your mobility in Nitro, WV, look no further than Dr. McClanahan at the Dr. J Chiropractic & Wellness Center. Call 304-776-1520.

Chiropractic Treatment for Stingers

 Dr. Jay McClanahan at the Dr. J Chiropractic & Wellness Center, serving Nitro, WV, is a chiropractor who knows his way around stingers. Our practice offers a complete list of chiropractic interventions to suit a wide range of complaints and conditions that will benefit from the invention of natural and complementary healthcare.

What Is a Stinger?

A stinger is a temporary burning sensation in your arm, neck, and shoulders. It is usually due to an impact injury that causes the nerves branching off your spine to be stretched or compressed rapidly, resulting in an electrical shock-like feeling and temporary arm numbness or weakness.

While stingers may improve on their own, it is better to seek a professional opinion to prevent the likelihood of long-term nerve damage or weakness.

What Can Cause Stingers?

Stingers are common among athletes who play contact sports. If your head is pushed sideways and down with a snap away from the shoulders, this movement may compress or stretch the nerves and cause a stinger. Repeated stinger injuries should not be taken lightly and for professional athletes, this may mean using additional protective gear for their safety.

Likewise, if you suffer from spinal stenosis or a narrow spinal canal, you may be more inclined to pick up an injury like a stinger.

How Chiropractic Treatments Can Help With Stingers

Suppose you believe you received a stinger or similar injury. In that case, it is a good idea to go for an evaluation with your healthcare provider and/or a chiropractor like Dr. McClanahan at the Dr. J Chiropractic & Wellness Center, serving the Nitro, WV, area.

If you are suffering from a stinger, our first recommendation is that you refrain from playing sports until your injury has been fully healed. Additionally, we may recommend one or more of the following treatment protocols:

• Spinal adjustments and manipulations to treat any misalignments resulting from the injury.
• Massage therapy or electrical stimulation therapy to support muscular relaxation and soft tissue repair.
• Therapeutic exercise to strengthen the affected area and to help prevent future injuries.
• Compresses to help mitigate inflammation.
• DTS therapy for pain relief

Contact Us!

If you are suffering from a stinger or related chiropractic complaints in the Nitro, WV, area, please get in touch with Dr. McClanahan at the Dr. J Chiropractic & Wellness Center. We offer thorough evaluations to establish your health needs and chiropractic interventions for pain relief and improved quality of life so that you can get back to playing the sports you love. Call us today at 304-776-1520 to book your consultation.

How Chiropractors Treat Hip Pain

 Dr. Jay McClanahan at the Dr. J Chiropractic & Wellness Center serving Nitro, WV, is on hand to offer a range of valuable chiropractic treatments for a range of symptoms and conditions including hip pain utilizing natural solutions that will relieve your pain and improve your quality of life.

What Are the Symptoms of Hip Pain?

Hip pain doesn’t necessarily mean your hip area will be painful. Instead, hip dysfunction may appear as referred pain in the lower back, pelvis, knee, or thigh and the symptoms may vary depending on the underlying cause. Your hip pain may have accompanying symptoms like:

• Muscle weakness
• Pain when walking or after intense exercise
• Swelling or bruising
• Stiffness

These symptoms will help to identify the cause of your hip pain. This allows Dr. McClanahan to recommend the most beneficial treatment plan to relieve your pain, treat the underlying cause, and improve your overall quality of life.

What Is Causing Your Hip Pain?

Hip pain is not one-size-fits-all, and it can be caused by one or more of the following conditions:

• Bursitis
• Arthritis
• Injuries
• Sprains and strains
• Fractures
• Infection

For this reason, it’s important to choose a chiropractor like Dr. McClanahan at the Dr. J Chiropractic & Wellness Center serving Nitro, WV, who has ample hands-on experience treating patients with various musculoskeletal complaints.

How Chiropractors Can Help Treat Your Hip Pain

Dr. McClanahan can help treat your hip pain by utilizing one of several chiropractic treatments, including:

• Adjustments and manipulations to adjust the spine and treat subluxations that may be putting pressure on your hips.
• DTS therapy which stimulates blood flow, sending nutrients to the affected areas and relieving pain.
• Spinal decompression if your hip pain is rooted in disc issues.
• Massage therapy to release tension and spasms.
• Ultrasound therapy to penetrate and start healing at a cellular level.
• Electrical muscle stimulation to activate and repair the muscles.

Benefits of Chiropractic Care

The benefits of chiropractic care are well documented, and from the first appointment, you can expect improved mobility and pain relief.  Chiropractic may offer the advantage of preventing the need for surgical intervention or the frequent use of over-the-counter medications. Importantly, chiropractic care offers holistic and natural solutions for people of all ages from all walks of life.

Contact Us!

If you suffer from hip pain or any other musculoskeletal complaint, find your way to Dr. McClanahan and his team at the Dr. J Chiropractic & Wellness Center serving Nitro, WV. Let us offer you complete chiropractic care for pain relief and a better overall quality of life. Why wait? Call us today at 304-776-1520 to book your consultation.

Preventing Disc Degeneration

 Preventing disc degeneration is an essential part of a healthy spine’s maintenance as it helps in the avoidance of back pain and mobility problems that can disrupt one’s daily life or routine. Dr. Jay McClanahan of Dr. J Chiropractic & Wellness Center in Nitro, WV, offers this guidance regarding the prevention of disc degeneration.

Preventing Disc Degeneration

While some disc degeneration factors are related to genetics and age, there are many lifestyle modifications that can be implemented or adopted to proactively help protect the discs and decrease the risk of degeneration.

Maintain Your Best Posture

• Good posture is essential for keeping stress on your discs at a minimum.
• Avoid slouching, which helps keep a neutral spine when sitting, standing, and walking.

Take Advantage of Ergonomic Workplace Furniture/Devices

Make sure the space in which you work is set up to minimize spinal strain. Choose ergonomic options for your –

• Desk
• Chair
• Computer Setup

Stay Active/Exercise Regularly

• Avoid a sedentary lifestyle.
• Physical activity, even simple walking, helps to strengthen the core muscles supporting the spine.
• Take precautions if you engage in sports/activities that may have an increased risk of spinal injury.

Invest in the Right Mattress and Pillow

A comfortable pillow and mattress support natural alignment while asleep.

Lift Properly

• Lift heavy objects properly.
• Bend your knees, not at your waist.
• Use core muscles and your legs to lift not only your back.

Helpful Lifestyle Modifications to Prevent Disc Degeneration

Often, the best medicine is prevention. Consider the following -

Quit/Avoid Smoking

Smoking is associated with decreased blood flow to the discs in the spine, potentially accelerating the degeneration of the discs.

Maintain a Healthy Weight

Carrying excess body weight can put added strain/stress on your spinal discs.

Stay Hydrated/Take in Proper Nutrition

• Proper hydration is essential for maintaining the fluid content in your spinal discs.
• Eat a balanced diet that includes calcium, magnesium, and vitamins like D and C - nutrients that support healthy discs/spine.

Avoid Prolonged Sitting

Sitting for extended periods can increase disc pressure, so –

• Take breaks.
• Stand up.
• Stretch regularly when sitting for long hours.

Consider Regular Chiropractic Visits

Routine spinal assessments and adjustments help –

• Maintain proper spinal alignment.
• Reduce strain and wear and tear on your discs.

Call a Leading Nitro, WV Chiropractor Today

If you experience persistent back pain or suspect disc degeneration, consult with Dr. McClanahan or a member of our staff at Dr. J Chiropractic & Wellness Center at 304-776-1520 or use our online contact form.

Who is DTS Therapy For?

 

Are you tired of living with neck or back pain but not interested in invasive techniques? Dr. Jay McClanahan at Dr. J Chiropractic & Wellness Center offers DTS Therapy to residents of Nitro, Cross Lanes, Charleston, St. Albans, and Teays Valley WV.

Who Can Benefit From DTS Therapy?

When you live in chronic pain, relief can feel a million miles away – and you don’t have the energy or ability to make it there. At the same time, the idea of resigning yourself to surgery isn’t very appealing. You’re left wondering whether there’s any hope at all without such drastic measures. Dr. McClanahan and the team at Dr. J Chiropractic & Wellness Center in Nitro, WV, are here to tell you there is in the form of DTS Therapy.

What Is DTS Therapy, Anyway?

DTS is a nonsurgical form of decompression and traction that uses biofeedback to treat the target site. It works by gently stretching the spine, relieving pressure from your spinal discs. This leads to a sort of vacuum effect that pulls blood and nutrients in, allowing the body to heal itself.

What Type of Issues Does It Address?

DTS can be used for many symptoms and conditions that leave people stiff with pain. These include but are not necessarily limited to:

• Lower back pain
• Slipped discs
• Pinched nerves
• Neck pain
• Sciatica
• Degenerative discs
• Spinal stenosis
• Disc injuries

As DTS treats the root cause of the pain, it can provide relief that other methods simply cannot, as many focus only on treating the symptoms.

Depending on which of the above you suffer from, the number of treatments you need will vary. Typically, to enhance recovery and relief, your chiropractor will combine DTS with other treatment methods. The combination will not only help you heal but also strengthen the weakened area, reducing the chances of experiencing the same pain in the future.

If you’re ready to put an end to your chronic pain, visit Dr. McClanahan at Dr. J Chiropractic & Wellness Center in Nitro, Cross Lanes, Charleston, St. Albans, and Teays Valley WV to find out if DTS Therapy is a good choice for you. Call (304) 776-1520 to schedule your appointment today.

Tips for Preventing Sports Injuries

 

Are sports injuries causing you pain or keeping you benched? Dr. Jay McClanahan at Dr. J Chiropractic & Wellness Center provides personalized, effective chiropractic care to athletes of all levels in Nitro, Cross Lanes, Charleston, St. Albans, and Teays Valley, WV.

7 Tips for Preventing Sports Injuries

Sports injuries can negatively impact your game – and your daily life. Fortunately, there are a few things you can do to prevent these injuries. Dr. McClanahan at Dr. J Chiropractic & Wellness Center serving Nitro, WV, shares seven important tips below.

1. Never Skip Warm-Ups, Cool Downs, and Stretches

No matter your activity, your body needs the opportunity to prepare and repair. Always warm up and stretch before you begin. And then take some time to cool your body down and stretch again once you're done.

2. Don’t Forget Your Water

You need to keep your body hydrated properly throughout training, practice, and competitions. Don’t head out the door without a full water bottle and sip on it as much as you can.

3. Wear the Proper Gear

Whether you’re a runner, you play football, or you have a different sport of choice, there is gear available for protection and support. Be sure to outfit your body with the proper gear to limit the chances of injury.

4. Don’t Overdo It

Most athletes push themselves beyond their limits, but this can lead to many injuries. And those injuries can – in turn – negatively impact your performance. It’s safer to gradually build yourself up, giving your body the time to adapt.

5. Make Rest a Priority

Even the mightiest need time to rest and refresh. And if you forego this process, it can actually cause you to perform poorly. Be sure that you give your body plenty of time to rehab and recharge so that you can stay on top of your game.

6. Use Proper Techniques

Using improper techniques in your sport of choice is a very quick way to injure yourself. Invest the time into learning the proper way of doing things and ensure you do them every single time.

7. Fuel Your System

Your body needs the right types and amounts of vitamins, nutrients, and minerals to support your activities. When your body is fueled properly, there is a reduced chance of injury.

Whether it’s recovery from sports injuries, injury prevention, or performance improvement, chiropractic care with Dr. McClanahan at Dr. J Chiropractic & Wellness Center can help. If you live in or around Nitro, Cross Lanes, Charleston, St. Albans, or Teays Valley, WV, call (304) 776-1520 to schedule an appointment today.

How Your Chiropractor Can Help With Shoulder Pain

 

Is shoulder pain making life difficult? Dr. Jay McClanahan at Dr. J Chiropractic & Wellness Center in Nitro, Cross Lanes, Charleston, St. Albans, and Teays Valley WV can help you achieve the relief you desire naturally.

Chiropractic Care for Shoulder Pain

Shoulder pain can be a difficult thing to ignore. It might not always be front and center in your life, but it rears its head when you lift your arms or move a specific way. And when it does, it can be distressing, to say the least.

When you do experience shoulder pain, chiropractic care is a safe and natural way to get rid of it. Dr. McClanahan and the team at Dr. J Chiropractic & Wellness Center in Nitro, WV, share just a few ways in which chiropractors can help.

Restoring Alignment

Shoulder pain sometimes comes from a misalignment either in the shoulder joint or somewhere in the back. Regardless of the location, restoring alignment through spinal or extremity adjustments addresses the root of the pain.

Soft Tissue Therapy

Alignment issues can impact the soft tissues in and around the shoulder joint causing tension and pain. And sometimes, the pain begins with an overuse injury of the soft tissues, tension, or a similar issue. Chiropractors offer a variety of soft tissue therapies, depending on the root cause. These can include massage therapy, ultrasound therapy, myofascial release, and much more.

Strengthening, Stretching, and Restoring Range of Motion

Therapeutic exercises are key for both recovering from and preventing shoulder injuries. These targeted movements help stretch tight or tense muscles and strengthen weakened areas. Additionally, they help restore your range of motion so that you can move your shoulder more freely and naturally.

Adjusting Habits

Often, shoulder injuries and pain are due to daily habits and lifestyle factors. For example, overuse injuries can come from sports, repetitive lifting, and other regular tasks. Chiropractors work with you to determine why the pain and injury are present and address any contributing factors.

If you’re tired of shoulder pain getting in your way in Nitro, Cross Lanes, Charleston, St. Albans, and Teays Valley WV, call (304) 776-1520 to schedule an appointment with Dr. McClanahan at Dr. J Chiropractic & Wellness Center.

Correct Backpack Usage for Kids and Teens

 Preparing to send your kids back to school? Dr. Jay McClanahan at Dr. J Chiropractic & Wellness Center in Nitro, Cross Lanes, Charleston, St. Albans, and Teays Valley, WV, shares tips for proper backpack usage.

How to Use a Backpack Properly

Backpacks are essential for school, as they help young kids and teens carry everything needed for a prepared day. Unfortunately, they are often responsible for neck, shoulder, and back pain. As a parent, the last thing you want is to cause your children pain, but you might feel hopeless in this area – but you’re not.

While you might not be able to control how much homework they have, you can take steps to reduce or eliminate their pain. Dr. McClanahan at Dr. J Chiropractic & Wellness Center shares tips below to help parents of Nitro, WV, for choosing, packing, and using a backpack.

Pick a Backpack That’s Just Big Enough

The backpack should not be bigger than your child’s back. The larger it is, the harder it can be to distribute weight properly. And it can be a temptation for students to add extras. Keep it small so that there’s just enough room for the essentials.

Keep the Weight in Check

If the packed backpack is more than 10% of your child’s weight, it’s too heavy. Let your child carry some books or their lunch box by hand and dump the non-essentials.

Put the Straps to Use

Adjust the straps so that the bag doesn’t hang below your child’s waist. Use the waist strap to keep the backpack from moving around as your child walks. Ensure your child uses both shoulder straps to distribute the weight evenly. Also, look for padded straps to help relieve some of the pressure on the shoulders and neck.

Strategically Pack the Backpack

The heaviest items should always be closest to the body and at the bottom. Having multiple pockets can provide more opportunities for proper weight distribution.

Keep Your Child’s Spine Healthy

Between wearing backpacks, carrying heavy items, sitting for hours, and sports – for those who play – it’s not unusual for there to be some issues along the spine. Visiting a chiropractor regularly can help maintain spinal wellness and undo the damage your child sustains during their school career.

Let Dr. McClanahan and our Dr. J Chiropractic & Wellness Center team help your student have a pain-free, healthy school year in Nitro, WV. For more backpack tips, sports performance, or other school-year concerns, call (304) 776-1520 to schedule an appointment today.

Workers Compensation

 

Have you been injured on the job? Are you experiencing back pain, neck pain, or headaches resulting from your injury? If you are suffering from physical pain related to a job-based incident, chiropractic care is a holistic, non-invasive modality that can be an effective complementary treatment to help you heal from your injuries. In West Virginia, Workers Compensation insurance pays for medical care due to physical injuries, including repetitive stress injuries, and provides medical services and rehabilitative services as well as coverage for chiropractic care. If you live near Nitro, West Virginia, contact Dr. Jay McClanahan at Dr. J Chiropractic & Wellness Center to learn more about how chiropractic care can help alleviate pain and assist you on your journey to recovery. 

How Can Chiropractic Care Assist My Recovery?

Chiropractic care is a natural systemic approach to assist the body in self-healing and help alleviate painful symptoms. Chiropractors do not use medication to treat the body. Instead, chiropractors engage the natural healing mechanisms of the body so the body can heal itself. If you fell down at work or sustained another type of injury and are experiencing back or neck pain, chiropractic care can provide spinal adjustments known as chiropractic adjustments that will help realign the vertebrae of the spine and reduce inflammation and pressure on the nerves. These chiropractic adjustments also assist in reducing inflammation and helping regulate the nervous system. 

Dr. McClanahan’s office in Nitro, WW also provides chiropractic massage, electrical muscle stimulation, spinal decompression, ultrasound, and therapeutic exercises to foster healing and pain relief. Chiropractic massage therapy has numerous benefits, including reducing stress and depression by improving blood circulation and detoxifying the body. Dr. McClanahan offers deep tissue massage, Swedish massage, and relaxation massage, and will recommend the appropriate massage technique to help relax your body and reduce chronic pain. Electrical muscle stimulation uses small electrical currents directed into the soft tissue to reduce swelling and is an excellent therapy for muscle spasms in the back and neck. Ultrasound uses small sound waves to heat the muscles and relax and massage the body’s soft tissue and muscles.

If you have received Workers Compensation in West Virginia, make an appointment with Dr. J Chiropractic & Wellness Center to assess your injuries. Upon your first visit, Dr. McClanahan will conduct a comprehensive exam of your physical injuries and design an individualized treatment program that will assist in your healing and recovery. Dr. McClanahan is also a certified personal trainer and can recommend a therapeutic exercise program that will help you strengthen your body and improve flexibility and range of motion. Call today for an appointment. (304) 776-1520.