Thursday, June 27, 2024

What Could Be Causing Lower Back Pain?

 

Lower back pain is an insidious condition that afflicts many millions of people around the world. The good news is that a chiropractor can help you uncover and treat the source of your aches. If you live in or near Nitro, WV, and need help with lower back pain, you owe it to yourself to get in touch with Dr. Jay McClanahan at Dr. J Chiropractic and Wellness Center.

The Most Common Causes of Back Pain

There is a seemingly infinite number of ways that someone could end up suffering back pain. However, we’re going to focus on the most common causes. Of course, the causes of your aches may differ, which is why it’s crucial to work with a chiropractor.

Overexertion

If you overexert yourself, say while moving boxes around the garage or tending to your garden, you may injure your back. Proper lifting techniques and warm-ups can reduce the risk of overexertion. A chiropractor can advise you on safety while carrying heavy objects or engaging in prolonged activity. Should you live in or near Nitro, WV, and are looking for lower back pain relief, come see Dr. Jay.

Degenerative Diseases

Over time, the body will break down. This is inevitable and is simply a part of life. That said, simply because the condition is natural, that doesn’t mean you can’t or shouldn’t treat it. Just the opposite, you’ll want to keep an eye out for conditions like herniated discs. If your condition is treated quickly, you might be able to dramatically slow the conditions’ progress, which will help you safeguard your mobility and quality of life.

Car Accidents

Traffic accidents are a common cause of pain in the back. When you get into an accident, tremendous forces will be exerted on the body. Besides lower back pain, these forces can strain your neck and other tissues, causing conditions such as whiplash.

Personal Injuries

If you should slip in the shower, you could hurt your spine and other tissues as well. Personal injuries are common and even exceptionally careful people may suffer them. If you or a loved one have experienced a personal injury, you should work with Dr. Jay.

Bad Ergonomics

If your bed, chair, office chair, desk, or anything else you frequently use offers bad ergonomics, it could lead to back strain and other issues. It’s crucial to ensure that your commonly used furniture offers good ergonomics. Fortunately, a chiropractor can advise you on the right furniture.

Sports Injuries

While playing sport is generally good for you and your loved ones, a hard collision on the field or overuse could leave you injured. Professional athletes often turn to chiropractors for help, and you can as well.

Interested in spinal decompression? Residing in or near Nitro, WV? Come to the Dr. J Chiropractic and Wellness Clinic. You can get the conversation started by calling 304 776 1520.

Thursday, June 20, 2024

Peripheral Neuropathy and How Chiropractors Can Help

 

Peripheral neuropathy can lead to numbness, tingling, weakness, and other symptoms that impair your quality of life. Dr. Jay McClanahan at Dr. J Chiropractic & Wellness Center is dedicated to helping residents in and around Nitro, WV, find freedom from these symptoms so that they can get back to living their best.

 

Peripheral Neuropathy and Chiropractic Care

Your nervous system is a sophisticated electrical system running through and controlling operations within the body. In addition to organ function and other health-related areas, the nerves also impact your soft tissues.

When there is an issue in the nerves, they don’t relay messages properly, which can lead to a lack of function in the muscles and extremities. Fortunately, there is hope. Dr. McClanahan and the team at Dr. J Chiropractic & Wellness Center of Nitro, WV, explain how chiropractic care can benefit those suffering from neuropathy below.

 

Discovering the Cause

There are many things that can impact the health and wellness of the nervous system, including your diet, health conditions like diabetes, and nerve compression or damage. Without understanding the reason for your condition, it’s hard to achieve relief. The first step in treatment is gaining an understanding of anything impacting your nerves.

 

Going to the Source

Once the root cause is identified, chiropractors get to work fixing it. This is critical, as most forms of treatment only work to relieve the symptoms. However, that relief is short-lived if the issue is still present. By addressing the actual cause of your nerve issues, you can achieve and maintain relief.

 

Customized Care

Chiropractors offer a range of services to ensure every patient receives what they need. Some techniques used for nerve issues include:

  • Adjustments to restore alignment throughout the musculoskeletal system, relieving pressure from joints, discs, nerves, and other components
  • Decompression therapy to gently stretch and create space between the bones, which also pulls in any herniated discs that may be putting pressure on your nerves
  • Soft tissue techniques like massage therapy, ultrasound therapy, and electrical muscle stimulation relieve pain, inflammation, and tension, as well as improve the flow of blood and nutrients to the area and stimulate healing in damaged tissues
  • Lifestyle adjustments to address nutritional needs or habits that may contribute to your pain

 

Find personalized relief from neuropathy in Nitro, Cross Lanes, Charleston, St. Albans, and Teays Valley, WV, by calling (304) 776-1520 to schedule an appointment with Dr. McClanahan at Dr. J Chiropractic & Wellness Center.

Thursday, June 13, 2024

What is Spinal Decompression?

 Chiropractors are perhaps most well-known for providing hands-on care. That said, many chiropractors also use advanced tools and devices to relieve pain, improve mobility, and otherwise promote a patient’s well-being. One of the most effective devices is a spinal decompression machine. Dr. Jay McClanahan at Dr. J Chiropractic and Wellness Center in Nitro, WV, offers spinal decompression, so if you’d like to give this treatment a go, get in touch! You may be able to secure lasting pain relief.

Exploring Spinal Decompression

While the spine is remarkably strong, it can still be damaged. Further, over time, your spine may start to break down, becoming brittle and more prone to various issues. Spinal decompression can be used to stretch out your spine, which could relieve tension in the spine and surrounding tissues. It can also relieve pressure on the discs between your vertebrae.

When a patient undergoes spinal decompression, they lie down on a specialized table. From there, they’re connected to a specialized decompression machine. A chiropractor, such as Dr. Jay, will use advanced software to identify potential trouble spots and reduce the risk of mishaps.

The machine will use pulleys and other components to exert pressure on your body. Typically, the lower half of your body will be pulled away from the upper half. As the sides move away from each other, the spine is stretched out.

It’s crucial to work with an experienced chiropractor. While complications are very rare, doctors new to the technology may fail to use it optimally. Fortunately, residents of Nitro, WV, can access spinal decompression at the Dr. J Chiropractic and Wellness Center.

What Can Spinal Decompression Treat?

Spinal decompression is highly adaptable and can be used to treat anything from general back pain to advanced and complicated conditions. In many cases, decompression might actually be the best choice as far as care is concerned.

A decompression machine is often used to treat:

  • Degenerative spine conditions - Sets in as joint cartilage slowly breaks down over time and the discs lose fluid.
  • Herniated discs - Occurs when a disc bulges out, pinching surrounding tissues.
  • Sciatica - Pressure on the sciatic nerve in the lower back can produce numbness and potentially pain.

The above list is not exhaustive by any means. If you’re interested in spinal decompression in Nitro, WV, schedule an appointment with Dr. Jay. You can reach the Dr. J Chiropractic and Wellness Center team by calling 304 776 1520.

Thursday, June 6, 2024

Chiropractic Treatments for Shoulder Pain

 

Is shoulder pain making it hard to lift your arms or carry out simple tasks? Dr. Jay McClanahan at Dr. J Chiropractic & Wellness Center provides the residents of Nitro, WV, relief through personalized, natural, and effective care.

 

Chiropractic Treatments for Shoulder Pain

The shoulder is a complex ball and socket joint that consists of ligaments, tendons, muscles, cartilage, bursa, and bones. You put it to work every day as you lift, reach for, or carry things. Those who play sports and have physically demanding jobs put the shoulders through additional stress.

As the shoulder is so active in our daily lives, it often sustains or develops injuries such as sprains, dislocations, and tendonitis. Conditions like arthritis also lead to pain and suffering.

Unfortunately, these issues can negatively impact your life and make even small tasks hard to manage. Dr. McClanahan and the team at Dr. J Chiropractic & Wellness Center of Nitro, WV, share how chiropractic treatments for shoulder pain can help.

 

Chiropractic Care for Shoulder Injuries and Pain

When your shoulder is in pain, you want that pain to go away as quickly as possible. However, relying on pain medication will only provide temporary relief. And if that pain medication helps you power through another day, there is a pretty good chance that you are worsening the issue you are dealing with.

Chiropractic care gets to the root of the pain and addresses it through the most natural methods possible. It treats the injury itself, instead of just covering up your symptoms. In doing so, there is nothing left to cause pain and the body can heal.

 

Chiropractic Treatments for Shoulder Injuries and Pain

Your treatment will be built around your needs, but will likely include one or more of the following.

  • Adjustments: Restoring alignment to both the spine and the shoulder are critical for relieving undue stress on the various components affecting the shoulders.
  • Massage therapy: Massage therapy can help reduce tension and inflammation in the joint.
  • Ultrasound therapy: Ultrasound therapy is used to penetrate deep layers of tissue to break up tension and scar tissue, as well as improve blood flow.
  • EMS: Electrical muscle stimulation creates contractions that help relieve pain, tension, and inflammation.
  • Therapeutic exercises: Stretching and strengthening exercises are beneficial for relieving tension, improving range of motion, and repairing soft tissues.

 

Receive personalized care for your shoulder pain in Nitro, Cross Lanes, Charleston, St. Albans, and Teays Valley, WV by calling (304) 776-1520 to schedule an appointment with Dr. McClanahan at Dr. J Chiropractic & Wellness Center.

Friday, May 31, 2024

Chiropractic Care to Reduce Chronic Inflammation

 

Suffering from chronic inflammation? Dr. Jay McClanahan at Dr. J Chiropractic & Wellness Center of Nitro, WV, offers natural and lasting relief through customized treatment plans.

 

Chronic Inflammation and How Chiropractic Care Can Help

Inflammation is a natural immune response to something going wrong within the body. In many cases, it goes away pretty quickly, but it’s considered chronic when it lasts for weeks or even years.

What causes inflammation to occur? And how can a chiropractor help? Dr. McClanahan and the team at Dr. J Chiropractic & Wellness Center of Nitro, WV, share the answers below.

 

Understanding Inflammation

Your body is equipped with many natural processes to keep you healthy, safe, and free from injuries. When it detects certain stimuli, it works to remove them and prevent infection by sending white blood cells to the area.

This process happens in response to many things, including insect bites and splinters. However, it can also happen in response to:

  • Injuries, including misalignment, herniated discs, strains, sprains, and more
  • Certain foods
  • Stress
  • Arthritis
  • Poor sleeping
  • Smoking

 

How Can a Chiropractor Help?

Chiropractors can be invaluable in treating inflammation, beginning with determining the underlying source. When you are unaware of what is causing your symptoms, it can be difficult to find relief. Chiropractors can assess your symptoms, medical history, lifestyle, musculoskeletal system, and more to find the source.

Once located, your chiropractor can develop a personalized care plan to help you achieve relief. Some techniques can include the following.

  • Adjustments: Adjustments shift misaligned bones back into place. This can help relieve pressure on the bones, joints, soft tissues, and other musculoskeletal components, as well as improve nerve function. They can also help heal any underlying injuries.
  • Dietary changes: You can both fight inflammation and cause it, depending on what you eat. A chiropractor can recommend the best foods for your specific needs.
  • Exercises: Being active helps improve blood flow, which can naturally relieve inflamed areas.
  • Soft tissue techniques: Massage therapy, therapeutic ultrasound, and electrical muscle stimulation can all help relieve tension and other restrictions that are impeding proper blood flow. Massage therapy can also help with lymphatic drainage, which is beneficial when dealing with chronically inflamed areas.

 

Discover firsthand how chiropractic care can relieve chronic inflammation by visiting Dr. McClanahan and the team at Dr. J Chiropractic & Wellness Center of Nitro, Cross Lanes, Charleston, St. Albans, and Teays Valley, WV. Call (304) 776-1520 to schedule an appointment today.


Thursday, May 30, 2024

Help for Chronic Knee Pain

 

Are you living with ongoing knee pain in Nitro, WV? If so, you should consult with your local chiropractor, Dr. Jay McClanahan. He is an experienced and thoughtful chiropractor who will take the time to assess your situation and devise a holistic, non-invasive care plan. 

What Causes Painful Knees?

If you are active by way of sports or intense exercises that include jumping, kneeling, and quick starts, you put a lot of pressure and stress on your knee joints. People with arthritis may have inflammation in those same joints. Active people may also have ACL injuries. If you fall on your knee or have an accident, it can create a fracture of the kneecap. The fluid-filled sacs around the knee joint, known as the bursae, can also create pain when they become inflamed. Excessive weight can also be a culprit, as it puts additional pressure on your lower limbs, particularly your knees, whenever you walk, climb the stairs, and do general movement.

 

How Can Dr. McClanahan Help with Knee Pain in Nitro, WV?

If the source of knee issues is related to obesity, Dr. McClanahan has a weight loss program that may assist your knee recovery. With general nutritional guidance and accountability, you can lose the weight that is applying pressure to your knee. He can also create custom orthotics that fit your feet and aid in a proper gait. Thanks to his expertise in chiropractic massage, he can also focus on the soft tissue areas around your knee that need soothing relief, and use adjustments to the knee joints directly to ensure they are aligned.

The quality care at Dr. J Chiropractic & Wellness Center can help your body get back on track for proper balance of movement. Knee pain in Nitro, WV, can be hard to live with, but you can begin to eliminate that problem under the care of Dr. McClanahan. Call him today at 304-776-1520 for a consultation.

Wednesday, May 29, 2024

Maintaining Good Posture While Driving

 

Posture is just as important while you’re driving as when you’re sitting at your desk. Dr. Jay McClanahan at Dr. J Chiropractic & Wellness Center of Nitro, WV, shares how to keep your spine healthy in a vehicle.

 

3 Essential Tips for Driving With Good Posture

People spend a great deal of time in their vehicles, but even a few minutes of poor driving posture can impact your health and cause pain. In the guide below, Dr. McClanahan and the team at Dr. J Chiropractic & Wellness Center of Nitro, WV, share some of the negative impacts of sitting improperly while you drive and tips to follow to improve your habits.

 

Effects of Poor Posture

Your spine needs to stay in a neutral position at all times. When it’s not, it can lead to:

  • Chronic back pain
  • Chronic neck pain
  • Digestive issues
  • Irritability
  • Poor nerve function
  • Difficulty sleeping
  • Breathing trouble and more

 

1. Start With the Back of the Seat

One of the most important steps in practicing good posture while driving is ensuring your back has the right support. Sit with your tailbone as close to the back of the seat as possible. Adjust it in such a way that you can comfortably rest your back on the seat completely while still seeing over the steering wheel – at about a 100-degree angle. You should not have to lean up to see. If you are in the vehicle for long periods, or you just can't seem to get the back positioned well, consider adding some extra lumbar support.

 

2. Then Work On the Height and Proximity to the Steering Wheel

To see properly over the steering wheel, you might have to adjust the height. Be sure that your feet can easily reach the pedals and leave some space between the seat and the back of your knees.

 

3. Adjust the Steering Wheel and Mirrors

Once your seat is properly adjusted, take some time to adjust the mirrors and steering wheel. You should be able to see in the mirrors without leaning or straining. Your steering wheel should be adjusted in such a way that your hands can be in the proper driving position while your elbows remain at a relaxed angle.

 

Improve your posture and get help to undo the negative effects of driving by visiting Dr. McClanahan regularly at Dr. J Chiropractic & Wellness Center of Nitro, Cross Lanes, Charleston, St. Albans, and Teays Valley. Call (304) 776-1520 to schedule an appointment today.


Tuesday, May 28, 2024

Potential Causes of Neck Pain

 

Neck pain, a common condition, often starts in the neck region but can radiate down one or both arms. The causes of neck pain (a.k.a. cervicalgia) can be attributed to various diseases/disorders, injuries, or trauma affecting the various components of the neck. If you experience acute or ongoing neck pain, Dr. Jay McClanahan of Dr. J Chiropractic & Wellness Center in Nitro, WV, can determine the underlying cause and help to reduce pain/discomfort that can disrupt your life.

The neck is defined by a complex network of bones and tissue. When the cervical spine/nerves become unnecessarily compressed, the pain can be intense because the body’s nerves connecting the signals from the brain to the rest of the body transverse through the neck region.

Neck Pain Symptoms

The cervical spine, with its seven defined vertebrae referenced as C1-C7, is the section of the spine associated with the neck. Small intervertebral discs between these spinal bones provide flexibility and shock absorption. Neck pain can manifest in the following ways -

  • Pain that ranges in intensity, which may be in the neck or radiating down the shoulder, arms, and hands.
  • Stiffness, muscle spasms, soreness, or tenderness in the neck region.
  • Headaches, which may make you dizzy/lightheaded.
  • Weakness in the hands.
  • Problems swallowing/speaking.

Common Causes of Neck Pain

The typical causes of neck pain are generated from muscle strain or stress/tension, often resulting from everyday activities. These activities include –

  • Sitting at a desk for extended periods, especially if the computer screen is positioned too low/high.
  • Poor posture while watching TV or reading.
  • Sleeping in an awkward position.
  • Lifting things too quickly or using ill-advised lifting methods.  
  • Twisting/turning your neck jarringly while exercising.

In addition, a fall or accident may result in a severe neck injury like whiplash, a vertebral fracture, or more.

Medical conditions that may generate neck pain include –

  • Disc Degeneration.
  • Fibromyalgia.
  • Ruptured disk.
  • Cervical arthritis or spondylosis.
  • Spinal stenosis (narrowing of the spinal canal).
  • Small fractures caused by osteoporosis.
  • Sprains/Trauma/Injury/Overuse.
  • Infection of the spine (osteomyelitis, diskitis, abscess).

Neck Pain Treatment Options

These are the most common neck pain treatments at the Dr. J Chiropractic & Wellness Center-

  • Gentle spinal manipulations/adjustments.
  • DTS Therapy/Spinal Decompression.
  • Massage Therapy –
    • Relaxation Massage.
    • Deep Tissue massage.
    • Sports Massage.
    • Swedish Massage.
    • Pregnancy Massage.
    • Youth Massage.
  • Therapeutic Ultrasound.
  • Electrical Muscle Stimulation.
  • Therapeutic Exercise, and more.

Dr. McClanahan looks forward to providing customized chiropractic guidance and therapeutic exercises to help relieve neck pain and prevent a future reoccurrence.

Contact a Leading in Nitro, WV, Chiropractor Today

For more information, contact Dr. McClanahan or a team member of Dr. J Chiropractic & Wellness Center at 304-776-1520 or online.

Tuesday, April 30, 2024

Common Causes of Shoulder Pain

 

The shoulder is a complex joint that offers extraordinary mobility while providing a junction where the spine and neck nerves connect with the body. If you live or work in and around Nitro, WV, and experience shoulder discomfort or pain, Dr. Jay McClanahan of Dr. J Chiropractic & Wellness Center offers chiropractic and complementary therapy options to help you move pain-free. 

The shoulder joints are complex, consisting of -

  • The Acromioclavicular Joint – the joint that defines the meeting point of the collarbone and shoulder blade.
  • The Glenohumeral Joint – the joint where the shoulder socket meets the upper arm bone.

The pain and discomfort that can be felt in the shoulder region typically stem from spinal misalignment or some sort of injury or traumatic event that causes damage, as noted below. While pain manifests differently for most, typical shoulder symptoms include –

  • Throbbing, sharp, dull, or radiating pain.
  • Stiffness or a reduced/limited range of motion for the shoulder joints. 
  • A tingling or numbness is often described as pins and needles.
  • Sensitivity or tenderness or shoulder soreness, especially when applying pressure. 

Common Reasons for Shoulder Pain

Shoulder pain can occur at any time; however, most people who experience shoulder pain find the discomfort intensifies at night when the joints naturally stiffen. Sensations may vary from dull to sharp, aching or burning, being aggravated when you begin to move. 

The most common causes of shoulder pain are- 

  • Overuse results in strained muscles.
  • Arthritis affecting the shoulder joint.
  • Tendonitis or tendinopathy.
  • Inflammation of the shoulder bursa (bursitis).
  • Ligament tears.
  • Nerve compression or pinching.
  • A rotator cuff injury.
  • Shoulder impingement syndrome.
  • Frozen shoulder, also known as adhesive capsulitis.
  • Dislocation of the shoulder joint.
  • Pain referred from other muscles.
  • Years of poor posture.

Treating Shoulder Pain with Chiropractic Care

Dr. Jay offers various chiropractic and alternative, complementary treatments that assist in helping to reduce or eliminate the pain and related discomfort associated with a shoulder. In addition to prescribing therapeutic exercises or offering lifestyle guidance, Dr. Jay also provides these services and more -

  • Chiropractic Adjustments.
  • Spinal Decompression.
  • Electric Muscle Stimulation.
  • Cupping.
  • Massage Therapy 
    • Deep Tissue Massage.
    • Sports Massage.
    • Swedish Massage.
    • Youth Massage.
  • Therapeutic Ultrasound, and more. 

Contact a Leading Nitro, WV, Chiropractor Near You

For more information on how chiropractic care can help relieve shoulder pain and related symptoms,  contact Dr. McClanahan or a staff member of Dr. J Chiropractic & Wellness Center at 304-776-1520 online.

Relaxing Your Muscles

 

Muscles can become tight for various reasons, which often leads to symptoms like stiffness, discomfort, and pain. According to Dr. Jay McClanahan of Dr. J Chiropractic & Wellness Center, with a location that serves the greater Nitro, WV, vicinity, proactively choosing to loosen your tight muscles can reduce pain and discomfort while improving flexibility and preventing potential injuries.

Ways to Relax Your Muscles

The simplest way to keep your muscles relaxed is to keep them hydrated because dehydration can cause muscles to stiffen and tighten. In addition, consider these techniques to relax your muscles, some of which can be practiced at home, and some are available at Dr. J Chiropractic & Wellness Center:

Stretching 

Simple or therapeutic stretching is an effective way to loosen tight muscles while enhancing flexibility. However, it is important to be slow and deliberate to avoid forcing yourself into uncomfortable or painful positions. Static stretching—holding a stable position for at least 30 seconds—is among the most effective techniques for loosening tight muscles, but you need to warm up before doing it.

Massage Therapy 

Massage therapy helps reduce the muscular knots that create restriction, loosening tight muscles and improving circulation. We offer specialized massages, including relaxation massages, deep tissue massages, and more.

Heat Therapy 

Applied heat helps muscles relax and loosen. Heat, which should never be applied directly to your skin, can be applied in various ways, including –

·        A heating pad.

·        A hot water bottle.

·        A warm bath, shower, or hot tub.

Exercise 

Regular and therapeutic exercises can help to keep muscles flexible and strong. 

What Are the Benefits of Loosening Your Muscles?

Keeping your muscles loose offers these benefits -

Reduced Discomfort and Pain

Tight muscles lead to stiffness and, ultimately, pain and discomfort.

Better Flexibility 

Muscles that are loose remain more flexible, increasing your range of motion.

Increased Circulation 

Relaxed muscles facilitate blood circulation, promoting the delivery of nutrients and oxygen to tissues and organs.

Injury Prevention 

Tighter muscles enhance your risk of injury because they become more prone to strain and overuse. 

Improved Posture 

Tight muscles often lead to poor postural habits, back pain, and muscle discomfort. Maintaining tight muscles helps to maintain correct posture and prevent potential issues.

Stress Relief 

Stress causes tight muscles. Choose relaxation techniques – yoga, meditation, etc. - for your overall well-being.  

Contact a Leading Nitro, WV, Chiropractor Today

Overall, avoiding tight muscles can offer the benefits of improved comfort, flexibility, and circulation, plus a reduced risk of injury. If you would like additional information on how chiropractic care can help, contact Dr. McClanahan or a Dr. J Chiropractic & Wellness Center staff member at 304-776-1520.

Saturday, April 27, 2024

Signs and Causes of Kyphosis

 

Kyphosis refers to a spinal condition that results in a forward curvature of the vertebrae in the upper back. According to Dr. Jay McClanahan of Dr. J Chiropractic & Wellness Center, with an office that serves the greater Nitro, WV, area, normal upper back kyphosis has a range that exists between 10 and 50 degrees. However, excessive or hyper-kyphosis can cause your upper back to appear more rounded – sometimes called “a round back” or a “hunch-backed.”

Signs of Kyphosis

Mild cases of kyphosis typically cause no obvious signs or symptoms. When the condition becomes moderate or more severe, the following may also be experienced as additional symptoms of hyper-kyphosis –

  • Shortness of breath.
  • Back pain or discomfort.
  • The head bends forward.
  • Back stiffness restricts movement.
  • Tingling sensations in the legs.
  • Tight hamstrings.

Causes of Kyphosis

There are several types of kyphosis. These include the following -

  • Postural kyphosis refers to a curvature of the spine.
      This type of kyphosis is typically caused by constant slouching, poor posture, or by toting heavy items on your back.
  • Scheuermann’s kyphosis is developmental and happens during bone growth spurts.
      This type of kyphosis is caused by a spinal structural deformity in which vertebrae grow in a wedge shape rather than rectangularly.
  • Congenital kyphosis refers to a curvature of the spine that occurs during gestation.
      This type of kyphosis occurs when vertebrae do not segment/form in the womb.

If the spine’s curvature becomes extreme (beyond expected or established ranges), any of the above-mentioned is considered hyper-kyphosis.

Prevention of Postural Kyphosis

Fortunately, there are ways to proactively prevent postural kyphosis. This is accomplished by addressing known risk factors that encourage the development of this condition. Following the guidance noted below will help you reduce your risk of developing a spinal curvature or hyper-kyphosis -

  • Do not carry excess weight, and try to maintain a healthy, recommended weight.
  • Be mindful of your posture, and try to maintain good posture.
  • Be consistent with exercises that help to strengthen your back and abdominal muscles.
  • Carry heavy loads in backpacks or rolling bags rather than on the shoulders.

Note that Kyphosis is only one type of spinal curvature.

  • Lordosis refers to an inward spinal curve - causing an arching of the lower back.
  • Scoliosis refers to a curve to the left or right.

A spine typically has a certain amount of upper back kyphosis and lower back lordosis.

Contact a Leading Nitro, WV Chiropractor Near You

If you would like additional information on how chiropractic care can help with kyphosis, contact Dr. McClanahan or a member of our team at Dr. J Chiropractic & Wellness Center at 304-776-1520 or online.

Thursday, April 25, 2024

What are Chiropractic Adjustments For?

 

If you live in pain or are feeling less than your best, don’t lose hope. Dr. Jay McClanahan and the team at Dr. J Chiropractic & Wellness Center of Nitro, WV, offer chiropractic adjustments and other techniques to help.

 

The Purpose of Chiropractic Adjustments

Any time you visit a healthcare provider, and they want to administer some sort of treatment, you wonder what the treatment is for and what exactly it will do. It’s no different when you visit a chiropractor who recommends adjustments. Below, Dr. McClanahan and the team at Dr. J Chiropractic & Wellness Center of Nitro, WV, explain chiropractic adjustments, their purpose, and how you can benefit.

 

What Are Adjustments For?

To put it simply, adjustments are used to restore alignment to the musculoskeletal system. This short answer, however, leaves one wondering why alignment is so important.

Your body wasn’t haphazardly thrown together. Your bones are stacked on top of one another to help your body stay upright. Between them sits discs that cushion your bones. Muscles, ligaments, and tendons surround them to provide support and help you move. And nerves travel out to the rest of the body from the spinal cord to ensure your body does its various jobs.

As the bones are in the midst of this intricate structure, any misalignment can throw the entire system off balance. A misaligned bone puts unnecessary stress, strain, and pressure on the surrounding discs, nerves, muscles, and other soft tissues.

Unfortunately, this can lead to pain, muscle tension, numbness, weakness, burning sensations, impaired nerve function, and more. Adjustments are a technique used to restore proper alignment, eliminating undue pressure, strain, and related symptoms.

 

Benefits of Adjustments

A misalignment can lead to many types of symptoms – some of which are mild while others can be debilitating. And they can vary among the people experiencing them, which means the benefits of restoring alignment can vary, too. However, some common benefits include relief from:

  • Back pain
  • Neck pain
  • Headaches and migraines
  • Joint pain
  • Sciatica
  • Shoulder pain
  • Knee pain
  • Fibromyalgia
  • Limited range of motion

Adjustments also help improve nerve function and blood flow, which can have a direct impact on your general health and wellness.

 

Learn more about the healing power of chiropractic adjustments and how they can help you by visiting Dr. McClanahan at Dr. J Chiropractic & Wellness Center of Nitro, Cross Lanes, Charleston, St. Albans, and Teays Valley, WV. You can schedule an appointment by calling our team at (304) 776-1520.