What is Degenerative Disc Disease?

 Degenerative disc disease is a spinal condition that affects the discs of the spine. Spinal discs are responsible for providing cushion between the vertebrae and enhancing spinal mobility. Nearly everyone experiences some disc degeneration as they age, but those with degenerative disc disease have a serious problem. At the Dr. J. Chiropractic and Wellness Center in Nitro, WV, Dr. Jay McClanahan is able to identify degenerative disc disease and recommend treatments to combat it.

What is degenerative disc disease?

Degenerative disc disease involves wear and tear on the cartilaginous outer ring of the discs between the vertebrae, or their loss of inner fluid. When these discs start to break down, it can be extremely painful and limit mobility. This is because the discs serve to cushion spinal movement and absorb shock, so when they're not in good shape, it can make even walking painful. Cartilage breaks down with age normally, but it can be accelerated by issues like excessive slouching and strain that compresses and tears the tissue. There are a few different kinds of degenerative disc disease, so be sure you ask your chiropractor which one you have.

Symptoms of Degenerative Disc Disease

The most common symptoms of degenerative disc disease include stiffness in the spine, pain while doing certain activities, and muscle spasms. Decreased space between the vertebrae can cause pinched nerves, so numbness and tingling in the legs aren't unusual. As the compressed nerve worsens, it can also cause muscular weakness.

How is degenerative disc disease treated?

Treatment for degenerative disc disease varies from person to person. Depending on the unique spine in question, typical chiropractic care for pain management may be best. The goal is to reduce pain and minimize further wear on the discs. Manual chiropractic adjustments, spinal decompression therapy, or even physical therapy can be beneficial. During your initial consultation with Dr. McClanahan of Dr. J Chiropractic and Wellness Center in Nitro, WV, he'll evaluate your unique situation and prescribe a treatment plan to help you achieve your goals.

If you suspect you are suffering from degenerative disc disease in the Nitro, WV, area, contact Dr. J Chiropractic and Wellness Center. Dr. McClanahan would be happy to meet for a consultation and discuss your options. Simply give us a call at (304) 776-1520 to ask questions about how to get started. On the call, our staff will be able to schedule your consultation. We look forward to supporting you along your journey to optimal spinal health and wellness.

Preventing Pain in Runners

 Running is a movement that is natural to humans. It should be easy and pain-free. When runners feel pain while running or jogging, there is something wrong. At Dr. J Chiropractic and Wellness Center of Nitro, WV, we want to help our patients resolve chiropractic issues before it becomes an office visit. In this article, we'll cover both how to avoid developing pain while running and what to do if you already have it. Dr. Jay McClanahan is a certified chiropractor with a passion for healthy exercise and training.

Why might someone feel pain while running?

There are a few different reasons someone might feel pain in their knees or other joints while running. Most often, weight and shock are not being properly distributed up the legs and spine. This causes excess wear on the tissues and ligaments, leading to pain. Other potential causes of running pain include too much exercise and underlying conditions.

How to Relieve Runners Pain at Home

There are several measures runners can take to prevent and relieve pain. The most important thing is the shoes they wear. Most shoes constrict the toes and don't offer enough support, worsening poor weight distribution across the feet and legs. Remember that humans originally ran on strong, bare feet. The closer a runner gets to that, the better. Runners can do targeted exercises to strengthen weak muscles in the legs and feet. It's also important to ensure proper form while running. The body works best in its proper anatomical position.

How can a chiropractor help relieve running pain?

At your initial consultation with Dr. McClanahan at Dr. J Chiropractic and Wellness Center, he'll identify the source of your running pain. He can then prescribe any relevant lifestyle changes and treatment methods to mitigate the issue. It can often be resolved by obtaining proper footwear and undergoing physical therapy. Other times, there is an underlying condition, and other measures may be necessary.

If at-home remedies aren't working, come visit Dr. McClanahan at Dr. J Chiropractic and Wellness Center. We help people in the Nitro, WV, area overcome musculoskeletal conditions with natural chiropractic techniques. We can help you relieve pain and optimize your athletic performance. To schedule an initial consultation, contact us today at (304) 776-1520. We look forward to helping you achieve optimal health and wellness.

How Massage Therapy Helps Relieve Back Pain

 Massage therapy is often used in combination with chiropractic care because both offer techniques that aim to improve one’s mobility,  flexibility, and the relief of pain. Dr. Jay McClanahan and his staff at Dr. J Chiropractic & Wellness Center in Nitro, WV, notes both techniques often work in harmony, allowing for a faster recovery because when the body can relax, it’s easier to realign the spine and help optimize your nervous system functioning.

How Massage Therapy Helps Relieve Back Pain

Massage therapy consists of manipulating the body’s soft tissue (muscles, tendons, ligaments, and other connective tissue), - which may include stroking, kneading, tapping, compression, and vibration. Massage therapy is particularly helpful in relieving back pain as follows –

• A massage helps to relax tense muscles in the back, which usually helps alleviate muscle spasms, back pain, and tightness. Note that massage aids in the reduction of stress and anxiety, which are proven contributors to muscle tension that can only aggravate an already painful back condition.
• Massage therapy loosens tight muscles, which improves flexibility and increases your back’s range of motion, making it easier to move due to less stiffness.
• Massage promotes improved blood circulation - especially to the muscles. These nutrients and oxygen are what the tissues need to reduce inflammation and help in the repair process.
• Massage therapy, through its relaxing effects, begins to reduce stress levels (and associated cortisol levels), which can help alleviate the emotional/physical components that contribute to back pain.
• Massages can assist in the correction of muscle imbalances – promoting better alignment and reducing back strain.  
• Massage stimulates the release of the body's natural painkillers - endorphins. These natural hormones help reduce pain perception and even offer a sense of well-being.
• For individuals with injuries that have led to chronic back pain, a massage can help break down scar tissue in the muscles and connective tissues, which helps reduce related back pain.

In addition, research continues to reveal how important it is to encourage your mind/body awareness as this can help identify tension areas early and allow you to take steps to avoid these potential issues from worsening through the use of self-care techniques.

Types of Massage Therapy Offered at Dr. J Chiropractic & Wellness Center

• Deep Tissue Massage
• Relaxation Massage
• Swedish Massage
• Sports Massage
• Pregnancy Massage
• Youth Massage

Contact a Leading in Nitro, WV, Chiropractor Near Year

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 tailoring guidance and therapeutic exercises to help relieve back pain and prevent its reoccurrence.

Seeing Your Chiropractor for Weight Loss

 Try a chiropractic weight loss program in Nitro, WV, designed by Dr. Jay McClanahan of Dr. J Chiropractic and Wellness Center.

How Can a Chiropractor Help With Your Weight Loss Goals?

When someone says they are consulting a chiropractor, it’s reasonable to assume they are seeking pain relief. After all, chiropractic adjustments, spinal decompression, and numerous other chiropractic treatment methods focus on alleviating pain. Still, that doesn’t mean a chiropractor can only help you that way. For instance, seeking chiropractic care also makes sense if you’re trying to lose weight.

So, how can a chiropractor help you achieve sustained weight loss?

To get started, your chiropractor can examine your condition to determine why you are dealing with weight issues in the first place. They can run tests to check on your body’s performance and ask questions to learn more about your diet and lifestyle. Once they have all that information, they can start putting together a weight loss plan specifically designed for you.

Your new wellness plan may include some chiropractic treatment. After examining your physical condition, your chiropractor may discover that underlying injuries are making it harder for you to exercise. They can address those injuries so you can develop better exercise habits.

Speaking of exercise, your chiropractor can also teach you exercises best suited for your physical capabilities. As you continue your wellness program, your chiropractor can re-evaluate your physical condition to determine if your exercise routine should be adjusted.

Lastly, your chiropractor can create a meal plan based on your body’s needs. They will consider your preferences and health concerns to ensure the new meal plan suits you perfectly.

Enjoy sustained weight loss in Nitro, WV, after partnering with Dr. McClanahan of Dr. J Chiropractic and Wellness Center.

What Are Weight Loss Seminars?

All chiropractors can help with weight loss goals, but we at Dr. J Chiropractic and Wellness Center offer additional services to make those goals easier to achieve. More specifically, you can attend our weight loss seminars if you’re looking to shed some pounds.

During those weight loss seminars, attendees can try computerized body composition analysis. We will also provide food samples during those seminars so you can get an idea of what your meals will be like. Of course, you can also expect us to discuss how chiropractic care facilitates weight loss so you can understand your wellness plan better.

Losing weight is easier if you work closely with an expert chiropractor. Allow us to step into that role so you can reach and sustain your ideal weight.

Develop a weight loss plan in Nitro, WV, after calling 304-776-1520 and setting up an appointment with Dr. McClanahan of Dr. J Chiropractic and Wellness Center.