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.

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.

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.