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.

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.

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.

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.

Pain in the Upper Back

 

The upper back, also known as the thoracic spine, connects to the cervical spine, which is responsible for supporting the movement and weight of the head. The cervical spine also protects the nerves that connect to the brain. The upper back is made up of twelve bones that connect the base of the neck to the lower ribcage. Pain in the upper back can be debilitating, and chiropractic care is an excellent holistic treatment modality for addressing and alleviating upper back pain. If you are experiencing upper back pain near Nitro, West Virginia, contact Dr. Jay McClanahan at Dr. J Chiropractic & Wellness. Our practice includes a licensed massage therapist who provides Swedish massage, Deep Tissue Massage, Hot Stone Therapy, and Relaxation Massage.

What Causes Upper Back Pain?

Upper back pain can be caused by traumatic injury, overuse of the muscles, poor posture, pinched nerve, myofascial pain, osteoarthritis, or a herniated disc. 

• Traumatic injuries can be caused by work-related incidents, car accidents, falls, and incorrect lifting posture.
• Muscular overuse often occurs with repetitive motions that cause tightness and strain in the muscles and can result from high-intensity workouts.
• Poor posture is a deconditioning of the muscles that often relates to a sedentary lifestyle, sitting at the computer, slouching, and weakness of the muscles in the core.
• Pinched nerves are a compression of the nerves that cause numbness and weakness in the arms or legs.
• Myofascial pain relates to issues with the connective tissue in the back.
• Osteoarthritis occurs when the cartilage protecting the bones wears down and the bones rub together, which can put pressure on the nerves.
• Herniated discs occur when the cushion between the vertebrae moves and places pressure on the spine. 

If you live near Nitro, WV, contact Dr. J Chiropractic & Wellness to obtain a comprehensive overview of your upper back pain symptoms. Dr. McClanahan is a compassionate, qualified expert in chiropractic care who can offer a recommended individualized treatment plan to address your pain and assist you on your journey to wellness.

How Chiropractic Care Can Help Relieve Pain

Chiropractic care is a noninvasive form of treatment that centers on the proper alignment of the spine and musculoskeletal system to assist in the body’s natural healing mechanisms. Dr. McClanahan provides spinal manipulation and adjustments, spinal decompression, electrical muscle stimulation, ultrasound, and other proven treatment modalities that improve spinal alignment, reduce inflammation, and foster healing of the nervous system. Dr. J Chiropractic & Wellness Center in Nitro, WV offers a wide variety of holistic chiropractic techniques that can help you achieve a better quality of life. Make an appointment with Dr. McClanahan today. (304) 776-1520

What is Facet Joint Syndrome?

 

Facet joint syndrome is a medical condition that impacts the spine’s facet joints - the small, paired joints that connect adjacent vertebrae at the back of the spine. Facet joint syndrome happens when these joints become damaged, irritated, or inflamed. If you or someone you know is challenged by spinal joint pains, Dr. Jay McClanahan of Dr. J Chiropractic & Wellness Center in Nitro, WV, offers non-invasive treatments to help manage facet joint syndrome and its symptoms.

Facet Joint Syndrome Causes

Facet joints provide the stability required to allow the spine to move freely, which includes extending, flexing, and rotating. While the most common cause of this spinal condition is joint degeneration as a function of time –i.e., wear and tear, facet joint syndrome, which is also known as facet joint osteoarthritis or facet joint arthropathy, may also be caused by repetitive stress, trauma, injury, or an atypically aligned spine.

Facet Joint Syndrome Symptoms

The primary symptoms of facet joint syndrome include the following-

Localized Pain

The joints affected by this condition usually generate pain and discomfort. While the pain may be sharp, throbbing, or achy, it is generally localized to the area of the spine afflicted, i.e., the cervical spine/neck, upper back/thoracic spine, or lower back/lumbar spine.

Painful Motion/Movements

Those movements or activities that put stress on the impacted joints will heighten or intensify the facet joint pain. In addition, pain may radiate to nearby areas.  

Reduced Flexibility/Stiffness

The range of motion in the affected area may be limited.

Muscle Spasms

Muscles near the affected joints may spasm in response to joint inflammation and related pain. 

Facet Joint Syndrome Treatment Options

Treatment options for this condition seek to reduce pain and inflammation while improving or maintaining mobility and range of motion-

Spinal Manipulations/Adjustments

Spinal adjustments help to restore proper alignment, reduce pain, improve joint function, and prevent nerve irritation.

Mobilization

Mobilization techniques help to improve the mobility of the affected joints.

Soft Tissue/Massage Therapy

Massage and other soft tissue therapies address muscle tension and tightness around the afflicted facet joints. This can help with joint function and the reduction of muscle spasms.

Therapeutic Exercises-Posture Guidance

Exercises are prescribed to strengthen the muscles supporting and stabilizing the spine. They can improve flexibility and help prevent additional degeneration of the joints. Additionally, guidance on posture can help reduce future facet joint pressure and pain.  

Call a Leading Nitro, WV Chiropractor Today

For additional information regarding the treatment of facet joint syndrome, contact Dr. McClanahan of Dr. J Chiropractic & Wellness Center at 304-776-1520 or reach out using our online contact form. We look forward to creating a customized facet joint treatment plan.

Back Pain in Golfers

 Back pain is one of the most common issues for golfers in Nitro, Cross Lanes, Charleston, St. Albans, and Teays Valley, WV face. Learn how to prevent back pain and treat it in this guide from Dr. Jay McClanahan at Dr. J Chiropractic & Wellness Center.

Guide to Back Pain in Golfers

There are plenty of great reasons to play golf. It gets you outdoors and gets your heart pumping. It provides an avenue for stress relief and a chance to spend time with friends or family.

For many golfers, though, back pain can put a stop to the fun of the sport. We know how important your game is to you, so Dr. McClanahan and our team at Dr. J Chiropractic & Wellness Center put together this quick guide for the golfers of Nitro, Cross Lanes, Charleston, St. Albans, and Teays Valley, WV.

Top Causes of Back Pain in Golfers

The back is one of the most active areas when playing golf, so it’s a prime target for injury. Muscle strains, repetitive use injuries, disc herniations, and nerve compression can occur in the upper, mid, and lower back. Most often, these injuries are due to one or more of the following:

• Improper golf mechanics, such as bending too far or rotating the leg inward at the hip
• Weakened core muscles or engaging the incorrect muscles, which can cause other muscles to overcompensate
• Muscle fatigue from playing for prolonged periods
• Repetitive swinging motions
• Swinging in a way that extends your body beyond its normal range of motion

Preventing Back Pain

Though not all injuries or mishaps can be prevented, you can greatly reduce your likelihood of sustaining a back injury with just a few steps.

• Always stretch and warm up before you hit the course.
• Strengthen your core and take care of your general health.
• Seek regular chiropractic care to keep your musculoskeletal system in optimal shape.
• Take a break if you are in pain. Give your body time to recover while doing some gentle stretches and exercises.

Treating Golf-Related Back Pain

Even if you’ve already sustained an injury, chiropractic care can still be very beneficial. Adjustments and soft tissue techniques can enhance your recovery and get you back on the course faster. Therapeutic exercise, personalized workout recommendations, technique recommendations, and nutritional guidance can also help your recovery, as well as improve your performance and overall health.

If you’re one of the golfers in Nitro, Cross Lanes, Charleston, St. Albans, or Teays Valley, WV suffering from back pain or looking to prevent it, call (304) 776-1520 to schedule an appointment with Dr. McClanahan at Dr. J Chiropractic & Wellness Center.

Benefits of Massage Therapy

 

The idea of a massage might conjure up images of a luxurious, relaxing spa when you're on vacation. While that experience can definitely feel restorative, you don’t have to shell out for a lavish vacation to experience the many benefits of regular massage. At Dr. J Chiropractic & Wellness Center, Dr. Jay McClanahan has a long history of chiropractic massage therapy with patients in Nitro, WV. Learn more about the wealth of benefits it can provide below.

Mental relaxation

Massage therapy has been shown to stimulate the parasympathetic, or “rest and digest”, nervous system, sending the body into a naturally restorative state. This, in turn, reduces stress hormones, lowering anxiety, providing mental clarity, and even improving sleep. 

Mobility and movement

In addition to the mental benefits, chiropractic massage therapy targets tight muscles, fascial adhesions, and other tissue problems that might be blocking normal movement or causing pain. It also stimulates blood flow to both bring vital nutrients to worn-out areas and flush out dangerous toxins.

Inflammation and chronic pain relief

Stress triggers a release of certain hormones such as adrenaline, cortisol, and others that are designed to help you survive danger. This is valuable in the moment, if you need to nail a presentation or complete a grueling workout. However, when those signals don't subside after they're needed, neither does inflammation. If we can stop them with well-timed massage therapy, the signals fade, helping the body return to a restful, relaxed state.

By stimulating stress reduction, massage therapy helps release hormones that signal an anti-inflammatory response. This makes massage a great option as many chronic pain issues stem from inflammation and an inability to properly recover from stress. 

Other benefits you can expect from regular massage:

• Lymphatic movement to fight illness
• Reduced stress hormones
• Better skin tone
• Greater joint flexibility
• Improved circulation
• General acute injury recovery

Get an appointment for massage therapy in Nitro, WV

Want to learn more about how massage therapy can help you specifically? Get in touch with Dr. McClanahan and our staff at Dr. J Chiropractic & Wellness Center by calling 304-776-1520 today.

How Core Strength Protects Your Back

 

At Dr. J Chiropractic and Wellness Center, protecting your back is at the core of what we do. Speaking of the core, its strength is a big part of the prevention and treatment of spine-related issues. That’s why Dr. Jay McClanahan enjoys helping the people of Nitro, WV increase their core strength. It reduces pain, optimizes performance, and improves overall quality of life, so read on to learn how.

The Muscles That Provide Core Strength

In order to understand how core strength protects your back, we need to take a look at its anatomy and function.

Your core musculature runs along your midsection, connecting your arms, legs, and head to your spine. It’s been described as the cylinder between the diaphragm and the pelvis, which can include muscles such as the abdominals, paraspinals, and even glutes. Technically, your core is divided up into local muscles, or inner core, and global muscles, or outer core.

The inner core muscles lie alongside the spine and help provide stability and stiffness. These include:

• The erector spinae
• Multifidi
• Pelvic floor
• Diaphragm
• Internal obliques

The outer core muscles run from your hips to your ribs, and, in addition to providing stability, they help connect the upper and lower body through movement. These muscles include:

• Rectus abdominis
• External obliques
• Erector spinae

How Core Strength Protects Your Back

While a healthy spine can move freely in all directions, a strong spine can brace against external load to resist movement. A lack of core strength can mean things get pulled out of line, and your spine is left unprotected. Bracing your core, however, helps keep everything in place.

Research shows that core stability exercises manage lower back pain, which makes sense since a big role of core strength is spinal stabilization. Much like a Roman column, a strong core supports a strong overall structure. Creating a strong pillar between your rib cage and pelvis with adequate core strength keeps dangerous stress off of the spine, and therefore protects your back from a painful injury.

Start improving your core strength today

Ready to build a bulletproof core? Get in touch with Dr. McClanahan to set up your appointment at Dr. J Chiropractic and Wellness Center in Nitro, WV by calling 304-776-1520.

Osteoarthritis and Joint Dysfunction

 Osteoarthritis is the most frequent form of arthritis that people suffer from. More than 32 million people in the United States are affected. It causes pain, stiffness, and swelling. It can make doing ordinary tasks more difficult. Dr. Jay McClanahan of Dr. J Chiropractic and Wellness Center in Nitro, WV provides therapy and treatment that can help reduce pain and stiffness in the affected joints. 

What is osteoarthritis?

This type of arthritis is a degenerative joint disease. With this condition, the cartilage breaks down within the joints, and this causes the bones to also change. Cartilage acts as a shock absorber between the bones in your joints and when it deteriorates, it is bone on bone. This is usually a slow condition that happens over time. It can become a debilitating condition in some people, and for others, it is just a painful inconvenience.  

Causes of osteoarthritis

While osteoarthritis is usually considered a disease of aging, it can happen at any age. It is also more common in women than men. It can result from an injury to the joint, or it may be the result of a genetic defect in the cartilage. 

Symptoms of osteoarthritis

The symptoms of osteoarthritis usually begin in one joint or just a few. The most common symptoms are:

• Pain in the joint when used
• Pain goes away when the joint is resting
• Pain worsens at night
• The joint is stiff in the morning or after it has been rested
• Swelling in or around the joint
• Joint movement becomes limited
• Joint feels unstable

Treatments for osteoarthritis

Your chiropractor has treatments that can help with osteoarthritis and joint dysfunction. 

Chiropractic adjustment

Chiropractic adjustment can help with misalignment in the spine, but it can also be used for misalignment in any of your joints. Getting things back into alignment can help with mobility and function as well as pain. 

Ultrasound therapy

Ultrasound therapy uses sound waves to help with inflammation and pain. It vibrates the tissues and promotes healing in the tissues and joints. It can be especially effective on the knees and hips.  

Chiropractic massage

With a relaxation massage, the muscles relax and when they do, it allows the joints they support to have a better range of motion and less pain. Studies have backed this up. 

Therapeutic exercise

Therapeutic exercise is targeted at specific areas and can help to improve your range of motion and mobility and activity is good for arthritis. 

Contact us

For information or help with osteoarthritis, call Dr. McClanahan of Dr. J Chiropractic and Wellness Center in Nitro, WV, serving Nitro, Cross Lanes, Charleston, St. Albans, and Teays Valley at (304) 776-1520. 

Muscles of the Back

 

Your back's muscles are some of the most important in your body because they serve many important roles. Thankfully, Dr. J Chiropractic & Wellness Center, staffed by Dr. Jay McClanahan, can help Nitro, WV, residents understand their back muscles and the problems that affect them. With our help, you can prevent long-term back pain and minimize your suffering for years to come.

Common Types of Muscles in the Back

Your back has 40 muscles in 20 different pairs, each of which helps your body differently. Listing them all here would take up too much space, so let's focus on some of the most commonly used types and what they do for you. These groups include:

• Muscles that move the head, including sternocleidomastoid, semispinalis capitis, splenius capitis, and longissimus capitis
• Muscles that move the upper arms, including latissimus dorsi, supraspinatus, infraspinatus, teres major, and teres minor
• Muscles that move the upper thighs, including iliopsoas and psoas minor muscles

These essential support muscles keep your body strong and improve your movement. Unfortunately, they're also the most commonly damaged muscles because they are frequently used. Thankfully, Dr. McClanahan can help Nitro, WV, residents manage these back muscles and minimize long-term pain.

Back Pain Prevention and Treatment

Severe back pain may occur when you overwork or damage muscles in your back. For example, it's not uncommon for athletes to experience extensive back pain when starting a new activity. Other people may develop back pain due to inactivity or lack of exercise.

Managing back pain requires working with a skilled professional who understands each muscle group in your body. While injuries are more common in the areas highlighted, they can occur anywhere. Thankfully, our team of professionals can help you by providing various treatments. These therapeutic methods include:

• Back strengthening exercises that minimize strain 
• Physiotherapy to improve flexibility and strength 
• Long-term support, including guided recovery methods 
• Hands-on massage or chiropractic care to reduce back pain

Preventative techniques can help minimize your risk of injury. For instance, working the muscles highlighted in the previous section can help keep them strong and reduce your injury risk. You can also visit us regularly for maintenance checkups to check for muscle weakness and improve your overall strength.

Help is Here for Your Back Issues

Back pain can make life very difficult and may require the help of our professionals at Dr. J Chiropractic & Wellness Center. Dr. McClanahan can treat back muscles in Nitro, WV, to help you recover from severe injuries and other concerns. Call us at 304-776-1520 to learn more about your care options and ensure you get the high-quality support needed for your recovery.

Common Contributors to Lower Back Pain

 

Lower back pain is a common cause of visits to a chiropractor. According to the NIH, it is estimated that almost a quarter of the world's adult population suffers from pain in the lower back. Dr. Jay McClanahan of Dr. J Chiropractic and Wellness Center serves Nitro, WV, Cross Lanes, Charleston, St. Albans, and Teays Valley. Many things can cause lower back pain and the treatments recommended will often depend on the cause. 

Muscle strain

Muscle strain can result from repetitive motions or from lifting things incorrectly. You don't have to lift something heavy, it is more about using your legs, not your back, to take the brunt of the stress. Electric muscle stimulation is one therapy your chiropractor can use to help the muscles to relax and relieve the pain. 

Pregnancy

Pregnancy shifts the center of balance in the body and the baby can press on nerves that result in back pain. Massage therapy can be especially beneficial for pregnant women and their babies. 

Disc issues

Disc issues can be caused by an injury or just from aging. The discs are the cushion located between your vertebrae that allow them to move freely. A damaged disc can press on the nerves along the spine and this results in pain. Relieving that pressure is what is needed. This can be done with spinal decompression, which stretches the spine to allow more space between the vertebrae. A vacuum is created that pulls the disc back into its correct location, relieving the pressure. 

Scoliosis

Scoliosis is an abnormal curvature of the spine. In 80% of cases, the cause is unknown, making it hard to prevent. Depending on the curvature, it may or not cause lower back pain in children, but for adults with scoliosis caused by aging bones, it can be very painful.  

Not being physically fit

Having a strong core helps to keep your spine healthy and strong, which helps with fewer cases of lower back pain. Your muscles help support the spine and making sure they are in good condition to do their job is vital for your back. 

Traumatic injury

If your lower back is injured, you will likely result in lower back pain. Falls, auto accidents, sports, and sometimes just moving the wrong way can result in pain that can make any movement excruciating. Your chiropractor can help with exercises and adjustments to help you to get back to your normal life.

You can count on Dr. McClanahan of Dr. J Chiropractic and Wellness Center in Nitro, WV to help with your lower back pain.  Give our office a call today at 304-776-1520 to make an appointment. We are accepting new patients. 

Keep Good Posture While Driving

 

Dr. J Chiropractic & Wellness Center and Dr. Jay McClanahan constantly work to help improve their patients' posture in Nitro, WV. Unfortunately, many people don't keep their backs properly supported while driving and suffer. Thankfully, it is possible to avoid slumping and protect yourself here.

Many People Slump While Driving

If you're like most people, you probably spend many hours in your car every week. Whether you commute to work, take your children to school, or enjoy going out for the day, you may be slumping when you drive. Many people do, and this problem can cause many issues with your health.

For example, it's not uncommon to suffer from pain in the neck, shoulders, wrists, arms, fingers, back, legs, and feet if you don't drive with the best posture in Nitro, WV. Thankfully, it is possible to avoid this problem by adjusting how you drive and minimizing long-term health issues as well.

Keeping Your Back Straight In the Car

By now, you should understand the importance of keeping your back straight in the car. Achieving a straight back is fairly simple if you take a few steps. The following process may seem somewhat involved, but once you get it down pat, you'll be ready to drive:

1. Slide your tailbone as close to the seat as possible to support your back
2. Lift your hips as much as possible to increase blood circulation
3. Adjust your seat so that you can hit your pedals without being too close
4. Tweak your seat until your eyes are three inches above the steering wheel
5. Lean slightly back to keep your back at about a 100-110 degree angle
6. Carefully adjust your headrest so that it just touches the back of your head
7. Insert a lumbar support in your car to get maximum back support as you drive
8. Properly adjust your rearview mirrors to avoid having to crane your neck to see
9. Know when it's time to take breaks and stretch your back to keep it limber

If you notice any strain in your back, neck, or shoulders, talk with your doctor right away. They can help you find a better seating position or even prescribe support that works for you. This process can ensure that you don't suffer while you're driving your car. You may even use some of these steps when sitting in your home's many seats.

Help is Available

Dr. J Chiropractic & Wellness Center and Dr. McClanahan can help you manage any posture problems in Nitro, WV, and ensure you drive properly every time you're in the vehicle. Doing so can help keep your back stronger and healthier. Please call 304-776-1520 right away to learn more.

Spinal Spurs

 

Dr. J Chiropractic & Wellness Center and Dr. Jay McClanahan know that people in Nitro, WV, with spinal spurs experience heavy pain that can be hard to manage. Our team of experts can help you understand why these bone spurs develop and ways you can manage them without difficulty.

How Spurs Develop

Spurs on your spine are just like any other bone spur and are hard bumps of extra bones that often form between joints or where two bones meet. However, they can form just about anywhere and don't cause any problems on their own. Unfortunately, spurs on your spine are a bit more problematic.

They typically occur because of things like osteoarthritis, degenerative joint disease, gout, injury, excessive use, obesity, genetic bone problems, spinal stenosis (narrowing of the spine), and a poor diet. Many of these influences can be properly regulated to prevent these spurs from ever developing.

If you develop spinal spurs in Nitro, WV, you may not experience any problems at all. Unfortunately, they may also cause a variety of symptoms like pain in the affected area, difficulty moving the area, spasms through the muscles, cramps, and even bumps beneath your skin.

Spurs in your spine are problematic because they may affect nerve signals if they're allowed to worsen or develop. As a result, it is important to talk with a treatment specialist who understands these issues and who can manage them before they worsen on you.

Treating This Painful Problem

When treating your spurs, our team will carefully scan your body to identify what is happening. These diagnostic steps may include x-rays and MRI scans that can get a quick look inside of your body, although we don't request those needlessly. If we see any spurs, we'll decide what kind of treatment method may work the best for you.

Medication and surgery are not always necessary to mitigate problems from spinal spurs, and even in cases where they are recommended, it is important to take holisitc steps to prevent spurs from developing again. For example, losing weight, eating a calcium-rich diet, and avoiding excessively working the affected area may all help. We'll help you come up with a plan that makes the most sense for your overall needs.

We Can Help You

Are you experiencing bone spurs in your spine and need help to manage them? You aren't alone. Thankfully, Dr. J Chiropractic & Wellness Center and Dr. McClanahan can manage spinal spurs for Nitro, WV, residents. Call us at 304-776-1520 to set up an appointment with a team who cares.

 

Pain in the Upper Back

While it's not as common as lower back pain, patients do come to Dr. J. Chiropractic & Wellness, serving Nitro, WV, and the general vicinity, with upper back pain. Dr. Jay McClanahan would like you to know what the potential causes are as well as how we can help. 

General Information 

Pain in your upper back refers to pain in and around the thoracic portion of your spine. This is the middle region of your spine, located underneath your cervical spine in your neck. Additionally, it's pain that occurs above the lumbar region of your back, which is the lower portion of your back. 

Your upper back is limited on its range of motion because the rib cage holds it in place. When compared to other regions, your upper back is the most stable for this reason as well. However, this also changes the treatment approach. 

Causes of Upper Back Pain 

When you visit our office in Nitro, WV, our first task is to establish what could be causing your upper back pain. The aging process tends to take a toll on your spine, including the thoracic spine. 

If you're not practicing good posture as you sit or stand, you could be straining the soft tissue in this area, contributing to your back pain. 

During a fall, you could injure this area. For instance, you could fall on your back or hit your neck and upper back if you fall backward off of something high. Additionally, you could injure your upper back in another way that leads to a sprain or strain. 

Sometimes, the root cause has to do with an underlying condition you have that makes you more vulnerable to injuring this area, such as osteoarthritis. 

Treatment for Upper Back Pain 

The treatment you receive at our practice depends on the cause of your upper back pain. If it's from an injury, we'll focus on helping that part of your back recover. 

Sometimes, that treatment approach includes therapeutic exercise, which focuses on building the strength and flexibility of that area's soft tissues. A spinal alignment could also be part of your treatment, which helps to bring an increase in blood flow to the area to promote healing. 

On the other hand, massage therapy, ultrasound therapy, or electrical muscle stimulation may be part of the treatment, and so may lifestyle advice and posture correction. 

At Dr. J Chiropractic & Wellness in Nitro, WV, Dr. McClanahan offers a number of treatments to manage pain. Treatments often promote healing as well.

Book an appointment at our practice today for upper back pain relief through natural means by calling 304-776-1520.

Signs of Osteoarthritis

 

Signs of Osteoarthritis 

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, an estimated 58.5 million people in the U.S. have osteoarthritis -- a form of arthritis caused by wear and tear.

Because of how common this variety of arthritis is, Dr. Jay McClanahan of Dr. J Chiropractic & Wellness, serving Nitro, WV, and the nearby region, would like you to know the signs of look out for. So, which signs are most common?

Pain 

Pain is one of the most well-known signs of osteoarthritis. It occurs when you lose the cartilage at the end of the bone, which, as a result, leads to pain and discomfort. 

The joint pain you feel from this form of arthritis happens most often during or immediately following use. The pain will lessen as you rest, whether overnight while you sleep or as you stop using the joint in general. 

During your appointment at our office in Nitro, WV, our practitioner will ask you to gauge your pain on a scale of one to 10 and want to know when the pain occurs most often. 

Stiffness

Stiffness can occur with osteoarthritis, particularly as you sit or lay for prolonged periods. The stiffness you experience tends to decrease once you start to move the joint. 

Noticeable Swelling 

Swelling is your body's natural defense against damage. It occurs when your immune system sends white blood cells to combat the issue. When you have osteoarthritis, the joint may become swollen because your body is trying to heal the problem. Swelling, however, can intensify the pain. 

Loss of Range of Motion 

Osteoarthritis is one form of arthritis that can limit your range of motion. For instance, if it affects your shoulder, you may no longer be able to raise your arms straight up in the air. On the other hand, if it affects your knee joints, it could hinder your ability to walk. 

Grating Sensation 

With this condition, you might feel a grating sensation or hear snapping or crackling when you move the affected joint. While this can occur from bubbles in the synovial fluid, it can also stem from severe damage to the cartilage at the end of the bones. As a result, your bones may rub against one another because they no longer have that cushioning. 

Tenderness

Another symptom is tenderness to the touch. When you place pressure on the joint, it may feel tender. 

Pain, tenderness, and stiffness are all possible with osteoarthritis. Therefore, when you visit Dr. McClanahan at Dr. J Chiropractic & Wellness, serving Nitro, WV, and the neighboring communities, these will be the signs he's looking for specifically. 

Book an appointment with us today by calling 304-776-1520. 

Spinal Degeneration

 

If you’re suffering from or want to prevent spinal degeneration in Teays Valley, St. Albans, Charleston, Cross Lanes, or Nitro, WV, Dr. Jay McClanahan at Dr. J Chiropractic & Wellness Center can provide effective treatment options to help.

What is Spinal Degeneration?

The spine plays an essential role in your daily life. It is directly tied to your ability to walk, sit, stand, and bend. It helps you pick up your kids, work, unload the groceries, shower, and get dressed. It is also responsible for protecting your nerves.

Due to the daily wear and tear, the spine takes a beating constantly. Over time, it begins to wear down or degenerate, affecting the function of the entire body. Posture issues and injuries can cause it to wear down more quickly. This typically happens in four phases.

Phase 1: The first phase isn’t very severe, and you might not realize that there’s an issue yet. You’ll likely notice a slight difference in the curve of your spine and in your balance. Without treatment at this point, it can lead to pressure on the joints, nerves, and discs, affecting the posture.

Phase 2: The second phase is often accompanied by chronic fatigue, pain, and aches, which can all cause emotional and mental stress. These effects can lead to further changes in the posture, bone spurs, and narrowing discs. If you seek treatment for spinal degeneration in Teays Valley, St. Albans, Charleston, Cross Lanes, or Nitro, WV at this point, you still have a high chance of reversing the condition.

Phase 3: Life often changes tremendously at this point. Due to the effects of the first two phases, patients typically find themselves in a great deal of pain with less energy, nerve damage, more significant posture changes, advanced bone decay or deformation, and permanent scar tissue. It can be difficult to move as they once did. They lose some of their height and the curve of the spine becomes very pronounced. Dr. McClanahan can help reduce these symptoms and some of the effects.

Phase 4: The final phase of spinal degeneration brings extreme imbalance of the posture and limited mobility. Patients typically have permanent scar tissue, fused bones, extreme nerve damage, and severe calcium damage. Most of the damage at this point is irreversible. However, visiting Dr. McClanahan at the Dr. J Chiropractic & Wellness Center can help decrease your discomfort and pain while helping improve your quality of life.

Don’t let spinal degeneration in Teays Valley, St. Albans, Charleston, Cross Lanes, or Nitro, WV take over your life. Schedule an appointment with Dr. McClanahan at Dr. J Chiropractic & Wellness Center by calling (304) 776-1520.

Preventing Pain from Fall Yardwork

Each fall, we at the Dr. J Chiropractic & Wellness Center see people who are concerned about injuring their backs while raking. This year, especially, when many people were less active in the summer, many will have weakened cores and be at greater risk for injury. We can assist people suffering lower back and joint pain by practicing several holistic, non-addictive therapies, but we wanted to share some reminders about preventing pain from raking and establishing good health practices.

 

The first thing to decide whenever you put your back at risk is whether you need to be doing the chore at all. You might want to consider using a leafblower, or at least staggering your raking over several days. Before you rake, do dynamic stretches, and put on clothing that is form-fitting but breathable. After at least five minutes of stretching, begin raking while standing with your feet in a scissor position, so that you can make use of your leg muscles to pull the rake as well as your arms and shoulders. Switch your feet and which hand is higher on the rake about every fifteen minutes to prevent cramps.

 

As you pick up leaves, squat down instead of bending your lower back. Test the pile to see whether you can lift it easily, and frequently try lifting the leaf bag to determine whether it’s too full for you to move. After a few hours of activity, do a cool down and cover the leaves you haven’t bagged yet with a tarp. If something else requires you to bend down, bend at your hips, and remember to stay hydrated. If done properly, raking can be good exercise and an opportunity to get sunlight and Vitamin D.

 

Dr. Jay McClanahan is the owner and chiropractor of Dr. J Chiropractic & Wellness Center. Our office is located in Nitro, WV. To schedule an appointment with Dr. McClanahan visit our website or call 304-776-1520.