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.

Potential Symptoms of a Herniated Disc

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

Potential Herniated Disc Symptoms

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

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

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

• Tingling/Numbness

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

• Reflex Changes

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

Herniated Disc Treatment Options

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

Spinal Adjustments

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

Electrical Stimulation Therapy

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

Soft Tissue Techniques

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

Therapeutic Exercises

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

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

Contact a Leading Nitro, WV Chiropractor Near You

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

Who is DTS Therapy For?

 

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

Who Can Benefit From DTS Therapy?

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

What Is DTS Therapy, Anyway?

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

What Type of Issues Does It Address?

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

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

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

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

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

How Chiropractors Treat Pinched Nerves

 If you’re living with a pinched nerve, Dr. Jay McClanahan at Dr. J Chiropractic & Wellness Center in Nitro, Cross Lanes, Charleston, St. Albans, and Teays Valley, WV can get to the root of your pain and help you achieve lasting relief.

6 Ways Chiropractors Treat Pinched Nerves

Pinched nerves are pretty much what the name suggests: nerves that have become pinched or compressed by something. Often, it’s a herniated disc, but muscles and other musculoskeletal components can be to blame.

Chiropractic care is effective, as it seeks to locate the pinched nerve, provide relief, and address the cause of the compression. To do so, Dr. McClanahan at Dr. J Chiropractic & Wellness Center in Nitro, Cross Lanes, Charleston, St. Albans, and Teays Valley, WV utilizes the following techniques.

1. Adjustments

Nerve compression is often caused by a misalignment somewhere in the spine. That misalignment puts undue pressure on the various soft tissues and nerves in the vicinity. Adjustments restore proper alignment, relieving that pressure.

2. Spinal Decompression

Herniated discs are a top cause of pinched nerves, as the inner filling spills out onto the nerve. Bulging discs are another cause, which are those that have “slipped” but haven’t torn. In either case, spinal decompression pulls the discs and their inner filling back in by gently stretching the spine.

3. Chiropractic Massage

When muscle tension is to blame for your pinched nerve or is the result of an injury that caused the pinched nerve, chiropractic massage can help. It helps relieve tension while drawing healing nutrients to the injured nerve and releasing endorphins.

4. Ultrasound Therapy

Ultrasound therapy provides similar benefits. It reduces inflammation, increases blood flow to the injured area, and promotes regeneration of nerve tissue.

5. Therapeutic Exercise

Targeted movements and stretches can also enhance recovery. Dr. McClanahan will recommend exercises that will target the damaged area to relieve tension and strengthen weakened tissues.

6. Recommendations for Daily Life

A pinched nerve is often due to or aggravated by lifestyle factors, such as being overweight, practicing poor posture or improper lifting techniques, prolonged sitting, and more. Chiropractic care provides specific recommendations and support to address these factors, enhancing your recovery and helping prevent pinched nerves in the future.

Learn more about how chiropractic care can help your pinched nerve in Nitro, Cross Lanes, Charleston, St. Albans, and Teays Valley, WV by scheduling an appointment with Dr. McClanahan at Dr. J Chiropractic & Wellness Center at (304) 776-1520.

How Spinal Decompression Therapy Works

 

Spinal decompression therapy uses a variety of techniques to open up the space between vertebrae in order to provide relief. There are several reasons why spinal decompression therapy may be recommended, and it's important to work with a chiropractor who can uncover the underlying cause of your pain in order to provide treatment. At Dr. J Chiropractic & Wellness Center in Nitro, WV, Dr. Jay McClanahan works with patients who are experiencing back pain, numbness, or tingling down their arms or legs due to a spinal compression. When you have pain, or you are told that you need to have back surgery, a chiropractor may be able to delay or prevent the need for surgery due to a compression.

When You Have a Spinal Compression

A spinal compression can cause pain, numbness, or tingling. You might have an area where you have tight muscles and little or no movement in your spine. Compressions can be caused by an injury, poor posture, chronic issues, or from a problem with your disc. If you have a bulging disc, it is not able to heal once it becomes compressed. When the area between two vertebrae has narrowed, the disc doesn't have any room to repair itself. For pain, stiffness, and poor range of motion because of a spinal decompression, there are options for treatment.

Spinal Decompression and Chiropractic Care

Spinal decompression therapy is progressive, and will involve working with a chiropractor several times a week to get the treatment you need. Gentle stretching of the area can help loosen up tight muscles and open up the space between vertebrae. Spinal adjustments can get your spine into alignment and relieve pressure. Traction will help to ease strain in the area of compression, but will need to be done consistently for the traction to be effective. You will want to see the chiropractor two or three times a week in your early stages of recovery, and learn strengthening exercises to help improve the alignment of your spine. Once you begin learning stretching and strengthening exercises, it is important to work on your exercises in between sessions to improve your chances of a recovery.

Call for Your Chiropractic Evaluation Now

If you are concerned about needing surgery for a spinal compression, it's time to give chiropractic care a try. Call Dr. J Chiropractic & Wellness Center in Nitro, WV at 304-776-1520, and set up a consultation to meet with Dr. Jay. Together you can discuss your options when it comes to spinal decompression, and try a conservative approach to addressing pain that does not involve surgery.

What to Do When You Have a Disc Injury

Have you been diagnosed with or think you might have a disc injury in Cross Lanes, St. Albans, Charleston, Teays Valley, or Nitro, WV? Dr. Jay McClanahan at Dr. J Chiropractic & Wellness Center can help you heal naturally and effectively through customized care.

Steps to Take When You Have a Disc Injury

A disc injury can create a lot of pain and suffering. And unfortunately, the human body is put at risk of such an injury each and every day. Fortunately, you’re not powerless if you do sustain such an injury. The following steps can help.

Take a Rest

When you first sustain a disc injury, taking a couple of days to rest can help. It’s important to note, though, that resting for too long can actually create more problems. That’s why you should limit that rest period to no more than two days. During this time, using a little heat can help alleviate some of your pain and discomfort.

Ease Back Into Life

When those couple of days of rest are over, it’s imperative that you don’t just dive back into your regular activities full force. Instead, you want to ease back into it. And be sure that you take breaks throughout the day, don’t sit for too long at once, and spend some time stretching.

Do Some Light Exercise and Stretches

Targeted movement and stretches can go a long way in helping a disc injury heal – and in providing relief while it does. The key here is to listen to your body. If a specific movement or stretch causes pain, avoid it. When you find those that are relieving, aim to repeat them several times a day.

Visit Your Chiropractor

One of the most important steps to take when you have a disc injury in Cross Lanes, St. Albans, Charleston, Teays Valley, or Nitro, WV is to schedule an appointment with Dr. McClanahan at Dr. J Chiropractic & Wellness Center. Through various treatment methods, such as spinal decompression, spinal adjustments, massage therapy, and therapeutic exercise, Dr. McClanahan can help you get back to living your life.

You don’t have to take pain and suffering due to a disc injury when you have someone like Dr. McClanahan that has your back. If you live in Cross Lanes, St. Albans, Charleston, Teays Valley, or Nitro, WV, call Dr. J Chiropractic & Wellness Center at (304) 776-1520 to schedule an appointment today.

Disc Herniation

The spine is an incredibly important part of the human body. It’s necessary for controlling your everyday functions. Vertebra composes the spine, with intervertebral discs between them. When these become herniated or “slip out” of place, patients may experience excruciating pain. Dr. Jay McClanahan of Dr. J Chiropractic & Wellness Center, in Nitro, WV, provides treatment for herniated discs.

Your appointment with Dr. McClanahan starts with a physical examination. He checks if your reflexes are intact and the level of sensation along your nerves. Make sure to share any pertinent medical history with him. Lastly, your spine is fully evaluated. Your Nitro chiropractor will pinpoint exactly where the herniated disc is.

The next step is designing a treatment plan. This mainly consists of spinal manipulation. This moves the disc back into place, relieving all the painful symptoms. Dr. McClanahan takes your body’s pain levels, overall health, and activity into consideration.

There are some patients that aren’t eligible for treatment. In the case of advanced injuries, consulting with a spinal surgeon may be necessary.

A herniated disc can happen for a variety of reasons. Falling or injuring yourself is the main cause. There are also genetic factors like degenerative spinal diseases.

Contact Dr. J Chiropractic & Wellness Center today. We are located in Nitro, WV. To schedule an appointment with Dr. Jay McClanahan, visit our website or call 304-776-1520.