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.

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.

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.

Treatment for Degenerative Disc Disease

 

Chiropractic is an effective treatment option for those suffering from degenerative disc disease in Nitro, WV. Dr. Jay McClanahan of Dr. J Chiropractic and Wellness Center offers non-invasive and natural which can help increase the range of motion, reduce inflammation, and relax muscle tension.

DTS Spinal Decompression Therapy

The spine consists of bones called vertebrae separated by tough cartilage pads known as intervertebral (inter = between; vertebrae = "bones of the spine").

When a spinal disc is injured or herniated, it can put pressure on a nerve root and lead to symptoms like pain, numbness, tingling, weakness, and even muscle spasm. The DTS System alleviates this pressure by restoring normal spinal motion and movement patterns through computer-controlled adjustments along the anatomical lines of the spine.

For DTS Therapy, patients lie on a comfortable treatment table and are strapped into an adjustable harness supporting their lower back. A decompression device cycles through brief moments of pulling and relaxing (oscillation).

This process is safe and efficient, using FDA-approved equipment to apply distraction forces accurately, graduated manner to spinal structures.

Spinal decompression, or unloading the vertebrae through distraction and positioning, has demonstrated the ability to separate them from each other gently, creating a vacuum inside the discs affected by the degenerative disc disease in Nitro, WV. 

Chiropractic Massage Therapy

Chiropractic care doesn't stop with adjustments; chiropractors also utilize other therapeutic methods to help their patients feel better and promote overall well-being. Massage therapy is one such example - an invaluable addition to chiropractic care.

This treatment can help alleviate stress, lower blood pressure, and boost your immune system. It also relaxes and elongates muscles, so they remain relaxed - keeping them aligned and preventing pain from returning.

Massage and chiropractic are also excellent ways to help the body heal faster from injury. Many people find that massage and chiropractic work together for faster healing, improved muscular function, and more profound stress relief.

Chiropractic and massage differ because they target the skeletal system, while massage therapists work on soft tissues like muscles and tendons. Both techniques provide adequate pain relief but with distinct approaches.

Chiropractic Adjustments and Manipulation

An adjustment is when Dr. McClanahan applies controlled, sudden pressure to one joint. This often produces a popping sound, like cracking your knuckles.

Other treatments for muscle tension include trigger point therapy, which helps to release tension in tense muscles. 

Dr. McClanahan can also utilize instrument-assisted soft tissue therapy and electrical stimulation as part of their treatments.

Contact Dr. J Chiropractic and Wellness Center at 304-776-1520 to schedule your appointment with Dr. McClanahan to take your first step to get relief from degenerative disc disease in Nitro, WV.

Spinal Decompression Therapy

Spinal decompression puts negative pressure on each disk, to alleviate the pressure and pain associated with compressed disks. When a disk is compressed, the disk material moves from its place between each disk, into the space occupied by the nerves. When these nerves become crowded, the patient experiences great pain and pressure that is not alleviated by even the strongest of pain medications. At Dr. J Chiropractic and Wellness Center, Dr. Jay McClanahan relieves this severe discomfort using the ABS System, a state of the art spinal decompression machine that delivers decompression therapy in a safe and comfortable manner.

Spinal Decompression Therapy involves stretching the spine, using a traction table or similar motorized device, with the goal of relieving back pain and/or leg pain. The ABS machine treats disc bulge and herniation, disc degeneration, sciatica, spinal stenosis/arthritis, and facet syndrome. The machine is computer controlled and the patient is fully clothed during treatment. Dr. McClanahan will fit you with a harness around your pelvis and another around your trunk. You either lie face down or face up on a computer-controlled table. Dr. McClanahan operates the computer, customizing treatment to your specific needs.

If you have questions or concerns regarding degenerative disc disease or spinal decompression therapy, please give us a call. To learn about the services provided at the practice, visit www.drjbackdocwv.com for more information. To schedule an appointment with Dr. Jay McClanahan of Dr. J Chiropractic & Wellness Center in Nitro, WV, call 304-776-1520.

Degenerative Disc Disease

Degenerative disc disease is not really a disease but a term used to describe the normal changes in your spinal discs as you age. As we age, our spinal discs break down or degenerate, which may result in degenerative disc disease in some people. DDD is typically diagnosed with a medical history and a physical exam, so if you are experiencing any aches and pains out of the ordinary, visit Dr. Jay McClanahan of Dr. J Chiropractic & Wellness Center, today.

Spinal discs are soft, compressible discs that separate the vertebrae that make up the spine. The discs act as shock absorbers for the spine, allowing it to flex, bend, and twist. Symptoms of DDD are most commonly concentrated in the low back or neck, depending on where the degenerated discs are.

Where the pain occurs depends on the location of the affected disc. Common symptoms include pain that ranges from nagging to severe and disabling and periods of severe pain that comes and goes, lasting from a few days to a few months.

If you have questions or concerns regarding degenerative disc disease, please give us a call. To learn about the services provided at the practice, visit www.drjbackdocwv.com for more information. To schedule an appointment with Dr. Jay McClanahan of Dr. J Chiropractic & Wellness Center in Nitro, WV, call 304-776-1520.