What is Trigger Finger?

Trigger finger, also known as Stenosing tenosynovitis is one of the most common workplace injuries. This repetitive strain injury happens when a finger is stuck in a bent position and pops or snaps when straightens. At Dr. J Chiropractic & Wellness Center, located in Nitro, WV, Dr. Jay McClanahan is highly experienced in treating these injuries. You should never wait to seek treatment after an injury, so book your appointment now with Dr. McClanahan.

Causes of Trigger Finger

Any repetitive strain on your fingers can cause an injury like a trigger finger. Whether it’s typing, texting, or gripping tools in the same hand motion, trigger finger happens when you’re doing activities that put extreme strain on your hands. When your fingers are faced with this repeated pressure, the tendon is inflamed, narrowing the surrounding space in the sheath of the affected finger. 

Symptoms of Trigger Finger

One of the main symptoms of trigger finger is the popping or snapping of the finger when it’s straightened back from a bent position. Like a trigger being pulled back and released, your finger will feel these repeated clicks and popping sensations. Your finger may also feel tender and stiff while moving. 

Chiropractic Care for Trigger Finger

While many traditional treatment plans for workplace injuries include surgery and medications, chiropractic care is a great alternative if you’re looking for an all-natural and no side effects solution to trigger finger. Your Nitro, WV chiropractor will use a variety of techniques including massage, ice or heat therapy, and stretching exercises to reduce your finger’s inflammation and promote further healing. 

Don’t hesitate to contact Dr. J Chiropractic & Wellness Center located in Nitro, WV. Dr. Jay McClanahan is available by appointment. To schedule a time that works for everyone, call 304-776-1520 or visit his website. 

Backpack Safety

As a chiropractor and high school sports doctor, Dr. Jay McClanahan recognizes the importance of keeping kids safe from back pain. Now is the time when families are making back-to-school purchases, and knowing how to use the right backpack could make a big difference to kids’ well-being.

The American Chiropractic Association recommends that backpacks never be filled to the point where they weigh more than 15% of the weight of the person wearing them. This means that people should avoid wearing backpacks with wheels and pull-out handles. Children will also need to plan when to swap out textbooks at their lockers and avoid carrying anything they don’t really need. A good way to tell if a backpack is too heavy is to observe whether a child strains when picking it up. If they do, some things need to be taken out.

It is also important to choose a backpack that can be worn correctly. The shoulder straps should be wide and padded, and there should be a strap across the chest. When the straps are tightened, the backpack should rest in the center of the upper back, but the straps should not be tight enough to cut off circulation to the arms. Both shoulder straps should always be worn and parents should ask their children whether they’ve experienced any pain in their backs, necks, or shoulders.

Dr. Jay McClanahan operates the Dr. J Chiropractic & Wellness Center at 642 Cross Lanes Drive, Nitro, West Virginia, 25143. To schedule an appointment, visit Dr J Back Doc WV or call 304-776-1520.