The body goes through many changes during pregnancy, and some women experiencing pain and discomfort assume there will be no relief until the due date. But that’s not true! At the Dr. J Chiropractic & Wellness Center, we can help expectant mothers maintain a healthy pregnancy with prenatal chiropractic adjustments.
Chiropractic care during pregnancy is a safe and effective way to care for a woman’s changing body and prepare for delivery. In later stages of pregnancy when the abdomen begins to protrude, the back and pelvis respond to this change. For some women, this can result in a misaligned spine or joints. Maintaining pelvic balance and alignment during pregnancy is possible, and prenatal chiropractic adjustments can help. A healthy pregnancy benefits the mother and baby, all the way through to labor and delivery!
To learn more about chiropractic adjustments and all 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.
Thursday, August 15, 2019
Saturday, August 10, 2019
Osteoporosis and Spinal Curvature
As people live longer and healthier, we’re becoming more aware that things that used to be regarded as natural parts of aging are actually preventable diseases. One of the best examples of that is the hyperkyphosis that is associated with the elderly. We’re experts in nutrition as well as spinal health at the Dr. J Chiropractic & Wellness Center, and we want our patients to understand how those things intertwine.
Kyphosis is the forward curvature of the upper back. Hyperkyphosis is an extreme stoop. It commonly afflicts older women as a result of osteoporosis. Our bones are constantly breaking down in a process called resorption and being rebuilt. In people with osteopenia, the breakdown is outpacing the rebuilding. When osteopenia becomes advanced, the bones are riddled with tiny holes, which is the condition “osteoporosis” describes.
Brittle bones easily develop hairline cracks. Their accumulative impact is one frequent cause of hyperkyphosis. While we can ease discomfort from osteoporosis through minimally invasive methods such as therapeutic massages, we also emphasize prevention through nutrition and exercise. In addition to calcium-rich foods and supplements, people may increase their calcium intake by exposing themselves to more sunlight. Low or no-impact exercise such as swimming and yoga can also build up back muscles, relieving pressure on the vertebrae.
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.
Kyphosis is the forward curvature of the upper back. Hyperkyphosis is an extreme stoop. It commonly afflicts older women as a result of osteoporosis. Our bones are constantly breaking down in a process called resorption and being rebuilt. In people with osteopenia, the breakdown is outpacing the rebuilding. When osteopenia becomes advanced, the bones are riddled with tiny holes, which is the condition “osteoporosis” describes.
Brittle bones easily develop hairline cracks. Their accumulative impact is one frequent cause of hyperkyphosis. While we can ease discomfort from osteoporosis through minimally invasive methods such as therapeutic massages, we also emphasize prevention through nutrition and exercise. In addition to calcium-rich foods and supplements, people may increase their calcium intake by exposing themselves to more sunlight. Low or no-impact exercise such as swimming and yoga can also build up back muscles, relieving pressure on the vertebrae.
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.
Thursday, August 1, 2019
Introduction to Spondylolisthesis
Back pain can have a lot of causes. Our spines are complex structures and problems often develop slowly over time. One common condition is spondylolisthesis, in which one vertebra has slid over another. Our practice at the Dr. J Chiropractic & Wellness Center can correct this problem, but since it often goes undetected, it’s helpful for patients to be aware of it.
“Spondylolysis” describes small fracture in the part of the vertebra that connects with other vertebrae to form a facet joint. It could be caused by a traumatic injury or overuse, as most often occurs in teenage athletes. It may also result from degenerative disc disease. As people age, the spongy discs between their vertebrae become less elastic, allowing the bodies of the vertebrae to slide out of place. Eventually, the body of a vertebra could become significantly dislocated, putting pressure on the lower back muscles. A slipped vertebra could even compress a nerve.
We can determine whether spondylolisthesis has occurred by taking x-rays. Our goal is to stabilize the back so the patient can develop stronger muscles that will keep the vertebrae in place. Adjustments may be useful. We can also recommend exercises that will loosen the hamstrings, which tend to tighten up when a lumbar vertebra has slipped forward, and provide relief from the strain with electric muscle stimulation and therapeutic massages.
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.
“Spondylolysis” describes small fracture in the part of the vertebra that connects with other vertebrae to form a facet joint. It could be caused by a traumatic injury or overuse, as most often occurs in teenage athletes. It may also result from degenerative disc disease. As people age, the spongy discs between their vertebrae become less elastic, allowing the bodies of the vertebrae to slide out of place. Eventually, the body of a vertebra could become significantly dislocated, putting pressure on the lower back muscles. A slipped vertebra could even compress a nerve.
We can determine whether spondylolisthesis has occurred by taking x-rays. Our goal is to stabilize the back so the patient can develop stronger muscles that will keep the vertebrae in place. Adjustments may be useful. We can also recommend exercises that will loosen the hamstrings, which tend to tighten up when a lumbar vertebra has slipped forward, and provide relief from the strain with electric muscle stimulation and therapeutic massages.
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.
Thursday, July 25, 2019
Shoes for a Healthy Gait
Healthy posture depends on a healthy gait. There are some shoes that provide healthy support for the musculoskeletal system, and some which only cause misalignments. Part of our mission at the Dr. J Chiropractic & Wellness Center in Nitro is providing patients with the information they need to care for their own spinal health, so let’s take a look at what patients should do the next time they need new shoes.
The healthiest shoes are those which are made of breathable material and provide support to the side as well as the bottom of the foot’s arch. There are many sandals being produced that do this, and shoe manufacturers are making dress shoes, flats, and flip flops that are more supportive than past models. But sneakers still have a major advantage in that the cuff and tongue stabilize the ankle, making it less likely to roll.
Shoes should be replaced when they no longer have adequate traction. For running shoes, this could mean every few months. When buying new shoes, shoppers are advised to go later in the day, when their feet have spread out a bit from bearing their weight. It is important to get each foot measured; they are often not the exact same size. If patients need additional support, we can provide them with customized orthotics.
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.
The healthiest shoes are those which are made of breathable material and provide support to the side as well as the bottom of the foot’s arch. There are many sandals being produced that do this, and shoe manufacturers are making dress shoes, flats, and flip flops that are more supportive than past models. But sneakers still have a major advantage in that the cuff and tongue stabilize the ankle, making it less likely to roll.
Shoes should be replaced when they no longer have adequate traction. For running shoes, this could mean every few months. When buying new shoes, shoppers are advised to go later in the day, when their feet have spread out a bit from bearing their weight. It is important to get each foot measured; they are often not the exact same size. If patients need additional support, we can provide them with customized orthotics.
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.
Thursday, July 18, 2019
Comfortable Sleep Positions
Do you wake up with pain in your neck or back? You can guess that your sleep position probably has something to do with it, but how should you sleep instead? At the Dr. J Chiropractic & Wellness Center, we highly value prevention and want our patients to know how to avoid straining their back muscles. Best sleep practices may require lifestyle changes.
Ideally, the back, neck, head, and pelvis will all be in a straight line during sleep. Stomach sleeping is the position that pushes the body the furthest from this ideal. It thrusts the head backwards and sideways and allows the lumbar spine to sag. Sleeping on the side is a much better option, although it works better when the sleeper keeps a pillow between their knees. Besides keeping the knee joints from rubbing together, this allows the pelvis to remain level, preventing the lumbar spine from bending. Larger people may also favor softer mattresses that their downward-facing hip can sink into for the same reason.
Side sleeping still allows the lumbar spine to sag. The optimal sleep position is on the back, with small cylindrical pillows supporting the curves of the neck and lumbar spine. Most people favor firm mattresses. The only downside is that lying on the back may increase a patient’s risk of obstructive sleep apnea, for which they should get assessed if they find they are still tired after sleeping. Nonetheless, they should notice a reduction in muscle aches.
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.
Ideally, the back, neck, head, and pelvis will all be in a straight line during sleep. Stomach sleeping is the position that pushes the body the furthest from this ideal. It thrusts the head backwards and sideways and allows the lumbar spine to sag. Sleeping on the side is a much better option, although it works better when the sleeper keeps a pillow between their knees. Besides keeping the knee joints from rubbing together, this allows the pelvis to remain level, preventing the lumbar spine from bending. Larger people may also favor softer mattresses that their downward-facing hip can sink into for the same reason.
Side sleeping still allows the lumbar spine to sag. The optimal sleep position is on the back, with small cylindrical pillows supporting the curves of the neck and lumbar spine. Most people favor firm mattresses. The only downside is that lying on the back may increase a patient’s risk of obstructive sleep apnea, for which they should get assessed if they find they are still tired after sleeping. Nonetheless, they should notice a reduction in muscle aches.
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.
Thursday, July 11, 2019
Sacroiliac Joint Dysfunction
The pelvis plays a crucial role in supporting our upper bodies, so when it’s in pain, that’s a big problem. The Dr. J Chiropractic & Wellness Center in Nitro is dedicated to providing patients with low-risk, fast-acting pain relief, and when they come to us complaining of hip pain, we have lots of options available.
The sacroiliac joints are what connect the spine to the pelvis. The sacrum is a large body made up of fused vertebrae just beneath the lumbar section of the back, and the iliac bones are the top ridges of the pelvis. When there is inflammation here it is called “sacroiliitis,” although dysfunction does not always result in inflammation. No spinal nerves pass through the sacrum, but pain in the sacroiliac joints can still radiate to the lower back or down the legs. It tends to be worse after the patient has been standing or walking up stairs.
We will want to test patients complaining of hip pain for infections, but sacroiliac dysfunction is usually caused by acute or chronic injury. If a joint is dislocated, we can perform an adjustment. We can also loosen tight gluteal muscles with electric muscle stimulation. Stronger pelvic muscles will relieve pressure from the sacroiliac joints; we can advise patients on which exercises will subject them to the least impact force.
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.
The sacroiliac joints are what connect the spine to the pelvis. The sacrum is a large body made up of fused vertebrae just beneath the lumbar section of the back, and the iliac bones are the top ridges of the pelvis. When there is inflammation here it is called “sacroiliitis,” although dysfunction does not always result in inflammation. No spinal nerves pass through the sacrum, but pain in the sacroiliac joints can still radiate to the lower back or down the legs. It tends to be worse after the patient has been standing or walking up stairs.
We will want to test patients complaining of hip pain for infections, but sacroiliac dysfunction is usually caused by acute or chronic injury. If a joint is dislocated, we can perform an adjustment. We can also loosen tight gluteal muscles with electric muscle stimulation. Stronger pelvic muscles will relieve pressure from the sacroiliac joints; we can advise patients on which exercises will subject them to the least impact force.
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.
Thursday, May 9, 2019
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.
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.
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