Piriformis Syndrome

 Our legs and lower backs are connected, and a problem in one could result in a problem in the other. One of the muscles that connects the top of the femur to the lumbar spine is the piriformis muscle, and when it’s tight, pain may radiate from the lower back. Even worse, piriformis syndrome, as it's known, may cause sciatica. At the Dr. J Chiropractic & Wellness Center in Nitro, we’re able to treat piriformis syndrome without drugs or surgery, so we want everyone to understand more about why they should seek chiropractic treatment.

The piriformis muscles are deep within the pelvic region. There is one on each side, and they help to rotate the leg outward. The sciatic nerve of each leg runs through, around, or on either side of its respective piriformis muscle, which is why swelling in the piriformis muscle could compress the nerve. This would result in tingling, numbness, or painful shocks along its length. The piriformis muscle may be compressed due to inflammation of the sacroiliac joint (where the lumbar spine connects to the pelvis), or because it has suffered an acute injury or become worn with overuse. Piriformis syndrome without sciatica would usually feel more like a dull ache.

A diagnosis of piriformis syndrome would usually be made through process of elimination, although it may not be the only thing contributing to a patient’s pain. Treatments are based on stretching the piriformis muscle and increasing its strength. This would be done through therapeutic exercises and soft tissue therapies such as low-level laser and electric muscle stimulation. We can also use chiropractic adjustments to treat the lower back for any subluxations it may have incurred due to the piriformis muscle’s tightness.

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. 

Hip Bursitis

 Do you feel pain in the side of your hip? Does it spread and feel worse when you’re seated? If so, you may be suffering from hip bursitis. Fortunately, this condition is treatable. At Dr. J Chiropractic & Wellness Center, we utilize non-invasive, non-addictive treatments for problems in the musculoskeletal system, including in the hips, allowing our patients to resume normal activities as quickly as possible.

Bursae are sacs of cushioning fluid found throughout the body in places where muscles, tendons, and ligaments rub over bony protrusions. “Bursitis” is a term used to describe their inflammation, and the bursae that are usually inflamed when a person is suffering hip pain are the trochanteric bursae. These bursae are located on the outer side of the top of the femur. Major muscles stretch over them while traveling from the leg to the pelvis or lower back, and when those muscles are tight, they squeeze the trochanteric bursae.

Although bursae can suffer acute injuries, damage to them is usually caused by long-term wear. Reducing pressure on the bursae will require anti-inflammatory treatment and for the hip muscles to become longer and more flexible. We can assist with this by providing electric muscle stimulation, ultrasound therapy, therapeutic massages, and chiropractic adjustments. We also advise patients on therapeutic exercises that will improve their core strength, reducing the burden on the muscles of their lower backs and hips.

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. 

Massage Therapy

Dr. Jay McClanahan at Dr. J Chiropractic & Wellness Center in Nitro, WV, is proud to offer massage therapy to patients! Regular massage treatments significantly improve your body and overall health, from stretching your muscles for optimal body function to faster healing times. Massage therapy also helps treat or relieve symptoms associated with a variety of problems, including chronic diseases, injuries, muscle tension, and neurological disorders. It’s important to work towards a healthier body now so that you can lower your risk for future aches and injuries.

The benefits of massage therapy include:

-Decreased lower-back pain
-Increased range of motion
-Shorter and easier labor for expecting mothers
-Easing medication dependency
-Enhanced immunity
-Alleviates migraine pain
-Stretches and exercises weak muscles

At your appointment with Dr. McClanahan, he will listen to your symptoms and work with you to create a treatment plan unique to your needs. Massage therapy works best when combined with our other chiropractic treatments. The massages themselves will allow your body to be more open to healing and treatment, increasing the success of all other treatments.

Today’s modern lifestyle can take a toll on your body. Massage therapy not only improves your health but will keep you healthy. Let us help you overcome the obstacles of your daily life. Dr. J Chiropractic & Wellness Center is located at 642 Cross Lanes Drive in Nitro, WV 25143. For more information or to schedule an appointment, please visit drjbackdocwv.com or call the office at 304-776-1520.

Is Chiropractic Treatment Safe for Pregnant Women?

Many pregnant women experience aches and pains in their lower back and hips as their baby grows. It begs the question: how does a mother find relief? There are natural remedies to combat pregnancy discomforts, such as seeing a chiropractor for safe manipulations and adjustments. According to the American Pregnancy Association, “There are no known contraindications to chiropractic care throughout pregnancy. All chiropractors are trained to work with women who are pregnant.” Dr. Jay McClanahan at Dr. J Chiropractic & Wellness Center in Nitro, WV, is dedicated to safely alleviating pain associated with pregnancy.

Chiropractic care alleviates pain associated with a baby growing heavier in a mother’s stomach, such as a misaligned spine or protruding abdomen. In fact, a pelvis that is out of alignment can restrict the amount of space the baby has to develop, which in turn can lead to birth defects. Proper alignment of the pelvis also lowers the chances of a complicated delivery.

Regular chiropractic care during pregnancy has other benefits as well:

-Controlling symptoms of nausea
-Reducing labor and delivery time
-Maintaining the health of fetus and mother

Are you pregnant and think you can benefit from safe chiropractic treatment? We are happy to address any questions or concerns that come up. Dr. J Chiropractic & Wellness Center is located at 642 Cross Lanes Drive in Nitro, WV 25143. For more information or to schedule an appointment, please visit drjbackdocwv.com or call the office at 304-776-1520.

Ice Pack Cryotherapy

You are probably familiar with icing a freshly sprained ankle or busted shin to reduce swelling and pain. Cryotherapy, or “cold therapy,” works in the same way to reduce inflammation and pain, but on injuries suffered long ago. Start your road to recovery with Dr. Jay McClanahan at Dr. J Chiropractic & Wellness Center today! There are many benefits associated with ice pack cryotherapy that it’s become a popular treatment option in the Nitro, WV, area.

Cryotherapy is also an effective way to help with muscle spasms. Benefits can be obtained from just one session of cryotherapy, but it is most effective when used regularly. Commonly used in treatment for sports injuries, some athletes use cryotherapy twice a day, while others may go once a day for ten days and switch to once a month after that time. Listen to what your body says as it reacts to the treatment, as well as any advice given to you by your trusted chiropractor.

Other benefits of cryotherapy include:

- Reduces pain attributed to arthritis
- Helps treat mood disorders
- Decreases symptoms of migraines
- Numbs pain associated with nerve irritation
- Treats certain skin conditions
- Potential to help treat low-risk tumors
- Potential to help prevent dementia and Alzheimer’s

Are you an athlete who could benefit from cryotherapy? We are happy to address any questions or concerns that come up! Dr. J Chiropractic & Wellness Center is located at 642 Cross Lanes Drive in Nitro, WV 25143. For more information or to schedule an appointment, please visit drjbackdocwv.com or call the office at 304-776-1520.

Cranial Manipulation

Did you know that your cranium can become “stuck?” Whereas your primary doctor treats your problem symptomatically with prescription or over-the-counter drugs, we at Dr. J Chiropractic & Wellness Center believe in a more holistic approach. Dr. Jay McClanahan is experienced with finding the right treatment plan unique to a patient’s issue. Your Nitro, WV, chiropractor is excited to offer a technique called cranial manipulation, to help patients restore head and body mobility.

Cranial manipulation involves the gentle application of manual force to address somatic dysfunctions of the head and body. It is an innovative approach to treating chronic conditions such as:

- Headaches and migraines
- Cranial dysfunction
- MDDS
- Postural distortions and scoliosis
- Facial swelling
- Malocclusion
- Difficulty chewing
- Pain in the face, neck, jaw, or shoulders
- Forward head posture
- TMJ dysfunction
- Multiple sclerosis
- Vertigo
- Low back pain
- Bell's palsy
- Trigeminal neuralgia

Do you think you could benefit from cranial manipulation? We are happy to address any questions or concerns that come up! Dr. J Chiropractic & Wellness Center is located at 642 Cross Lanes Drive in Nitro, WV 25143. For more information or to schedule an appointment, please visit drjbackdocwv.com or call the office at 304-776-1520.

Multiple Sclerosis

Multiple Sclerosis (MS) is an autoimmune disorder that affects the nervous system. Inflammation damages the myelin, the fatty substance that surrounds the nerves. This causes a variety of neurological problems and even loss of control of the limbs. Dr. Jay McClanahan of Dr. J Chiropractic & Wellness Center provides an alternative treatment for patients with MS. Visit his office in Nitro, WV, to learn more.

Many patients with MS have control of their limbs much of the time. Still, the joint pain does affect mobility and quality of life. Plus, many patients with MS also have other autoimmune conditions. But what happens if medication and pharmaceuticals aren’t enough? That’s where your Nitro, WV, chiropractor comes in.

Medications aren’t always 100% effective and lose strength over time. Chiropractic care provides you with pain relief without reliance on drugs. It will improve your overall happiness and welfare. Your Nitro, WV, chiropractor focuses on your body as a whole. Instead of just treating your symptoms, Dr. McClanahan works to find the root of the cause. The spine hosts the headquarters for your body’s nerves. If a vertebra is out of alignment, it worsens and creates painful symptoms. Chiropractic treatments work to correct these displaced vertebrae. These treatments reduce inflammation and pain.

Patients find success with various forms of spinal manipulation, especially the Blair chiropractic technique. This focuses on the area between the neural canal and the brainstem. Working on these upper cervical vertebrae show positive results in MS patients.

If you or a loved one are suffering from multiple sclerosis (MS), contact Dr. J Chiropractic & Wellness Center in Nitro, WV. To schedule an appointment with Dr. Jay McClanahan, call 304-776-1520 or visit https://www.drjbackdocwv.com/meet-the-doctor.