Cyclists and Musculoskeletal Pain

 

Chiropractic care from Dr. Jay McClanahan at Dr. J Chiropractic & Wellness Center can help cyclists in Cross Lanes, Charleston, St. Albans, Teays Valley, and Nitro, WV stay on their bikes longer.

Ups and Downs of Cycling

It doesn’t matter if you enjoy cycling as a hobby or workout, or if you like to compete. There’s no argument that it’s good for your health. It’s a great cardio and muscle workout. It can also be great for joint health and can even delay arthritis.

Unfortunately, it can also cause some problems. Cycling puts repetitive strain on various areas of the body, which can lead to injuries, pain, inflammation, and suffering. Some of the most common are below.

Knee Pain

One of the most common injuries for cyclists is knee injuries. As you pedal, you put constant pressure on the knee cap. This can cause the joints to wear down, resulting in the bones rubbing one another and tissues being compressed.

Neck Pain

When you ride, you’re likely leaning over while holding your head up to watch where you’re going. This puts the neck in an unnatural position, which can impact your cervical discs, muscles, and joints.

Shoulder Injuries

Many cyclists experience fractures, damaged joints, rotator cuff injuries, torn cartilage, and more to the shoulder. This typically occurs from crashing or falling off the bike.

Back Pain

Overuse injuries and spinal disc injuries to the back are common for cyclists due to the position and constant movement. And the longer you ride without taking a break or stretching, the more serious these injuries can become. Unfortunately, back pain can keep you from cycling.

Foot Pain

It’s not uncommon for cyclists to experience numbness, tingling, and pain in the front or on the bottom of the foot. This can be caused by compressed nerves or a tight plantar fascia band.

Achilles Tendonitis

Pedaling can put a great deal of stress on the Achilles tendon, which is the tissue that connects the ankle and the calf. This can easily lead to pain, inflammation, and discomfort.

Chiropractic Treatment for Cyclists in Cross Lanes, Charleston, St. Albans, Teays Valley, and Nitro, WV

Dr. McClanahan at Dr. J Chiropractic & Wellness Center offers several chiropractic methods to keep you cycling longer. These include:

• Chiropractic massage
• Therapeutic exercise
• Spinal decompression
• Spinal and extremity adjustments
• Ultrasound therapy
• Custom foot orthotics
• Electrical muscle stimulation

Dr. McClanahan at Dr. J Chiropractic & Wellness Center is dedicated to keeping cyclists in Cross Lanes, Charleston, St. Albans, Teays Valley, and Nitro, WV on the move. Schedule your appointment by calling (304) 776-1520.

Musculoskeletal Care for Hip Pain

 

Dr. J Chiropractic & Wellness Center, serving Nitro, WV, and the nearby area, gives the community a natural option for hip pain. Our Dr. Jay McClanahan offers a range of services, including chiropractic exercise, to help alleviate pain and promote healing or at least manage your condition and reduce progression. 

Causes of Hip Pain

Hip pain can either be acute or chronic. Acute pain flares up, possibly after an injury, and is often severe. Acute pain tends to last less than six months. 

On the other hand, chronic hip pain lasts longer than three months. The original cause could have been an injury that didn't heal properly or an infection. For some people, it's a condition triggering the pain. 

Some examples of issues that could lead to acute hip pain include tendinitis, muscle strain, or a ligament sprain. Chronic hip pain could stem from fibromyalgia or arthritis. Bursitis is often a cause of chronic pain as well. 

Diagnosing Your Pain   

When you arrive at our office in Nitro, WV, we'll ask you to fill out a medical history report. Our practitioner will ask you about any injuries, surgeries, or conditions you have. This can help us formulate a diagnosis or determine the appropriate treatment for you by altering the treatment to your needs or choosing ones that are safe for you. 

During this portion of the exam, our practitioner will inquire about when you feel pain as well as when the pain is worse. Our chiropractor will also want to know about any other symptoms you're feeling that could be associated with your hip pain. 

Sometimes, our specialist will order imaging to get a view of the bones and other components of the joint. 

Finding a Treatment Plan 

The next portion of the exam is determining an appropriate treatment plan and executing it. If you have a dislocated hip bone, our chiropractor may perform an alignment of the joint. 

Sometimes, the treatment may consist of chiropractic exercises, which are gentle stretches that work the muscles and soft tissue that make up the hips. The exercises encourage blood flow to the area for healing, increase flexion, optimize function, and promote healing. They gradually increase in difficulty based on how well you're healing. 

Our practitioner may recommend pain relief techniques, such as electrical muscle stimulation. Sometimes, pain management may include hot and cold therapy or massage therapy, among other options.

At our Nitro, WV, office, Dr. McClanahan will come up with a customized treatment plan for you for your hip pain. Dr. J Chiropractic & Wellness Center is equipped to provide a range of treatments. 

Book an appointment with us today by calling 304-776-1520. 

 

How Chiropractors Treat Lower Back Pain

Our lower backs feel all of the weight of everything that we carry. Every twist, bend, and jolt can affect the lower vertebrae and the muscles. This means that pain can have a couple different sources, which will require different treatment. Dr. Jay McClanahan and the professionals of Dr. J. Chiropractic & Wellness Center can help Nitro, WV, area residents with treating their lower back pain.

What Are Causes of Lower Back Pain?

The lower back almost funnels all of the activity of the arms and back. The most common causes for lower back pain include:

• Overuse/repeated use;
• Improper posture;
• Lifting too much;
• Twisting while lifting; and
• Accidents (home, auto, and work).

How Chiropractors Treat Lower Back Pain

Because more than one issue may be causing the back pain, chiropractors can use a few methods of treatment to attack multiple causes. Some of these include:

Chiropractic Adjustments

The vertebrae can become misaligned over time, regardless of preventative measures. Blunt, jarring actions, such as a fall or accident, almost always result in vertebrae moving. This will lead to the lower back muscles having to work harder to compensate for carrying the load of the back that the spine was intended to haul. 

By adjusting these vertebrae back into place, the weight will be redistributed to the spine and the muscles will be able to function as designed with a lighter load. 

Massage Therapy

Overused muscles can develop tenseness and inflammation. Not only can this be painful, but it can also restrict your mobility. 

Massage therapy releases the tension that has been building in the muscles. This improves the blood flow within the muscles, allowing oxygen and hydration to better regenerate the wear and tear the muscles have been experiencing. This will reduce the inflammation, pain, and stiffness.

Electrical Muscle Stimulation

Electrical muscle stimulation works by using electrical currents to rapidly tense and release a targeted area of muscle. This can reduce swelling and induces the body’s release of endorphins to improve healing to the area. 

If you are in the Nitro, WV, area and suffering from lower back pain, it is time to schedule an appointment with Dr. Jay McClanahan. Contact the professionals of Dr. J. Chiropractic & Wellness Center to schedule your consultation today.

Benefits of a Stronger Core

 

If you’re looking for an experienced chiropractor in Nitro, WV, you can have peace of mind knowing that Dr. Jay McClanahan and his team at Dr. J Chiropractic & Wellness Center will look after all your chiropractic needs. Instead of merely alleviating his patients' symptoms, Dr. McClanahan seeks to address the causes of their maladies. Honing good habits and making healthy lifestyle choices can prevent many ailments. Core strength is especially beneficial. Here is why.

What Is Your Core?

Most people use the terms “abs” and “core” interchangeably, thinking that they refer to the same muscles. Although the abs form part of your core, they are just a fraction of a large and dynamic group of muscles. Your core consists of all the muscles in and around your torso, including those in your pelvic floor, abdomen, and mid and lower back. These muscles are extremely important since they allow you to bend forward and backward, and also from side to side. In addition, your core keeps your ribs, spine, and pelvis aligned, and also protects them from injury.

What Are the Benefits of a Strong Core?

There are several compelling reasons why chiropractors encourage core strength. Here are a few:

• Prevents injury: A strong core makes for a strong and resilient body that is less prone to experience injury.
• Good posture: A good posture isn’t only more attractive to look at, but it also ensures good alignment of your body. You can ensure good posture by keeping your core strong. Doing so will slow down the wear and tear on your spine and will allow you to breathe more effectively.
• Protects your organs: Some of your most important organs are located in and around your core. Strong core muscles provide improved protection for these organs.
• Reduces back pain: A strong core ensures proper posture, which in turn prevents or reduces multiple common ailments, such as back pain.
• Provides balance and stability: When you have a strong core, the muscles in your pelvis, lower back, and abdominals work together well, which results in improved balance and stability.

Professional Advice

It is far better to prevent injury and slow down the deterioration of your body due to wear and tear by honing good habits and making healthy lifestyle choices. Instead of requesting an appointment with Dr. McClanahan when you have pain or discomfort, be proactive and do some preventative maintenance. For professional advice and assistance regarding weight loss, nutrition, and an effective exercise regime, book your appointment on the Dr. J Chiropractic & Wellness Center website, or call them at (304) 776-1520.

Pinched Nerves and the Spine

 

A pinched nerve can make daily life unbearable, but you can put a stop to the pain in Cross Lanes, Charleston, St. Albans, Teays Valley, and Nitro, WV with the help of Dr. Jay McClanahan at Dr. J Chiropractic & Wellness Center.

What Is a Pinched Nerve and How Does It Happen?

Pinched nerves can occur anywhere along the spine – from the neck down to the lower back. Typically, pinched nerves are the symptom of too much pressure caused by misaligned joints or damage to the muscles, ligaments, and tendons.

For example, a misalignment can cause a bulging disc, which can then press against the nerve. Swollen or tense muscles or tendons can do the same. Additionally, conditions such as osteoporosis and rheumatoid arthritis can lead to nerve compression.

All of these issues can easily be caused by a severe injury, but they can also be due to repetitive movements, improper posture or lifting, and even being overweight. Regardless of the cause, a pinched nerve can lead to very undesirable symptoms.

Common Symptoms of a Pinched Nerve

Pinched nerves can result in several different symptoms, but they can vary depending on the patient. Below are some of the most common things that sufferers experience.

• Headaches and neck pain
• Radiating pain from the lower spine down the foot
• Shooting pain, dull aches, or burning sensations
• Numbness or muscle weakness
• Tension in the neck and shoulders
• Tingling sensations or feeling like an area is “falling asleep”

How a Chiropractor Can Treat Your Pinched Nerve in Cross Lanes, Charleston, St. Albans, Teays Valley, and Nitro, WV

Chiropractic care is a holistic, gentle, and effective way of treating pinched nerves. After fully evaluating your condition and symptoms, Dr. McClanahan at Dr. J Chiropractic & Wellness Center will determine the best course of treatment to help decompress the nerve and heal the damaged area. Some treatments typically utilized include the following.

• Spinal adjustments: Realigning the spine is the first line of treatment for compressed nerves, as this condition is often caused by a misalignment.
• Spinal decompression: This therapy can further take pressure off of the nerve by stretching the spine and pulling any bulging discs back into place.
• Therapeutic exercise: Dr. McClanahan can guide you through targeted stretches and exercises to relieve pressure and address pain.
• Lifestyle recommendations: In many cases, changes to your daily habits are necessary to achieve optimal healing and prevent further pain.

Don’t let a pinched nerve put a stop to living. If you live in Cross Lanes, Charleston, St. Albans, Teays Valley, and Nitro, WV, partner with Dr. McClanahan at Dr. J Chiropractic & Wellness Center for relief by calling (304) 776-1520.

Chiropractic and Common Sports Injuries

 

Sports injury got you down and out? Dr. Jay McClanahan at Dr. J Chiropractic & Wellness Center is committed and specialized in treating sports injuries for residents in Cross Lanes, Charleston, St. Albans, Teays Valley, and Nitro, WV

4 Common Sports Injuries

Sports injuries are common for all athletes – whether you participate on the weekends for fun or professionally. While sports can be great for getting and staying in shape, they can also lead to some painful injuries. Below are five of the most common sports injuries that athletes face.

Misalignment

From a full-body tackle to landing improperly as you run, anything can impact your spinal alignment. Unfortunately, a spinal misalignment can impact your muscles, joints, nerves, and more.

Pinched Nerves

Injuries and misalignment of the spine can often put pressure on the surrounding nerves. When this occurs, you can suffer through tingling, weakness, numbness, and shooting pain.

Sprains, Strains, and Overuse Injuries

Playing hard at your favorite sport means putting your muscles through the wringer, and often leads to tears in the fibers. At times, these tears are minor and can heal pretty quickly. Other times, they may induce muscle spasms, weakness, inflammation, and more that simply won’t go away on their own.

Dislocations

Joint dislocations are not an uncommon occurrence, especially in high-impact activities. Without treatment, it can take weeks or longer to heal – during which you will likely suffer an immense amount of pain.

Chiropractic Treatment for Sports Injuries in Cross Lanes, Charleston, St. Albans, Teays Valley, and Nitro, WV

Sports injuries can range from minor annoyances to such severe pain that you cannot enjoy your favorite activity any longer. However, a visit to Dr. McClanahan at Dr. J Chiropractic & Wellness Center can help you recover more quickly through a variety of treatment methods, including those below.

• Spinal adjustments: This is a safe, effective treatment option that realigns the spinal column and helps relieve pressure on pinched nerves.
• Massage therapy: This can help relieve tension and soft tissue injuries.
• Therapeutic exercise: Targeted workout problems can help you stretch and strengthen damaged areas.
• Therapeutic ultrasound therapy: This method helps address soft tissue injuries by increasing blood flow and breaking down scar tissue in a targeted area.

These are just a few of the methods Dr. McClanahan uses to address sports injuries. Your specific treatment plan will include a combination of treatment options that can address your individual needs.

Don’t let sports injuries win. If you live in Cross Lanes, Charleston, St. Albans, Teays Valley, or Nitro, WV, schedule an appointment with Dr. McClanahan at Dr. J Chiropractic & Wellness Center by calling (304) 776-1520 today.

 

What is a Cervicogenic Headache?

Headaches are an unfortunate part of life for many people. Some come from worry and stress, while others could stem from a nutritional deficit. Dr. Jay McClanahan of Dr. J Chiropractic & Wellness in Nitro, WV, would like you to know that some could be a cerviogenic headache. But, what's that? 

General Information 

Cerviogenic means that something comes from the cervical portion of your spine, which is the upper portion of your spine located in your neck. Therefore, a cervicogenic headache is pain that is referred to the head from an issue in the cervical spine.

Not only could the pain occur from the discs or vertebrae in this region, but it could be contributed to by the nearby soft tissue in this region. 

Often, this form of headache is misunderstood because some individuals believe that any headache caused by neck pain is cerviogenic. However, this term is specifically related to pain caused by a lesion or disorder in this part of the spine that's triggering a headache. Some potential causes include a fracture or rheumatoid arthritis in the neck. 

Symptoms of a Cerviogenic Headache 

People who suffer from these headaches may experience a limited range of motion in their necks in addition to their headaches. The headache pain may worsen when the person moves their neck in a certain way, or they apply pressure to a specific region of their neck. 

Typically, a cerviogenic headache only affects one side of a person's head. It's possible that the pain will begin at the back of the neck and reach the top of the head. Some people experience pain that reaches behind the eye. 

Treating Cerviogenic Headaches

Although treating the root cause of the headaches is essential if it's from an issue, such as a tumor, our chiropractor in Nitro, WV, can help in many cases involving misalignments and fluid blockages. 

Through the use of exercise therapy, our practitioner can guide you through exercises that gently work the neck to increase your range of motion and strengthen the soft tissue in the region. Additionally, these movements also encourage blood flow to the region to promote healing. The increased blood flow can also bring additional nutrients to the neck to reduce the prevalence of a nutrient deficiencies. 

If you're experiencing recurring headaches that could be caused by an issue in your cervical spine or the surrounding region, Dr. McClanahan of Dr. J. Chiropractic & Wellness in Nitro, WV, may be able to help. Our practitioner uses natural remedies to help you find relief. 

Book an appointment today by calling our office at 304-776-1520.