How Chiropractors Treat Pinched Nerves

 If you’re living with a pinched nerve, Dr. Jay McClanahan at Dr. J Chiropractic & Wellness Center in Nitro, Cross Lanes, Charleston, St. Albans, and Teays Valley, WV can get to the root of your pain and help you achieve lasting relief.

6 Ways Chiropractors Treat Pinched Nerves

Pinched nerves are pretty much what the name suggests: nerves that have become pinched or compressed by something. Often, it’s a herniated disc, but muscles and other musculoskeletal components can be to blame.

Chiropractic care is effective, as it seeks to locate the pinched nerve, provide relief, and address the cause of the compression. To do so, Dr. McClanahan at Dr. J Chiropractic & Wellness Center in Nitro, Cross Lanes, Charleston, St. Albans, and Teays Valley, WV utilizes the following techniques.

1. Adjustments

Nerve compression is often caused by a misalignment somewhere in the spine. That misalignment puts undue pressure on the various soft tissues and nerves in the vicinity. Adjustments restore proper alignment, relieving that pressure.

2. Spinal Decompression

Herniated discs are a top cause of pinched nerves, as the inner filling spills out onto the nerve. Bulging discs are another cause, which are those that have “slipped” but haven’t torn. In either case, spinal decompression pulls the discs and their inner filling back in by gently stretching the spine.

3. Chiropractic Massage

When muscle tension is to blame for your pinched nerve or is the result of an injury that caused the pinched nerve, chiropractic massage can help. It helps relieve tension while drawing healing nutrients to the injured nerve and releasing endorphins.

4. Ultrasound Therapy

Ultrasound therapy provides similar benefits. It reduces inflammation, increases blood flow to the injured area, and promotes regeneration of nerve tissue.

5. Therapeutic Exercise

Targeted movements and stretches can also enhance recovery. Dr. McClanahan will recommend exercises that will target the damaged area to relieve tension and strengthen weakened tissues.

6. Recommendations for Daily Life

A pinched nerve is often due to or aggravated by lifestyle factors, such as being overweight, practicing poor posture or improper lifting techniques, prolonged sitting, and more. Chiropractic care provides specific recommendations and support to address these factors, enhancing your recovery and helping prevent pinched nerves in the future.

Learn more about how chiropractic care can help your pinched nerve in Nitro, Cross Lanes, Charleston, St. Albans, and Teays Valley, WV by scheduling an appointment with Dr. McClanahan at Dr. J Chiropractic & Wellness Center at (304) 776-1520.

Reasons for Lower Back Pain

 If lower back pain has become the norm in your life, Dr. Jay McClanahan and the team at Dr. J Chiropractic & Wellness Center in Nitro, Cross Lanes, Charleston, St. Albans, and Teays Valley, WV can help.

5 Top Reasons for Lower Back Pain

Back pain can be a pretty versatile issue to deal with, people of all ages and walks of life are afflicted with it. Typically, the pain is caused by one of the issues listed below.

1. Alignment Issues

When a vertebra is out of its rightful place, it can lead to many different issues. In addition to causing tension as your muscles work hard to hold you up, it can also impact your discs, nerves, and more.

2. Muscle Strains and Ligament Sprains

Your muscles and ligaments were only designed to withstand so much and move so far. When you push them beyond these abilities, it results in sprains and strains, which leave you with pain, stiffness, and spasms.

3. Spinal Conditions

Some people suffer from issues like scoliosis, spinal stenosis, and spondylosis. Each of these affects the spinal structure, which then impacts the discs, muscles, ligaments, tendons, and other spinal components.

4. Disc Problems

As you can see above, many things can affect your spinal discs. These discs are there to cushion your vertebra and absorb shock. When there is an issue like those listed above, however, a disc can be forced out of its proper location or tear. In either case, the disc or the filling of the disc puts pressure on surrounding components and does not provide the cushion you need.

5. Nerve Compression

One of the many issues caused by disc issues is nerve compression. When a nerve is compressed, like in the case of sciatica, it can cause pain, weakness, numbness, and tingling.

Contributing Factors for Lower Back Pain

Injuries and pain can happen to anyone. However, some people have a higher risk of dealing with back pain than others. The following are a few factors that might contribute.

• Carrying excess weight
• Repetitive lifting or other repetitive activities
• Living a sedentary lifestyle
• Smoking
• Playing sports
• Improper lifting techniques
• Poor posture

Dr. McClanahan at Dr. J Chiropractic & Wellness Center in Nitro, Cross Lanes, Charleston, St. Albans, and Teays Valley, WV can help you prevent and heal from lower back pain by addressing the underlying cause and any contributing factors with natural, safe methods of relief.

Don’t just sit and suffer from lower back pain in Nitro, Cross Lanes, Charleston, St. Albans, and Teays Valley, WV. Schedule an appointment with Dr. McClanahan at Dr. J Chiropractic & Wellness Center by calling (304) 776-1520.

What is Kyphosis?

 Kyphosis refers to a medical condition in which the upper spine has an abnormal curvature, causing the upper back to round forward. Kyphosis could lead to hunched posture without a proper diagnosis and treatment. If you are challenged by this condition, Dr. Jay McClanahan of Dr. J Chiropractic & Wellness Center in Nitro, WV can help manage Kyphosis and its symptoms.

The Four Types of Kyphosis

The following are the various kyphosis types -

Postural Kyphosis

This type is among the most common kyphosis. It often manifests in those of adolescent age and is caused by a combination of poor posture and a muscle imbalance instead of a structural issue or problem of the spine. Fortunately, this type of kyphosis is typically reversible with appropriate treatment and exercises that lead to posture correction.

Scheuermann's Kyphosis

Typically developing during adolescence, Scheuermann’s Kyphosis refers to an abnormal growth on one of the spine’s vertebrae. This type of kyphosis creates an inflexible and immovable curvature of the spine. Note that this condition can be painful and may require medical intervention/braces in those cases that are more serious.

Nutritional Kyphosis

Nutritional kyphosis typically develops in childhood for those severely malnourished or seriously deficient in vitamin D. Poor nutrition can lead to weakened bones, spinal deformities, and a hunched or rounded upper back.

Age-Related Kyphosis

This kind of kyphosis – often referred to as dowager’s hump- typically happens to aging individuals, especially those afflicted with osteoporosis. The osteoporosis condition weakens the spine’s vertebrae, which may result in compression fractures that round the spine in the upper back region.  

Congenital Kyphosis

Congenital Kyphosis refers to an abnormal development of the vertebrae that is present at birth. Congenital Kyphosis varies in severity and may require a medical/surgical intervention to repair a deformed spine.

Kyphosis Treatment Options

The options to manage the kyphosis condition will be contingent on its specific underlying cause, the curvature’s severity, and your symptoms. Mild cases are usually successfully managed with chiropractic adjustments, therapeutic exercises, posture correction, physical therapy, and lifestyle choices that lead to a healthy weight.

Call a Leading Nitro, WV Chiropractor for a Consultation Today

If you or someone you know/love suspect you may have kyphosis, contact Dr. McClanahan or a member of our staff of Dr. J Chiropractic & Wellness Center at 304-776-1520 or reach out using our online contact form for an accurate diagnosis and a personalized chiropractic treatment plan.

How Chiropractors Help with Bursitis

 

If bursitis is impacting your work, sport, or daily life in Nitro, Cross Lanes, Charleston, St. Albans, or Teays Valley, WV, Dr. Jay McClanahan at Dr. J Chiropractic and Wellness Center is here to help you achieve the relief you desire.

Guide to Chiropractic Care for Bursitis

Many active people suffer from bursitis, but few actually understand what it is – or how it can be treated. This can be a problem because knowledge is one of the most important aspects of seeking the care you need. As such, Dr. McClanahan and our team at Dr. J Chiropractic and Wellness Center – your chiropractor in Nitro, Cross Lanes, Charleston, St. Albans, and Teays Valley, WV – put together this guide to help you be more informed.

What Exactly is Bursitis?

The human body contains various protective mechanisms – one of these is known as a bursa. A bursa is a fluid-filled sac that cushions the tendons and bones of the joint. It’s there to prevent the tissues from rubbing against one another, causing pain and friction.

Unfortunately, these sacs can become inflamed due to repetitive motion and overuse. This is known as bursitis. Many athletes and those who work physically demanding jobs often develop bursitis in the knees, shoulders, elbows, and hips. It makes movement more difficult and discomfort to be a regular part of life.

How Does Chiropractic Care Help?

Chiropractors employ various methods for treating bursitis, starting with adjustments. Restoring the alignment of the skeletal system reduces inflammation and promotes healing throughout the body.

Soft tissue therapy can be invaluable for bursitis. It not only addresses inflammation but can also help restore range of motion, increase flexibility, improve blood flow, and release tension.

Chiropractic care also utilizes the power of lifestyle adjustments for healing. Nutritional guidance can teach you what foods contribute to inflammation and which ones fight it. Adjusting your exercise or learning better lifting techniques can prevent inflammation and pain. These are just a couple of examples of lifestyle adjustments, but Dr. McClanahan will recommend the best ones for your needs. He’ll also recommend specific therapeutic exercises that can further enhance healing and prevent future inflammation and pain.

Pain and discomfort from bursitis don’t have to be your “normal.” Call (304) 776-1520 to schedule an appointment with Dr. McClanahan at Dr. J Chiropractic and Wellness Center in Nitro, Cross Lanes, Charleston, St. Albans, or Teays Valley, WV today.

Why You Should See a Chiropractor for Sports Injuries

 

Sports injuries can be very frustrating. They're painful, plus they harm athletes' sports performance and participation, often when they're needed the most. When looking to make a speedy recovery, it's vital that athletes use all available resources. This includes our favorite, chiropractors! At Dr. Jay McClanahan's Chiropractic and Wellness Center in Nitro, WV, we offer a host of services designed to take sports injury rehabilitation to the next level. Dr. McClanahan is extensively trained in the treatment of sports injuries.

How Chiropractors Help Rehabilitate Sports Injuries

Chiropractors are an excellent and skillful resource for treating many types of injuries, since they offer expertise and equipment developed especially for the task. Chiropractors treat patients in a natural and holistic way that takes into account all of the body's integrated systems. In Nitro, WV, Dr. McClanahan of Dr. J Chiropractic and Wellness Center educates patients on the specifics of their injuries so they know how to make the necessary adjustments to ensure that they get better and stay better. By taking the proper preventative measures, many sports injuries can be avoided completely.

Outside of education, we also offer many services designed to restore and enhance musculoskeletal function and health. For example, we offer massage therapy in order to promote healing and blood flow in our patients. Some other services we offer sports injury patients include: 

• Spinal and Extremity Adjustment: This process enhances posture and biomechanical efficiency.
• Electrical Muscle Stimulation (EMS): EMS has been known to promote healing, reduce workout recovery time, reduce muscle spasms, and more.
• Therapeutic Exercise: Dr. McClanahan provides targeted exercise routines designed to build or rebuild muscle, stability, and strength.

Our team helps patients narrow down our many different options and choose the best course of treatment for them. We believe that a treatment plan tailored to the unique patient's goals and needs yields the best results.

If you've recently sustained a sports injury in the Nitro, WV, area, our team at Dr. J Chiropractic and Wellness Center would be happy to assist you. At your first appointment, the doctor will get an understanding of your condition and create a recovery plan optimized just for you. Booking is simple: give us a call at (304) 776-1520 and let us know what you need. With excellent equipment and experienced staff, trust that you'll be in good hands when you work with us.

Avoiding Common Workout Mistakes

 Exercise holds tremendous benefits for your physical, mental, and emotional well-being. It can increase energy and stamina levels, help to prevent/manage certain conditions, and promote improved sleep. Dr. Jay McCLanahan and his staff of professionals at Dr. J Chiropractic & Wellness Center in Nitro, WV offer these tips to avoid these common workout mistakes.

How to Avoid Common Workout Mistakes

Whether you are a workout pro or just starting out, the most important thing to remember is to listen to your body. Should you feel pain/discomfort, honor the messages being sent and slow down or stop and rest. The reality is that pushing through pain can create new or further existing injuries and set you back on your workout goals.  

• Start Slowly

Perhaps the most common mistake is trying to do an intense or long workout too soon – before your body is capable of handling the exercise and movement. It is best to begin with low-intensity exercises. As your strength and stamina build, you can increase the intensity and duration to meet your revised exercise objective.

• Warm Up

Before you begin any workout routine, it is essential to warm up and prepare your body. This includes a few light cardio exercises and overall stretching prior to beginning.

• Use Proper Form

To prevent injury and optimize your workout results, it is important to try to use the proper form. Check out online tutorials for helpful guidance, or ask a workout buddy.  

• Stay Hydrated

While working out, staying hydrated is the best way to avoid dizziness, fatigue, and even injuring yourself. Be sure you stay hydrated and drink enough water before, during & after you have finished working out and are cooling down.

• Do Not Skip Your Rest Days

The days you schedule rest are equally important as the days you schedule for your workouts. This is needed because muscles need time to repair, and this recovery happens between workouts.

• Mix It Up

In addition to muscle memory, doing the same exercises day in and day out often leads to a stale workout routine that can become dull and boring. Mix up your workout to keep it interesting and engaging, which keeps your body and muscles guessing as to the type, duration, and intensity of the workout.  

Contact Our Leading Chiropractor in Nitro, WV

For additional information on how to stay strong, healthy, and without injury, contact the professional staff at Dr. J Chiropractic & Wellness Center at 304-776-1520 or online. Dr. McClanahan and his team look forward to helping you reach your health objectives and exercise goals.

Risk Factors for Neck Pain

 Neck pain may be common, but it doesn’t have to be a normal part of your life. It can impact anyone, but some people are more likely to experience it than others for the reasons we detail below. If you’re suffering from neck pain in Nitro, Cross Lanes, Charleston, St. Albans, and Teays Valley, WV, Dr. Jay McClanahan at Dr. J Chiropractic & Wellness Center can help you achieve relief.

Poor Posture

Poor posture is a top cause of neck pain. Your neck was designed to hold the head upright. When you slouch, your head leans forward, which puts several extra pounds of pressure on the neck.

Poor Sleep Factors

It’s important that your spine remains neutral – even when you sleep. Some mattresses and pillows are available to make this happen. However, if you don’t use them or you sleep on your stomach, you’re very likely to experience neck pain.

Stress

Emotional and mental stress seem to make a home in the neck and shoulder muscles. This leads to both tension headaches and neck pain.

Work Factors

No matter what type of job you have, it can cause neck pain. If you work at a desk, you’re often sitting in one position for a long period with your neck in a forward position. And many people hold their office phones between their ears and shoulders. Physically demanding jobs can lead to repetitive stress injuries in the neck, back, and shoulders. 

Trauma

Any type of trauma can lead to neck pain, including sports injuries, exercise, and auto accidents. You might not always notice neck pain right away. And the injury isn’t always in the neck itself. A herniated disc in the back can cause pain in the neck, too.

Age

It’s not unusual for many people to suffer from neck pain as they get older. Typically, this is due to changes in the spine. Osteoarthritis, degenerative disc disease, and spinal stenosis are all more common in older adults. Osteoarthritis impacts the cartilage of your joints, spinal stenosis leads to pinched nerves, and degenerative disc disease increases the risk of herniated or bulging discs.

If any of these risk factors apply to you, regular chiropractic care with Dr. McClanahan in Nitro, Cross Lanes, Charleston, St. Albans, and Teays Valley, WV can help eliminate and prevent neck pain. Call (304) 776-1520 to schedule your appointment at Dr. J Chiropractic & Wellness Center.