Benefits of Massage Therapy

 

The idea of a massage might conjure up images of a luxurious, relaxing spa when you're on vacation. While that experience can definitely feel restorative, you don’t have to shell out for a lavish vacation to experience the many benefits of regular massage. At Dr. J Chiropractic & Wellness Center, Dr. Jay McClanahan has a long history of chiropractic massage therapy with patients in Nitro, WV. Learn more about the wealth of benefits it can provide below.

Mental relaxation

Massage therapy has been shown to stimulate the parasympathetic, or “rest and digest”, nervous system, sending the body into a naturally restorative state. This, in turn, reduces stress hormones, lowering anxiety, providing mental clarity, and even improving sleep. 

Mobility and movement

In addition to the mental benefits, chiropractic massage therapy targets tight muscles, fascial adhesions, and other tissue problems that might be blocking normal movement or causing pain. It also stimulates blood flow to both bring vital nutrients to worn-out areas and flush out dangerous toxins.

Inflammation and chronic pain relief

Stress triggers a release of certain hormones such as adrenaline, cortisol, and others that are designed to help you survive danger. This is valuable in the moment, if you need to nail a presentation or complete a grueling workout. However, when those signals don't subside after they're needed, neither does inflammation. If we can stop them with well-timed massage therapy, the signals fade, helping the body return to a restful, relaxed state.

By stimulating stress reduction, massage therapy helps release hormones that signal an anti-inflammatory response. This makes massage a great option as many chronic pain issues stem from inflammation and an inability to properly recover from stress. 

Other benefits you can expect from regular massage:

• Lymphatic movement to fight illness
• Reduced stress hormones
• Better skin tone
• Greater joint flexibility
• Improved circulation
• General acute injury recovery

Get an appointment for massage therapy in Nitro, WV

Want to learn more about how massage therapy can help you specifically? Get in touch with Dr. McClanahan and our staff at Dr. J Chiropractic & Wellness Center by calling 304-776-1520 today.

How Spinal Decompression Therapy Works

 

Spinal decompression therapy uses a variety of techniques to open up the space between vertebrae in order to provide relief. There are several reasons why spinal decompression therapy may be recommended, and it's important to work with a chiropractor who can uncover the underlying cause of your pain in order to provide treatment. At Dr. J Chiropractic & Wellness Center in Nitro, WV, Dr. Jay McClanahan works with patients who are experiencing back pain, numbness, or tingling down their arms or legs due to a spinal compression. When you have pain, or you are told that you need to have back surgery, a chiropractor may be able to delay or prevent the need for surgery due to a compression.

When You Have a Spinal Compression

A spinal compression can cause pain, numbness, or tingling. You might have an area where you have tight muscles and little or no movement in your spine. Compressions can be caused by an injury, poor posture, chronic issues, or from a problem with your disc. If you have a bulging disc, it is not able to heal once it becomes compressed. When the area between two vertebrae has narrowed, the disc doesn't have any room to repair itself. For pain, stiffness, and poor range of motion because of a spinal decompression, there are options for treatment.

Spinal Decompression and Chiropractic Care

Spinal decompression therapy is progressive, and will involve working with a chiropractor several times a week to get the treatment you need. Gentle stretching of the area can help loosen up tight muscles and open up the space between vertebrae. Spinal adjustments can get your spine into alignment and relieve pressure. Traction will help to ease strain in the area of compression, but will need to be done consistently for the traction to be effective. You will want to see the chiropractor two or three times a week in your early stages of recovery, and learn strengthening exercises to help improve the alignment of your spine. Once you begin learning stretching and strengthening exercises, it is important to work on your exercises in between sessions to improve your chances of a recovery.

Call for Your Chiropractic Evaluation Now

If you are concerned about needing surgery for a spinal compression, it's time to give chiropractic care a try. Call Dr. J Chiropractic & Wellness Center in Nitro, WV at 304-776-1520, and set up a consultation to meet with Dr. Jay. Together you can discuss your options when it comes to spinal decompression, and try a conservative approach to addressing pain that does not involve surgery.

How Core Strength Protects Your Back

 

At Dr. J Chiropractic and Wellness Center, protecting your back is at the core of what we do. Speaking of the core, its strength is a big part of the prevention and treatment of spine-related issues. That’s why Dr. Jay McClanahan enjoys helping the people of Nitro, WV increase their core strength. It reduces pain, optimizes performance, and improves overall quality of life, so read on to learn how.

The Muscles That Provide Core Strength

In order to understand how core strength protects your back, we need to take a look at its anatomy and function.

Your core musculature runs along your midsection, connecting your arms, legs, and head to your spine. It’s been described as the cylinder between the diaphragm and the pelvis, which can include muscles such as the abdominals, paraspinals, and even glutes. Technically, your core is divided up into local muscles, or inner core, and global muscles, or outer core.

The inner core muscles lie alongside the spine and help provide stability and stiffness. These include:

• The erector spinae
• Multifidi
• Pelvic floor
• Diaphragm
• Internal obliques

The outer core muscles run from your hips to your ribs, and, in addition to providing stability, they help connect the upper and lower body through movement. These muscles include:

• Rectus abdominis
• External obliques
• Erector spinae

How Core Strength Protects Your Back

While a healthy spine can move freely in all directions, a strong spine can brace against external load to resist movement. A lack of core strength can mean things get pulled out of line, and your spine is left unprotected. Bracing your core, however, helps keep everything in place.

Research shows that core stability exercises manage lower back pain, which makes sense since a big role of core strength is spinal stabilization. Much like a Roman column, a strong core supports a strong overall structure. Creating a strong pillar between your rib cage and pelvis with adequate core strength keeps dangerous stress off of the spine, and therefore protects your back from a painful injury.

Start improving your core strength today

Ready to build a bulletproof core? Get in touch with Dr. McClanahan to set up your appointment at Dr. J Chiropractic and Wellness Center in Nitro, WV by calling 304-776-1520.

How Do You Know If You Have Sciatica?

 

If you’ve been experiencing pain that extends from your lower back down your leg, you may be affected by sciatica. Although sciatica is one of the most common forms of back pain and typically goes away after four to six weeks, it can be quite troublesome. The good news is that a visit to a chiropractor can help alleviate your pain. If you live in Nitro, WV, visit Dr. Jay McClanahan at the Dr. J Chiropractic & Wellness Center. He will provide you with a personalized treatment plan.

What Is Sciatica?

Sciatica is a condition that refers to an injury to or irritation of your sciatica nerves. You have two sciatica nerves: one on each side of the body. These nerves stretch from your hips, through your buttocks, and down your legs. Sciatica occurs when these nerves become irritated or pinched.

Typically, sciatica happens when the jelly-like cushions between your vertebrae, called discs, rupture. This can cause inflammation or pressure on a nerve root. Other possible causes of sciatica include:

• Aging
• Being overweight
• Spinal stenosis
• Osteoarthritis
• Smoking and alcohol
• Diabetes

Fortunately, sciatica is typically not a chronic condition. While it can go away without medical treatment, chiropractic care will alleviate your pain and help you recover more quickly.

How Do You Know If You Have Sciatica?

A tell-tale sign that you may have sciatica is if you’re experiencing shooting pains from your lower back down your leg. Typically, sciatica affects only one side of your body. The level of pain can range from relatively mild to debilitating. 

Other symptoms of sciatica include:

• A feeling of numbness in the buttock, leg, or/and foot
• Muscle weakness in your leg and/or foot
• A tingling sensation down the leg
• Hip pain
• Increased pain when you move
• Loss of bowel and bladder control

When you have sciatica, the pain may be incessant or it may come and go. Sufferers describe the pain as shooting, sharp, or stabbing. The pain may get worse when you stand or sit for a while, or when you suddenly move.

How Can a Chiropractor Help With Sciatica?

A chiropractor can provide relief from pain caused by sciatica and can also prevent the condition from occurring again. Chiropractic treatments include spinal manipulations to move a herniated disc back into place, and also spinal decompression to relieve the compression of the nerves.

A chiropractor like Dr. Jay can also show you chiropractic exercises that will help alleviate nerve and muscle pain. You don't need to live with the discomfort and pain that sciatica can cause. Drop by the Dr. J Chiropractic & Wellness Center in Nitro, WV, or call them at (304) 776-1520.

Osteoarthritis and Joint Dysfunction

 Osteoarthritis is the most frequent form of arthritis that people suffer from. More than 32 million people in the United States are affected. It causes pain, stiffness, and swelling. It can make doing ordinary tasks more difficult. Dr. Jay McClanahan of Dr. J Chiropractic and Wellness Center in Nitro, WV provides therapy and treatment that can help reduce pain and stiffness in the affected joints. 

What is osteoarthritis?

This type of arthritis is a degenerative joint disease. With this condition, the cartilage breaks down within the joints, and this causes the bones to also change. Cartilage acts as a shock absorber between the bones in your joints and when it deteriorates, it is bone on bone. This is usually a slow condition that happens over time. It can become a debilitating condition in some people, and for others, it is just a painful inconvenience.  

Causes of osteoarthritis

While osteoarthritis is usually considered a disease of aging, it can happen at any age. It is also more common in women than men. It can result from an injury to the joint, or it may be the result of a genetic defect in the cartilage. 

Symptoms of osteoarthritis

The symptoms of osteoarthritis usually begin in one joint or just a few. The most common symptoms are:

• Pain in the joint when used
• Pain goes away when the joint is resting
• Pain worsens at night
• The joint is stiff in the morning or after it has been rested
• Swelling in or around the joint
• Joint movement becomes limited
• Joint feels unstable

Treatments for osteoarthritis

Your chiropractor has treatments that can help with osteoarthritis and joint dysfunction. 

Chiropractic adjustment

Chiropractic adjustment can help with misalignment in the spine, but it can also be used for misalignment in any of your joints. Getting things back into alignment can help with mobility and function as well as pain. 

Ultrasound therapy

Ultrasound therapy uses sound waves to help with inflammation and pain. It vibrates the tissues and promotes healing in the tissues and joints. It can be especially effective on the knees and hips.  

Chiropractic massage

With a relaxation massage, the muscles relax and when they do, it allows the joints they support to have a better range of motion and less pain. Studies have backed this up. 

Therapeutic exercise

Therapeutic exercise is targeted at specific areas and can help to improve your range of motion and mobility and activity is good for arthritis. 

Contact us

For information or help with osteoarthritis, call Dr. McClanahan of Dr. J Chiropractic and Wellness Center in Nitro, WV, serving Nitro, Cross Lanes, Charleston, St. Albans, and Teays Valley at (304) 776-1520. 

How do Heat and Ice Therapy Work?

 Chiropractic care offers an option when you prefer a holistic approach to healthcare. When it comes to sore muscles and strains and sprains, hot and cold therapy is a way to provide treatment without having to resort to medication. Dr. Jay McClanahan of Dr. J Chiropractic and Wellness Center in Nitro, WV provides chiropractic treatments including cryotherapy to residents in Nitro, Cross Lanes, Charleston, St. Albans, and Teays Valley, WV. 

What is cryotherapy?

Cryotherapy is the use of cold temperatures, at or near freezing, to treat injuries, inflammation, and pain. When you use an ice pack on your sprained ankle, you are using cryotherapy at its most basic level. It can be used as a whole-body treatment, or it can be applied to a particular part of the body. 

It is often used to help accelerate the healing of injuries in athletes. Using ice packs for muscle pains has been mainstream for years. When the ice pack is removed, the circulation is increased in the area and this helps not just raise the temperature, but to promote healing and pain relief. When cold is applied, it encourages the production of endorphins, which are nature's pain relievers.

A 2000 study showed that cryotherapy provided temporary relief for the pain of rheumatoid arthritis.  

Heat therapy

Heat therapy increases blood flow to the area that is injured or in pain. It is often used with stiff and sore muscles. Heat treatment is usually more effective when it comes to chronic pain and arthritis. But some chiropractic therapies also use heat to treat soft tissues and promote healing. Ultrasound therapy uses sound waves to vibrate and health the tissues below the skin and help promote healing at a cellular level. 

Heat is also psychologically comforting and when you are sore, you want to be comforted. That is where a heating pad or warm packs can help. A hot stone massage uses heat therapy to help relax and provide a feeling of contentment. 

Cold and heat therapy are often used one after the other to treat injuries in the soft tissues. Cold brings down the swelling and slows the blood flow and heat increases blood flow and provides relaxation and comfort.

Contact us

Don't wait, call our office today. Dr. McClanahan of Dr. J Chiropractic and Wellness Center in Nitro, WV will help you with your pain. The option of cryotherapy will be discussed and if hot and cold therapy makes sense, it can be used. Reach out to us at (304) 776-1520. 

Muscles of the Back

 

Your back's muscles are some of the most important in your body because they serve many important roles. Thankfully, Dr. J Chiropractic & Wellness Center, staffed by Dr. Jay McClanahan, can help Nitro, WV, residents understand their back muscles and the problems that affect them. With our help, you can prevent long-term back pain and minimize your suffering for years to come.

Common Types of Muscles in the Back

Your back has 40 muscles in 20 different pairs, each of which helps your body differently. Listing them all here would take up too much space, so let's focus on some of the most commonly used types and what they do for you. These groups include:

• Muscles that move the head, including sternocleidomastoid, semispinalis capitis, splenius capitis, and longissimus capitis
• Muscles that move the upper arms, including latissimus dorsi, supraspinatus, infraspinatus, teres major, and teres minor
• Muscles that move the upper thighs, including iliopsoas and psoas minor muscles

These essential support muscles keep your body strong and improve your movement. Unfortunately, they're also the most commonly damaged muscles because they are frequently used. Thankfully, Dr. McClanahan can help Nitro, WV, residents manage these back muscles and minimize long-term pain.

Back Pain Prevention and Treatment

Severe back pain may occur when you overwork or damage muscles in your back. For example, it's not uncommon for athletes to experience extensive back pain when starting a new activity. Other people may develop back pain due to inactivity or lack of exercise.

Managing back pain requires working with a skilled professional who understands each muscle group in your body. While injuries are more common in the areas highlighted, they can occur anywhere. Thankfully, our team of professionals can help you by providing various treatments. These therapeutic methods include:

• Back strengthening exercises that minimize strain 
• Physiotherapy to improve flexibility and strength 
• Long-term support, including guided recovery methods 
• Hands-on massage or chiropractic care to reduce back pain

Preventative techniques can help minimize your risk of injury. For instance, working the muscles highlighted in the previous section can help keep them strong and reduce your injury risk. You can also visit us regularly for maintenance checkups to check for muscle weakness and improve your overall strength.

Help is Here for Your Back Issues

Back pain can make life very difficult and may require the help of our professionals at Dr. J Chiropractic & Wellness Center. Dr. McClanahan can treat back muscles in Nitro, WV, to help you recover from severe injuries and other concerns. Call us at 304-776-1520 to learn more about your care options and ensure you get the high-quality support needed for your recovery.