Potential Causes of Neck Pain

 

Neck pain, a common condition, often starts in the neck region but can radiate down one or both arms. The causes of neck pain (a.k.a. cervicalgia) can be attributed to various diseases/disorders, injuries, or trauma affecting the various components of the neck. If you experience acute or ongoing neck pain, Dr. Jay McClanahan of Dr. J Chiropractic & Wellness Center in Nitro, WV, can determine the underlying cause and help to reduce pain/discomfort that can disrupt your life.

The neck is defined by a complex network of bones and tissue. When the cervical spine/nerves become unnecessarily compressed, the pain can be intense because the body’s nerves connecting the signals from the brain to the rest of the body transverse through the neck region.

Neck Pain Symptoms

The cervical spine, with its seven defined vertebrae referenced as C1-C7, is the section of the spine associated with the neck. Small intervertebral discs between these spinal bones provide flexibility and shock absorption. Neck pain can manifest in the following ways -

• Pain that ranges in intensity, which may be in the neck or radiating down the shoulder, arms, and hands.
• Stiffness, muscle spasms, soreness, or tenderness in the neck region.
• Headaches, which may make you dizzy/lightheaded.
• Weakness in the hands.
• Problems swallowing/speaking.

Common Causes of Neck Pain

The typical causes of neck pain are generated from muscle strain or stress/tension, often resulting from everyday activities. These activities include –

• Sitting at a desk for extended periods, especially if the computer screen is positioned too low/high.
• Poor posture while watching TV or reading.
• Sleeping in an awkward position.
• Lifting things too quickly or using ill-advised lifting methods.  
• Twisting/turning your neck jarringly while exercising.

In addition, a fall or accident may result in a severe neck injury like whiplash, a vertebral fracture, or more.

Medical conditions that may generate neck pain include –

• Disc Degeneration.
• Fibromyalgia.
• Ruptured disk.
• Cervical arthritis or spondylosis.
• Spinal stenosis (narrowing of the spinal canal).
• Small fractures caused by osteoporosis.
• Sprains/Trauma/Injury/Overuse.
• Infection of the spine (osteomyelitis, diskitis, abscess).

Neck Pain Treatment Options

These are the most common neck pain treatments at the Dr. J Chiropractic & Wellness Center-

• Gentle spinal manipulations/adjustments.
• DTS Therapy/Spinal Decompression.
• Massage Therapy –
• Relaxation Massage.
• Deep Tissue massage.
• Sports Massage.
• Swedish Massage.
• Pregnancy Massage.
• Youth Massage.
• Therapeutic Ultrasound.
• Electrical Muscle Stimulation.
• Therapeutic Exercise, and more.

Dr. McClanahan looks forward to providing customized chiropractic guidance and therapeutic exercises to help relieve neck pain and prevent a future reoccurrence.

Contact a Leading in Nitro, WV, Chiropractor Today

For more information, contact Dr. McClanahan or a team member of Dr. J Chiropractic & Wellness Center at 304-776-1520 or online.

Common Causes of Shoulder Pain

 

The shoulder is a complex joint that offers extraordinary mobility while providing a junction where the spine and neck nerves connect with the body. If you live or work in and around Nitro, WV, and experience shoulder discomfort or pain, Dr. Jay McClanahan of Dr. J Chiropractic & Wellness Center offers chiropractic and complementary therapy options to help you move pain-free. 

The shoulder joints are complex, consisting of -

• The Acromioclavicular Joint – the joint that defines the meeting point of the collarbone and shoulder blade.
• The Glenohumeral Joint – the joint where the shoulder socket meets the upper arm bone.

The pain and discomfort that can be felt in the shoulder region typically stem from spinal misalignment or some sort of injury or traumatic event that causes damage, as noted below. While pain manifests differently for most, typical shoulder symptoms include –

• Throbbing, sharp, dull, or radiating pain.
• Stiffness or a reduced/limited range of motion for the shoulder joints. 
• A tingling or numbness is often described as pins and needles.
• Sensitivity or tenderness or shoulder soreness, especially when applying pressure. 

Common Reasons for Shoulder Pain

Shoulder pain can occur at any time; however, most people who experience shoulder pain find the discomfort intensifies at night when the joints naturally stiffen. Sensations may vary from dull to sharp, aching or burning, being aggravated when you begin to move. 

The most common causes of shoulder pain are- 

• Overuse results in strained muscles.
• Arthritis affecting the shoulder joint.
• Tendonitis or tendinopathy.
• Inflammation of the shoulder bursa (bursitis).
• Ligament tears.
• Nerve compression or pinching.
• A rotator cuff injury.
• Shoulder impingement syndrome.
• Frozen shoulder, also known as adhesive capsulitis.
• Dislocation of the shoulder joint.
• Pain referred from other muscles.
• Years of poor posture.

Treating Shoulder Pain with Chiropractic Care

Dr. Jay offers various chiropractic and alternative, complementary treatments that assist in helping to reduce or eliminate the pain and related discomfort associated with a shoulder. In addition to prescribing therapeutic exercises or offering lifestyle guidance, Dr. Jay also provides these services and more -

• Chiropractic Adjustments.
• Spinal Decompression.
• Electric Muscle Stimulation.
• Cupping.
• Massage Therapy 

• Deep Tissue Massage.
• Sports Massage.
• Swedish Massage.
• Youth Massage.

• Therapeutic Ultrasound, and more. 

Contact a Leading Nitro, WV, Chiropractor Near You

For more information on how chiropractic care can help relieve shoulder pain and related symptoms,  contact Dr. McClanahan or a staff member of Dr. J Chiropractic & Wellness Center at 304-776-1520 online.

Relaxing Your Muscles

 

Muscles can become tight for various reasons, which often leads to symptoms like stiffness, discomfort, and pain. According to Dr. Jay McClanahan of Dr. J Chiropractic & Wellness Center, with a location that serves the greater Nitro, WV, vicinity, proactively choosing to loosen your tight muscles can reduce pain and discomfort while improving flexibility and preventing potential injuries.

Ways to Relax Your Muscles

The simplest way to keep your muscles relaxed is to keep them hydrated because dehydration can cause muscles to stiffen and tighten. In addition, consider these techniques to relax your muscles, some of which can be practiced at home, and some are available at Dr. J Chiropractic & Wellness Center:

Stretching 

Simple or therapeutic stretching is an effective way to loosen tight muscles while enhancing flexibility. However, it is important to be slow and deliberate to avoid forcing yourself into uncomfortable or painful positions. Static stretching—holding a stable position for at least 30 seconds—is among the most effective techniques for loosening tight muscles, but you need to warm up before doing it.

Massage Therapy 

Massage therapy helps reduce the muscular knots that create restriction, loosening tight muscles and improving circulation. We offer specialized massages, including relaxation massages, deep tissue massages, and more.

Heat Therapy 

Applied heat helps muscles relax and loosen. Heat, which should never be applied directly to your skin, can be applied in various ways, including –

·        A heating pad.

·        A hot water bottle.

·        A warm bath, shower, or hot tub.

Exercise 

Regular and therapeutic exercises can help to keep muscles flexible and strong. 

What Are the Benefits of Loosening Your Muscles?

Keeping your muscles loose offers these benefits -

Reduced Discomfort and Pain

Tight muscles lead to stiffness and, ultimately, pain and discomfort.

Better Flexibility 

Muscles that are loose remain more flexible, increasing your range of motion.

Increased Circulation 

Relaxed muscles facilitate blood circulation, promoting the delivery of nutrients and oxygen to tissues and organs.

Injury Prevention 

Tighter muscles enhance your risk of injury because they become more prone to strain and overuse. 

Improved Posture 

Tight muscles often lead to poor postural habits, back pain, and muscle discomfort. Maintaining tight muscles helps to maintain correct posture and prevent potential issues.

Stress Relief 

Stress causes tight muscles. Choose relaxation techniques – yoga, meditation, etc. - for your overall well-being.  

Contact a Leading Nitro, WV, Chiropractor Today

Overall, avoiding tight muscles can offer the benefits of improved comfort, flexibility, and circulation, plus a reduced risk of injury. If you would like additional information on how chiropractic care can help, contact Dr. McClanahan or a Dr. J Chiropractic & Wellness Center staff member at 304-776-1520.

Signs and Causes of Kyphosis

 

Kyphosis refers to a spinal condition that results in a forward curvature of the vertebrae in the upper back. According to Dr. Jay McClanahan of Dr. J Chiropractic & Wellness Center, with an office that serves the greater Nitro, WV, area, normal upper back kyphosis has a range that exists between 10 and 50 degrees. However, excessive or hyper-kyphosis can cause your upper back to appear more rounded – sometimes called “a round back” or a “hunch-backed.”

Signs of Kyphosis

Mild cases of kyphosis typically cause no obvious signs or symptoms. When the condition becomes moderate or more severe, the following may also be experienced as additional symptoms of hyper-kyphosis –

• Shortness of breath.
• Back pain or discomfort.
• The head bends forward.
• Back stiffness restricts movement.
• Tingling sensations in the legs.
• Tight hamstrings.

Causes of Kyphosis

There are several types of kyphosis. These include the following -

• Postural kyphosis refers to a curvature of the spine.
    This type of kyphosis is typically caused by constant slouching, poor posture, or by toting heavy items on your back.
• Scheuermann’s kyphosis is developmental and happens during bone growth spurts.
    This type of kyphosis is caused by a spinal structural deformity in which vertebrae grow in a wedge shape rather than rectangularly.
• Congenital kyphosis refers to a curvature of the spine that occurs during gestation.
    This type of kyphosis occurs when vertebrae do not segment/form in the womb.

If the spine’s curvature becomes extreme (beyond expected or established ranges), any of the above-mentioned is considered hyper-kyphosis.

Prevention of Postural Kyphosis

Fortunately, there are ways to proactively prevent postural kyphosis. This is accomplished by addressing known risk factors that encourage the development of this condition. Following the guidance noted below will help you reduce your risk of developing a spinal curvature or hyper-kyphosis -

• Do not carry excess weight, and try to maintain a healthy, recommended weight.
• Be mindful of your posture, and try to maintain good posture.
• Be consistent with exercises that help to strengthen your back and abdominal muscles.
• Carry heavy loads in backpacks or rolling bags rather than on the shoulders.

Note that Kyphosis is only one type of spinal curvature.

• Lordosis refers to an inward spinal curve - causing an arching of the lower back.
• Scoliosis refers to a curve to the left or right.

A spine typically has a certain amount of upper back kyphosis and lower back lordosis.

Contact a Leading Nitro, WV Chiropractor Near You

If you would like additional information on how chiropractic care can help with kyphosis, contact Dr. McClanahan or a member of our team at Dr. J Chiropractic & Wellness Center at 304-776-1520 or online.

What are Chiropractic Adjustments For?

 

If you live in pain or are feeling less than your best, don’t lose hope. Dr. Jay McClanahan and the team at Dr. J Chiropractic & Wellness Center of Nitro, WV, offer chiropractic adjustments and other techniques to help.

 

The Purpose of Chiropractic Adjustments

Any time you visit a healthcare provider, and they want to administer some sort of treatment, you wonder what the treatment is for and what exactly it will do. It’s no different when you visit a chiropractor who recommends adjustments. Below, Dr. McClanahan and the team at Dr. J Chiropractic & Wellness Center of Nitro, WV, explain chiropractic adjustments, their purpose, and how you can benefit.

 

What Are Adjustments For?

To put it simply, adjustments are used to restore alignment to the musculoskeletal system. This short answer, however, leaves one wondering why alignment is so important.

Your body wasn’t haphazardly thrown together. Your bones are stacked on top of one another to help your body stay upright. Between them sits discs that cushion your bones. Muscles, ligaments, and tendons surround them to provide support and help you move. And nerves travel out to the rest of the body from the spinal cord to ensure your body does its various jobs.

As the bones are in the midst of this intricate structure, any misalignment can throw the entire system off balance. A misaligned bone puts unnecessary stress, strain, and pressure on the surrounding discs, nerves, muscles, and other soft tissues.

Unfortunately, this can lead to pain, muscle tension, numbness, weakness, burning sensations, impaired nerve function, and more. Adjustments are a technique used to restore proper alignment, eliminating undue pressure, strain, and related symptoms.

 

Benefits of Adjustments

A misalignment can lead to many types of symptoms – some of which are mild while others can be debilitating. And they can vary among the people experiencing them, which means the benefits of restoring alignment can vary, too. However, some common benefits include relief from:

• Back pain
• Neck pain
• Headaches and migraines
• Joint pain
• Sciatica
• Shoulder pain
• Knee pain
• Fibromyalgia
• Limited range of motion

Adjustments also help improve nerve function and blood flow, which can have a direct impact on your general health and wellness.

 

Learn more about the healing power of chiropractic adjustments and how they can help you by visiting Dr. McClanahan at Dr. J Chiropractic & Wellness Center of Nitro, Cross Lanes, Charleston, St. Albans, and Teays Valley, WV. You can schedule an appointment by calling our team at (304) 776-1520.

Holistic Ways to Manage Arthritis

 Arthritis is a disease that affects at least 25% of the population, according to the OASH. There are several types of arthritis out there, but they all involve excessive pain and inflammation in the joints. It's commonly treated with medications that suppress the immune system, but did you know arthritis symptoms can often be reduced without this type of intervention? At Dr. J. Chiropractic and Wellness Center of Nitro, WV, we advocate for the use of holistic, non-invasive treatment methods wherever possible, and also use them on a complementary basis. In this article, we'll cover some of the best ways to manage arthritis naturally.

1. Exercise at your Level

Exercise is a great way to lubricate the joints and reduce extra weight. Being overweight places excess strain on the joints and worsens symptoms, but it's important to choose exercises that don't irritate your condition. Low-impact exercise is usually recommended in these situations. Things such as walking, biking, and swimming will allow you to stay active in a healthy way.

2. Herbs and Other Natural Remedies

Herbs have been used for millennia to resolve health issues. Some of them boil down to superstition, but some of them have serious evidence of their effectiveness. Tumeric, for example, is extremely effective at reducing joint pain and inflammation. Hot and cold therapy and meditation are also sometimes effective at relieving arthritis symptoms.

3. Healthy Lifestyle Changes

All of the common unhealthy lifestyle habits exacerbate arthritis. They may even be underlying causes of it. This includes smoking, drinking, and unhealthy diets. If you're unsure which of your habits contribute to your symptoms, feel free to reach out to Dr. J. Chiropractic and Wellness Center of Nitro, WV. Dr. McClanahan is available for consultations to discuss your situation. Surprisingly, stress also has a serious impact on arthritis. Try to keep calm and cut stress out of your life. You might just feel better!

 Give us a call at (304) 776-1520. We look forward to hearing from you!

Maintaining Good Back Health During Pregnancy

 Pregnancy in Nitro, WV, can be a beautiful time, but it can also be stressful on the expecting mother's body. That's why new moms must take extra care to support their back. Luckily, with the team at Dr. J Chiropractic & Wellness Center, pregnant patients can have all the support they need for a healthy back. Visiting the center can provide therapeutic practices that help your back even after delivery.

The Benefits of Massage

An expectant mother has a lot of weight bearing down on her back. As your belly expands, your center of gravity pushes forward, which can put more pressure on your lumbar spine and feet. Luckily, when you visit the Dr. J Chiropractic & Wellness Center team, you can take advantage of chiropractic massage. 

Chiropractic massage is not the same as getting a deep tissue massage or an intensive spinal adjustment. After all, your local chiropractor understands how vulnerable your body is at this time. Rest assured that massage therapists won't do anything that can cause harm. This type of massage technique focuses on your back and your feet. Taking advantage of these regular massages can help ease your back pain and stress. These sessions can also provide advice on how you can ease your back at home with various stretching techniques.

Feet and Back Connection

As your local chiropractor will tell you, your feet can affect your back. When you don't stand straight or walk properly, it puts pressure your spine and back muscles. That's why you should have the right footwear and posture. Whether you're standing or sitting you should keep your feet as comfortable as possible. Thanks to hormones, weight pressure, and sometimes underlying conditions, it is easy for feet and ankles to get swollen. Women can prevent or ease the situation during pregnancy in Nitro, WV, by having comfortable footwear and customized orthotics.

The compassionate team at Dr. J Chiropractic & Wellness Center wants to help expectant mothers as much as possible at this time. Our expertise in chiropractic care and massage therapy can ease your back stress during pregnancy in Nitro, WV. Call our office at 304-776-1520 for an appointment today.