expert type icon EXPERT

Dr. James William Hankinson, D.C.

Chiropractor

Dr. James Hankinson is a Chiropractor practicing in Kirkwood, MO. Dr. Hankinson specializes in preventing, diagnosing, and treating conditions associated with the neuromusculoskeletal system, while improving each patients functionality and quality of life. Conditions treated include sciatica, neck pain, and arthritis pain, among many others. Dr. Hankinson seeks to reduce pain and discomfort through manipulation and adjustment of the spine.
25 years Experience
Dr. James William Hankinson, D.C.
Specializes in:
  • Sports Injuries
  • Chiropractic Adjustment
  • Kirkwood, MO
  • Logan College Of Chiropractic
  • Accepting new patients

Does stretching help back pain?

Yes, stretching does help. We give our patients a set of 4 stretches for the low back and 6 for the upper back and neck. If you are tight and locked up you spine will not move READ MORE
Yes, stretching does help. We give our patients a set of 4 stretches for the low back and 6 for the upper back and neck. If you are tight and locked up you spine will not move very well. I would also suggest doing Yoga.

Do I need a massage or chiropractor for back pain?

We refer to massage therapy on a regular basis in our office. I first determine if the cause of back pain is muscular or skeletal/structural. I find that majority of my patients READ MORE
We refer to massage therapy on a regular basis in our office. I first determine if the cause of back pain is muscular or skeletal/structural. I find that majority of my patients have structural issues that are causing the muscular pain. I would suggest starting with a chiropractor first.

Should a chiropractor help me with my leg stiffness?

Your legs may be stiff because you run. You may be dehydrated as well. Chiropractic adjustment benefits you in so many ways. I am a triathlete myself and get adjusted regularly READ MORE
Your legs may be stiff because you run. You may be dehydrated as well. Chiropractic adjustment benefits you in so many ways. I am a triathlete myself and get adjusted regularly during training.

Can I get adjusted without an underlying condition?

Yes you can get adjusted if your muscles and joints feel stiff. Regular chiropractic care will help to prevent those nasty underlying conditions. Chiropractic should be part of READ MORE
Yes you can get adjusted if your muscles and joints feel stiff. Regular chiropractic care will help to prevent those nasty underlying conditions. Chiropractic should be part of your regular health care visits.

How do I choose a good chiropractor?

There are several ways to find a good doc. You can start by asking friends and family who they see. You can also do a google search for chiropractors near you. Look at and read READ MORE
There are several ways to find a good doc. You can start by asking friends and family who they see. You can also do a google search for chiropractors near you. Look at and read the reviews associated with the doctor. You should be able to get a feeling from the reviews how their patients feel about the doc and the office staff.

Can a chiropractor fix a pinched nerve?

Chiropractic adjustments help to alleviate compression on nerves. Depending on how long you have had the problem the length of care would vary.

Persistent pain in neck. Should I visit a doctor?

Yes. You should see a doctor. You may have a whiplash injury. The doctor may take x-rays of your neck. I would do an examination to confirm the whiplash and treat you accordingly. READ MORE
Yes. You should see a doctor. You may have a whiplash injury. The doctor may take x-rays of your neck. I would do an examination to confirm the whiplash and treat you accordingly.

Injury caused muscular strain in back. How can chiropractic rehab help?

In our office we would adjust your low back, stretch your hips and back and do electrical stimulation and moist heat to the affected area. I would also prescribe you daily home READ MORE
In our office we would adjust your low back, stretch your hips and back and do electrical stimulation and moist heat to the affected area. I would also prescribe you daily home exercises to do.

What home treatments can I try for lower back pain?

I always suggest stretching the low back. You can use ice for 20 minutes per session. Make sure the ice pack is covered with a towel. You never want an ice pack directly on your READ MORE
I always suggest stretching the low back. You can use ice for 20 minutes per session. Make sure the ice pack is covered with a towel. You never want an ice pack directly on your skin. Epsom salt baths also help to decrease inflammation in the lumbar muscles. We suggest 2 cups of Epsom salt and then soaking for 20-25 minutes. Sleeping on your side with a pillow in between your knees also helps.

Should I go to a chiropractor for massage therapy?

If the Chiropractic office has a massage therapist on staff you would be good. If not, do a Google search and check out the reviews of a massage therapist near you. Massage therapy READ MORE
If the Chiropractic office has a massage therapist on staff you would be good. If not, do a Google search and check out the reviews of a massage therapist near you. Massage therapy is very helpful.

At what age is an adjustment safe for children?

I am the father of 2 boys. I started adjusting them the day they were born and have continued to adjust them. There are different ways to adjust infants that are very safe and READ MORE
I am the father of 2 boys. I started adjusting them the day they were born and have continued to adjust them. There are different ways to adjust infants that are very safe and effective for ear infections and colic. There are pediatric chiropractic specialist all over the country. Do a Google search and you will find one near you. If you have a spine you need Chiropractic care.

Treatment for back pain from car accident?

You should schedule an appointment with a back specialist. A chiropractor!! We see these types of injuries every day. You may have sustained a whiplash type of injury. Chiropractic READ MORE
You should schedule an appointment with a back specialist. A chiropractor!! We see these types of injuries every day. You may have sustained a whiplash type of injury. Chiropractic adjustments along with physiotherapy will help to alleviate your pain. Make that appointment now.

Can a chiropractor help me get relief from muscle pain?

There are several things I do in my office to help alleviate muscle pain. First we start off with electrical stimulation and moist heat to the area. Next we do some gentle stretching READ MORE
There are several things I do in my office to help alleviate muscle pain. First we start off with electrical stimulation and moist heat to the area. Next we do some gentle stretching to the muscle and then some mild muscle work to break up any adhesion's that may be in the muscle. I always suggest using an ice pack at home for 20 minutes every hour as needed. Make sure the ice pack is wrapped in a towel. NEVER put ice directly on your skin.

Is sciatica pain a lifelong problem?

Sciatica is not a lifelong problem. It is usually related to compression of a nerve coming out of the low back. Chiropractic is very beneficial.

Pulling pain in back in morning. Could it be due to sleeping position?

Yes, back pain can be associated with your sleeping position. I suggest using a body pillow. Put it in between your knees and by your chest. It will help to prevent you from stomach READ MORE
Yes, back pain can be associated with your sleeping position. I suggest using a body pillow. Put it in between your knees and by your chest. It will help to prevent you from stomach sleeping and keep your spine straight.

I have a back ache after my car accident. What can I do?

The first thing I always recommend is to use ice 20 minutes on and 20 minutes off on the area of pain. Make sure to wrap the ice up in a towel. Stretching the area also should READ MORE
The first thing I always recommend is to use ice 20 minutes on and 20 minutes off on the area of pain. Make sure to wrap the ice up in a towel. Stretching the area also should help. If you are still in pain see your local chiropractic for an exam. Even a minor fender-bender can cause some serious issues.

Can an X-ray diagnose a spinal deformity?

X-rays can show spinal deformities. Depending on how severe the issue is you may need an MRI to show how bad the deformity is and if it is causing compression on any nerve roots READ MORE
X-rays can show spinal deformities. Depending on how severe the issue is you may need an MRI to show how bad the deformity is and if it is causing compression on any nerve roots or discs.

Will a chiropractor be able to help me with my hip pain in the 5 month of my pregnancy?

I have worked on pregnant patients until the day they deliver the baby. It is very safe to get adjusted while being pregnant.

Can a chiropractor help me with a pain in the back of my thigh?

In my office we do muscle work that breaks up adhesions in the muscle fibers to help restore normal function to the muscle. Not all chiropractors do this type of work.

Why does my back feel sore?

It depends. Weight is usually not the issue. The age and quality of your mattress may be part of the problem. If it 8 years old, it is time to replace it. I would try putting a READ MORE
It depends. Weight is usually not the issue. The age and quality of your mattress may be part of the problem. If it 8 years old, it is time to replace it. I would try putting a pillow under your knees while you are sleeping on your back. This may help to prevent any soreness.