Chiropractic & Physiotherapy Clinic in Richmond Hill

At Chiro-Med Rehab Centre, we are pleased to offer you physiotherapy and chiropractor services, as well as exercise and rehabilitation therapy. If you need help, you can be sure that we will find the right modality specific to your unique needs or condition.

We Accept All Extended Health Care Insurances, Motor Vehicle Accidents And W.S.I.B.

About Chiro-Med

Chiro-Med Rehab Centre is committed to working with patients, providing program-specific health care services so they may achieve optimal health.

Richmond Hill Clinic

Established in 2007 by Dr. Behfar Sanjari, Chiro-Med Rehab Centre has been committed to providing quality health care services to the inhabitants of Richmond Hill and the surrounding areas.

Services

At Chiro-Med Rehab Centre, we are pleased to offer you physiotherapy and chiropractor services, as well as exercise and rehabilitation therapy. If you need help, you can be sure that we will find the right modality specific to your unique needs or condition.

Assessments

Our assessments are exceptional, utilizing the latest technology and techniques to thoroughly evaluate our patients' conditions. Our team of highly skilled professionals is dedicated to providing accurate and effective diagnoses that help us tailor treatment plans to each patient's unique needs.

In-Home Assessments

In-home assessments are used to evaluate the various tasks a claimant may have at home, and to what extent their injuries will impair their ability to perform these tasks.

Work-Sites Assessments

A work-site assessment is an objective analysis that is used to provide information on the physical demand requirements of the claimant’s pre-accident job.

Functional Abilities Evaluation

A functional abilities evaluation (FAE) is an assessment that utilizes scientific principles and measurements to analyze the abilities of a claimant as relevant to their pre-injury level of function.

Testimonials

Hear what our cherished clients have to say about our services and staff.

★ ★ ★ ★ ★

"After being involved in a car accident I started being treated at Chiro-Med Rehab Centre and have had an amazing experience at the clinic. Dr. Sanjari and his staff are amazing! They're friendly, helpful, always greet you with a smile and are very knowledgeable about what they do. The treatment i've received has been second to none and the results have significantly improved my quality of life. Thank you Chiro-Med Team."

★ ★ ★ ★ ★

"After being involved in a car accident I started being treated at Chiro-Med Rehab Centre and have had an amazing experience at the clinic. Dr. Sanjari and his staff are amazing! They're friendly, helpful, always greet you with a smile and are very knowledgeable about what they do."

B.K.

★ ★ ★ ★ ★

"Excellent facility. Great chiropractor, excellent massage specialists and other treating practitioners. I had the best body massage here. Very friendly and charming staff. Very good in keeping time so can plan out other activities."

M.M.

★ ★ ★ ★ ★

"Since starting with the group at Chiro-Med my flexibility and strength has improved 150%.  I have found the employees at Chiro-Med exceptional."

R.N.

★ ★ ★ ★ ★

"I can not express enough how grateful I am the the staff at Chiro-Med. The quality of service and professionalism is the best that I have encountered. Dr. Sanjari is very knowledgeable and was able to resolve my issues in a few sessions. I wish I had found them sooner as the issues I had were present for over a year, and now it is a pleasure to be once again pain free. Thank you!!"

D.W.

★ ★ ★ ★ ★

"Staff here are the very best you'll ever find.  Friendly, always smiling, helping you out in any way the can. Than there is their work which is so comforting and relaxing. Makes one feel like you can always trust them now and into the future."

D.W.

★ ★ ★ ★ ★

"This location is very convenient for me, specially the parking space. They are professional, I am so happy with the doctor. They always try to help as much as they can. I can see that they really care about the patient.  The staff are very friendly and helpful.  In general I am so happy and satisfied with the services that I get here."

A.P.

★ ★ ★ ★ ★

"Thanks to Dr. Sanjari my vertigo has been eliminated and my spinal problems, lower back pain and neck pain has been greatly decreased. He is professional, knowledgeable and courtesy, his staff is also courtesy and kind. I recommend Chiro-Med."

L.T.

★ ★ ★ ★ ★

"Chiro-Med Rehab Centre has a great positive and relaxing environment. Staff are professional and friendly. I would recommend that you drop by and check out the services for yourself."

L.T.

★ ★ ★ ★ ★

"Chiro-Med is a very professional and pleasant rehab centre. The customer service is great. The receptionists are always very kind, professional and pleasant. They always great you with a smile and quite understanding."

G.K.

★ ★ ★ ★ ★

"Chiro-Med Rehab Centre is a very friendly, professional and a great environment. The staff are all very well trained."

T.D.

★ ★ ★ ★ ★

"Chiro-Med is a very organized and clean facility. The staff is very helpful and polite. It’s definitely the best rehab facility (centre)."

S.B.

★ ★ ★ ★ ★

"They provide you with quick friendly services. They are caring, helpful, and knowledgeable and they remember your name."

R.K.

★ ★ ★ ★ ★

"I had lower back pain during my pregnancy and Dr. Sanjari really helped me. The staff is really nice, kind and friendly. I like the fact that they remind you of your appointments the day ahead."

R.K.

★ ★ ★ ★ ★

"People here make you feel like family, always at ease, friendly smiles, easy going, and always there to help you in any way they can."

J. W.

★ ★ ★ ★ ★

"My experience at Dr.Sanjari’s clinic has been wonderful. I do not feel like I am going to a clinic. Dr. Sanjari and all of his staff are friendly and helpful professionals that make you want to return, especially because you see results. I couldn’t ask for a better medical experience."

E. S.

★ ★ ★ ★ ★

"The staff is extremely friendly. They are really involved by helping the patient and explaining the best treatment option. Knowing that, patients will get motivated and push themselves to get better."

E. Z.

★ ★ ★ ★ ★

"I got the DonJoy knee brace about a month ago and the difference is night and day. I’m able to walk and bike once again. I saw an immediate change to the stability of my knee, even stairs are not so daunting to face anymore. I’m very happy to be mobile once more. Even dancing all night no longer proves to be a problem. Most difficult part of getting my brace was the colour / pattern choice. I’d highly recommend this type of brace. By the way my knee injury consists of a blown ACL and severely damaged meniscus!"

★ ★ ★ ★ ★

"I got the DonJoy knee brace about a month ago and the difference is night and day. I’m able to walk and bike once again. I saw an immediate change to the stability of my knee, even stairs are not so daunting to face anymore. I’m very happy to be mobile once more. Even dancing all night no longer proves to be a problem."

S.G.

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Articles

Explore our informative articles which provide valuable insights and information about the industry, technology, and the latest modalities.

Enzymes and Your Health

Many of us have heard how our body needs enzymes but what exactly are enzymes and why is it our body must have enzymes?

Enzymes can be defined as being catalysts, substances that cause a chemical reaction to move faster. They are the catalysts of biochemical reactions in living organisms which includes the formation, breakdown, and the rearranging of molecules to provide organisms with the energy and materials required to live and function properly. In fact, enzymes are even more important than vitamins and minerals because without enzymes, vitamins and minerals are totally useless.

All enzymes are substances that occur naturally in all living things, including us. If it’s an animal or a plant, it has enzymes. Researchers have identified more than 3,000 different enzymes in the human body up to now; they are still examining the body as they believe they may discover more.

There is not a doubt that enzymes are absolutely critical for life process. Every activity that occurs in our body needs enzymes. This includes:

  • The building of healthy tissue
  • Synthesis and repair of DNA
  • A strong heartbeat
  • Proper digestion
  • Absorption of food
  • Blood coagulation
  • Breathing
  • Absorption of oxygen
  • Breaking down fats in the blood, regulating cholesterol and triglyceride

Nothing can take place without energy and energy is produced with enzymes. The existence of every living cell in the human body depends on enzymes. Those of us whose bodies are rich in enzymes are people who function at their best and have the greatest advantages in resisting disease. In fact, enzymes are not only critical to human health, but they are also critical to plants and animals as well.

Nutrients and Enzymes:

If a person does not have all the enzymes required then their body cannot process and use the nutrients, vitamins or minerals that we also desperately need to be healthy. Enzymes are rather specific and each one promotes one type of chemical reaction. Some break down the proteins, fats, and carbohydrates in our food into smaller molecules so that the digestion process runs smoother.

Like vitamins, minerals, and other nutrients, enzymes work best when they are ingested from fresh sources. Taking enzyme supplements doesn’t replace a healthy diet of quality fresh produce.

Enzymes are not only ingested from the fresh vegetables and fruits we eat but our liver produces enzymes in which we cannot ingest. Having a healthy liver is essential so that it can produce the other enzymes we need.

Our body’s ability to function, to mend after injury, and to ward off disease is directly related to the strength and numbers of the enzymes in our body. Enzymes are also important to help recover from back pain, circulation problems and many other ailments.

Many people have an enzyme deficiency and are totally unaware of it.

Coenzymes:

Enzymes do not work all by themselves; they rely on other elements to complete their intended function. Some vitamins and minerals are really important for enzymes to do what they need to and these are known as coenzymes. Coenzyme Q10 is one that many are aware of and magnesium is another; in fact, magnesium is needed in over 300 enzyme reactions. Thousands of people are magnesium deficient and are totally unaware. According to Dr. Norman Shealy in Missouri, "Every known illness is associated with a magnesium deficiency" and that, "magnesium is the most critical mineral required for electrical stability of every cell in the body. A magnesium deficiency may be responsible for more diseases than any other nutrient."

Ingesting vitamins, whether from eating foods or as supplements, increases the quantity of coenzymes in the body. Some vitamins helps our body produce coenzymes, such as folic acid (B9) and some of the B vitamins and other vitamins directly act as coenzymes, such as vitamin C.

Boost Your Enzymes Naturally

There are only four things you need to do to increase your enzymes naturally:

  1. Eat plenty of raw, living foods
  2. Decrease calorie intake
  3. Properly (and slowly) chew your food
  4. Avoid gum chewing

The absolute best way to bring enzymes into your body is by eating mostly raw foods in your diet (at least 75 percent). A great way to help achieve this is to eat sprouts. Sprouting is cheap and easy to do. Although all raw foods contain enzymes, some are more powerful than others and sprouts are at the top of the list.

Other enzyme-rich foods include:

  • Papaya, pineapple, mango, kiwi, and grapes
  • Avocado
  • Raw honey
  • Bee pollen
  • Extra virgin olive oil and coconut oil

Our body is very intricate and everything we choose to eat and drink throughout our lifetime will determine just how healthy or unhealthy we are and will become. Be sure to make healthy food choices, eat lots of raw food, and remember, exercise is also important in order to maintain good health.

Indulge Yourself With Massage Therapy

Massage therapy is an ancient art dating back farther than Egyptian times, and even though it is one of the simplest forms of medicine, it is one of the most effective. Massage therapy benefits every part of the body, from the outer layers of the skin to the vital organs deep inside the body. Massage increases blood circulation, which helps bring oxygen to the cells to keep them healthy, neutralize dangerous free radicals and flush toxins from the body.

In today’s fast-paced society, more and more people are suffering from stress caused by heavy workloads and chaotic schedules. Richmond Hill massage therapy will help you relieve stress and find a much-needed escape from the rigorous demands of daily life. One hour of massage can leave you feeling refreshed and energized, ready to face another day. Your tired, tense muscles will thank you and all parts of your body will function a little better afterward.

Massage therapy can be used on every part of the body, and nothing compares to a professional full-body massage. You can also have your massage therapist focus on a specific area of the body. Head, neck and facial massage is effective for the relief of headaches, particularly tension headaches. Hand and foot massage is extremely beneficial, because the extremities contain pressure points that are linked to every part of the body. Deep tissue massage can release years of built-up tension that has accumulated over time, and triggers the release of endorphins that positively affect your moods, leaving you feeling happy and satisfied.

When you visit a Richmond Hill massage therapy clinic you will leave feeling youthful and limber, with a positive outlook on life. Once you have experienced the bliss of professional massage therapy, you will surely return again and again!

Chiropractic Treatment – Will It Work For You?

Because chiropractic therapy is considered to be an alternative method of treatment, some critics question its effectiveness as well as its level of safety.  When you visit a Richmond Hill chiropractor you can rest assured that you will receive professional care from a highly trained specialist in chiropractic medicine.

The level of risk involved in chiropractic care is minimal, and the benefits far outweigh the risks.  Manipulation of the spine for lower back pain, the most common type of back pain is considered to be a safe and effective method of treatment that can be used by nearly everyone.  It is not recommended for anyone who suffers from osteoporosis or nerve damage, and people who have had spinal surgery should consult their physician before seeking chiropractic treatment.  If your back pain is accompanied by other symptoms such as fever, rash or chills, or unexpected weight loss, you should visit your doctor for an examination to rule out other causes such as infections or tumors before seeking chiropractic care.

In most cases, back pain is caused by repetitive movement and poor posture.  This type of back pain responds well to chiropractic treatment, and can be completely eliminated by removing the source of the pain while undergoing treatment.  A Richmond Hill chiropractor can advise you of the environmental factors that may be causing your back pain and suggest ways to improve your overall spinal health through exercise, better posture, and by making your environment more ergonomic.

With the demands that many jobs place on our bodies, it is easy for the spine to suffer additional strain from standing, sitting and repetitive motions.  For many of us, back pain is unavoidable.  Visiting a Richmond Hill chiropractor can provide you with the relief that you need.

Children and Chiropractic Care

Chiropractors have cared for children for over a century. Many parents are surprised when they learn that many common childhood ailments respond well to this natural form of health care.

Chiropractic care is complex yet in simplest terms is when there is dysfunction in the spine and its joints it can lead to dysfunction in the central nervous system (CNS). The CNS coordinates and controls all the body’s systems so even if there is some minor issue in the spine, it can create a host of negative effects throughout the entire body. Children are no different from adults when it comes to suffering with dysfunctions in the spine or joints.

A child actually goes through many physical stresses throughout their growing years. Many children attain their full height without any issues and others experience some troubles along the way. If your child appears to be uncomfortable or complains about their back or joints then seeking chiropractic care can help.

The first challenge a growing spine endures is in utero. Many parents are aware that foetal positions such as breech, transverse, brow, etc., can cause problems with the development of the baby’s spine. Spinal segments can be forced out of place by the position of the baby while in utero. It has been shown that if the baby’s position is less than optimal it can result in a longer and more difficult time while making the journey through the birth canal.

Many parents are aware of common problems in newborns such as colic, sleep disturbances, infections, reflux, breastfeeding difficulties and more. These are often traced to an irritated nervous system caused by spinal and cranial misalignments.

Significant spinal trauma can occur at, or prior to birth and as a result many parents choose to have their baby’s spine checked once he or she is born. Learning to hold up the head, sitting upright, crawling, and walking are all milestone activities that are affected by spinal alignment. As a child grows there are so many factors that come into play that warrant a chiropractic check. Some of these factors include carrying heavy backpacks, sports injuries, falls, and sitting all day in school (lack of physical activity in the day). Any one of these is a form of physical stress that can affect the child’s spine and central nervous system.

What Does a First Visit Look Like?

It is really important for a chiropractor to gather as much history as possible about your child’s health. A complete examination of the spine will be conducted and the chiropractor will use gentle techniques to locate and adjust problem areas. At no time will the examination or adjustment cause pain; it is a very gentle procedure (unless there is an injury).

Each child is different so the chiropractic care is specific to each child.

Generally speaking, spinal adjustments for infants and young children are nothing more than a very light fingertip pressure to correct misalignments in the spine. The child will not feel force, he or she will basically feel a ‘finger touch’. In most cases this is all that is needed to restore mobility to spinal joints which have become stiff or locked. Other techniques may involve the use of hand-held instruments which can provide gentle correction.

Chiropractic care for children is usually painless, except in cases where a child has a physical injury. In these cases the child may be sensitive to any touch; however, once the adjustment has been made the area can effectively heal.

How Long Are Treatments?

Children tend to heal faster than adults and this is true in chiropractic care as well. There is no definitive answer to this question because each child is different and the conditions also play a factor in determining how many treatments are required.

Does My Child Have a Problem?

It isn’t always obvious that a child may need chiropractic care. Some symptoms include restricted head movement, one shoulder appears higher than the other, one leg appears longer than the other, disturbed sleeping patterns, or breastfeeding difficulties.

Many childhood disorders are often linked to spinal troubles. Some of these include bed wetting, headaches, colic, reflux, recurrent ear infections, scoliosis, ADHD, persistent sore throats and olds, and even constipation.

Established in 2007 by Dr. Behfar Sanjari, Chiro-Med Rehab Centre has been committed to providing quality health care services to the Greater Toronto Area for over half a decade. Chiro-Med Rehab Centre has qualified professionals who can help you come up with a personalized plan to ensure the long term health of your bones, skeletal system and over all well-being. We have clinics located in Richmond Hill and Newmarket, visit us for more information.

Adjustment? But I feel fine?

Back and neck pain are the most common reasons why patients seek out chiropractic services. When a person feels fine they tend not to visit a chiropractor because nothing is wrong – right? There is ample evidence out there that clearly proves prevention in health care is what can keep people healthy and maintaining chiropractic care is no different.

Chiropractic care is a method of natural healing and this is because it helps to trigger the body's ability to heal. What mainstream physicians don't recognize is that in the human body is complex and when an ailment strikes complete healing involves looking at the body as a whole.

So how is it that if you feel totally fine you should consider an adjustment? Life has a way of taking all the daily stress factors and builds them up in ways we cannot notice. They impact our body in ways by far greater than we realize. Stress causes muscles to tense up and sometimes we don’t notice just how tense  we are because it becomes ‘the norm’. A natural approach to dealing with life's stresses should include regular chiropractic adjustments.

Our brain communicates through our body's nervous system by sending messages through the spinal column. Our spinal column often takes a beating by sleeping in awkward positions, slouching, and sitting incorrectly. You may not know it at the time but the body feels the pressure of incorrect posture and over time will cause some level of discomfort.  In some cases, people who one day wake up feeling a sore back put it to just that one night of not sleeping right, it could be a build-up of having bad posture.

Routine chiropractic care is a vital component of overall good health. Many people believe if you eat healthy you’ll be fine, yes and no; this is only one component of having good health. To maintain great health, imagine your body is a puzzle. The pieces are what are needed to be “whole”; this includes eating well, laughing, exercise, love, avoiding certain lifestyle choices, regular doctor check-ups, dental check-ups and chiropractic check-ups.

What exactly is an Adjustment

Another term used for an adjustment is a spinal manipulation. This is a primary chiropractic application that involves applying a certain amount of force in order to facilitate normal range of motions and to reduce joint restriction.

This is a procedure done only by chiropractors. They use their hands or a small instrument to apply a controlled, rapid force to a spinal joint. An adjustment corrects structural alignment and it improves the body’s overall physical function.

Benefits of an Adjustment

Having regular adjustments can reward you with many significant health benefits.   Some of the benefits include the relief of or management of:

  • Migraine and tension headaches
  • Stress and tension disorders
  • Arthritis
  • Bursitis
  • Chronic injuries
  • Carpal tunnel syndrome
  • Arm or wrist pain
  • Back and neck problems
  • Sciatica
  • High blood pressure
  • Fibromyalgia
  • Knee, foot and ankle pain
  • Shoulder or elbow pain
  • Sleep disorders

There are many other health ailments that can be treated using chiropractic care. Some of the ailments listed above may need more than just an adjustment as they can be complex.

Actor and former California governor Arnold Schwarzenegger is a firm believer in regular chiropractic check-ups. About three years ago he said: “We’ve got to let the people know that there is a necessity, not even an option, it’s a necessity to have a chiropractor.  As much as it is a necessity to have a dentist, you should have a chiropractor for the family.” (You can hear him say this at YouTube.)

If you want more information on how chiropractic methods can benefit you and your family be sure to contact Chiro Med Rehab Centre in Richmond Hill. Our walk-in clinic is conveniently located at 10144 Yonge Street, just north of Major MacKenzie Drive in the heart of Richmond Hill. Visit Chiro-Med online or call 905-918-0419 for more information about our services.

Benefits Of Massage Therapy

Massage therapy has an extensive history in many cultures worldwide. Today, people have the opportunity to experience massage therapy for relaxation and for health-related purposes. Chiro-Med Rehab Centre in Richmond Hill offers massage therapy for their patients to help relieve pain, swelling as well as to rehabilitate and improve physical function.

A therapeutic massage has countless benefits that greatly improve the condition of many different
ailments. Sometimes a therapeutic massage includes deep tissue massaging and this occurs when the registered massage therapist applies firm pressure to the muscles using fingertips, hands, elbows, knuckles, and even forearms, in order to stimulate muscle and body tissue.

MASSAGE THERAPY BENEFITS

Chronic Pain Reduction:
If you suffer from chronic discomfort such as muscle inflammation, a bad back, neck pain, headaches or even arthritis, massage therapy can help alleviate some, if not all of the pain. For some clients, deep tissue massages have proven to be highly effective and in some cases, better than daily medications. Medications tend to mask the real problem; they were not formulated to cure the health ailment.

Massage therapy increases blood flow, so it reduces inflammation in affected areas. Firm pressure eases pain and alleviates tension, loosens tightness as well as the buildup of lactic acid that can cause pain. When maintained on a regular basis, massage therapy can be a great alternative for an individual who is not interested in prescription drugs.

Stress Relief:
Another benefit of massage therapy, and specifically, deep tissue massage, is stress relief. A firm yet forceful pressure applied to the body relaxes and can eliminate tension. Not only are muscles being worked but the increased blood flow flushes out toxins and helps to put the body and the mind in a relaxed state.

A registered massage therapist concentrates on massaging various trigger points that are commonly known to hold stress. By working out the muscles, the body relaxes with greater ease. If you are an individual who maintains a chaotic schedule then massage therapy may be what you need at least monthly, in order to keep stress at bay.

Increased Blood Flow:
One of the best benefits of a deep tissue massage is the increased blood flow it causes. Due to the direct pressure that massage therapists apply, blood circulation is increased throughout the body. As a result, this increased blood flow boosts oxygen to all of the tissues in the body. More oxygen circulating in the blood means that toxins are removed at a higher rate and added oxygen can provide more energy and it aids in fighting free radicals.

Lower Blood Pressure:
A beneficial side effect of eliminating tension and stress involves reducing blood pressure. As the registered massage therapist applies pressure he or she will reduce muscle tightness, and this can have a beneficial effect on blood pressure, especially for those prone to high blood pressure.

Experiencing true stress relief has been proven to promote more serotonin production in the body. Serotonin is a hormone that is responsible for making a person feel happy.

Chiro-Med Rehab Centre in Richmond Hill uses massage therapy to also help with:

  • Maintenance care
  • Back pain
  • Neck pain
  • Shoulder pain
  • Pain or tingling into arms or legs
  • Postural issues
  • Pregnancy massage
  • Prenatal pain
  • Postnatal pain
  • Repetitive stress injuries
  • Sports injuries
  • Motor vehicle accidents
  • Lymphatic drainage

Chiro-Med Rehab Centre has registered massage therapists who ensure all clients are treated as individuals. After all, no two people are the same, nor should a massage therapy treatment be a carbon copy for everyone. Chiro-Med registered massage therapists truly care about every individual's needs - and it shows.

Spondylolisthesis & Spondylolysis

Spondylolisthesis, (pronounced SPON-dill-oh-lis-THEE-sis) and spondylolysis (pronounced SPON-dee-low-LYE-sis are common causes of low back pain. Spondylolisthesis refers to one vertabra slipping over another in the front of the spine. Spondylolysis is when there is a separation of the small bony arch in the back of the spine located between the facet joints; this is called the pars interarticularis. In more common terms, spondylolisthesis is a stress factor that weakens the bones causing them to lose proper positioned and spondylolysis is a stress fracture in the bones of the spinal column.

Spondylolisthesis & Spondylolysis Similarities and Differences

Spondylolysis is considered the most common reason for lower back pain among young athletes. In fact, research shows that only 3 to 6 percent of the entire population are affected. X-rays are the easiest way to determine that the injured individual has this condition. Spondylolysis generally affects the fifth lumbar vertebra (sometimes the fourth).
Spondylolisthesis more commonly occurs in adolescents than adults. This condition can develop anywhere along the spine however the lower back is the mostly affected. In severe cases, the vertebral bones may press on nerves causing intense pain.

Causes

These spinal conditions are believed to develop as a result of overuse or it can even be hereditary. From a hereditary perspective, research seems to indicate that spondylolysis is more likely to occur in those who were born with thin vertebral bones. Add to this certain sports and activities that place stress on the lower back means the chances of being inflicted with spondylolysis increases.

Sports such as gymnastics, football and weight-lifting can contribute to spondylolysis and spondylolisthesis formation. Individuals who experienced significant periods of rapid growth in their life may also be at risk for vertebral slippage.

Symptoms

It may sound odd but a person may have one of these conditions and not experience any symptoms. When they do occur, the pain is described like having a muscle strain stretch across the lower back. An attempt to continue in activities that require use of the lower back can worsen spondylolysis back pain.

Spondylolisthesis can affect how a person walks and their posture because this may narrow the spinal canal which causes nerve compression. The individual may also experience an upper back ache and spasms that tighten the hamstring muscles.

Diagnosis

Diagnosis of spondylolysis and spondylolisthesis is dependent on a qualified health professional looking at a set of X-rays, a CAT scan, or an MRI scan. In most cases, these conditions are easily seen on an X-ray of the lumbar region.

Treatment

Treatment goals for spondylolysis and spondylolisthesis are simple:

  • Pain reduction.
  • Allow the fracture to heal.
  • Return the patient to their daily activities.

The great news is that treatment is almost always nonsurgical. Most patients with spondylolysis and low-grade spondylolisthesis will greatly improve with nonsurgical treatment.

Nonsurgical treatment may include:

  • rest;
  • nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs;
  • physical therapy; and
  • bracing

Improving Stability and Control

One chiropractic approach to the treatment of spondylolisthesis is to strengthen and re-coordinate the deep support muscles of the lower back area. An attempt is made to improve the dynamic stability and control of the spine. The patient may learn spinal stabilization exercises to train the muscles in order to gain stability and control.

Postural Correction

Over time many spondylolisthesis patients may develop postural asymmetries. One important factor in treatment is the correction of any loss of the normal upright alignment of the spine and pelvis. Patients will learn corrective exercises specific for the postural imbalances they have developed.

Orthotics

Depending on the individual’s condition, long-term support of the spine may be required by using custom-made orthotics. A common factor that occurs in many of these patients is that they have low or absent arches in their feet making additional support necessary.

Surgery

Surgery is required only if all other treatment options fail. Nerves that exit the spine must be freed of all pressure by a laminectomy.  However, this is a ‘last resort’ option and only in dire situations. Most patients find relief through regular chiropractic care.

For more information on spondylolisthesis and Spondylolysis feel free to call our office during regular business hours and one of our associates will be please to speak with you. Established in 2007 by Dr. Behfar Sanjari, Chiro-Med Rehab Centre has been committed to providing quality health care services to the Greater Toronto Area for over half a decade. We have clinics located in Richmond Hill and Newmarket, visit Chiro-Med online or call 905-918-0419 or 905-235-2620 for more information.

Collagen Can Help Repair Joints

Optimum joint mobility is the result of supple, healthy joint tissue and joint elasticity. Collagen is a vital component of tissue, bones and cartilage required for healthy joints. Research suggests that boosting collagen intake can contribute to joint health, but can it actually repair? There is no shortage of articles on the Internet that make claims one way or the other, but rarely do they mention what types of collagen there are and what their specific functions are. Yes, collagen can assist in joint repair; but knowing what specific collagen, how it is produced, and other therapies you must do is the key in achieving results.

What is Collagen?

Collagen is the fundamental structural protein that forms connective tissue; it is a vital component of the joints, bones, muscles, tendons and skin. Essential to the formation of connective tissue, it is the highest source of protein found in the body. Collagen contains specific vital amino acids including arginine, proline, glycine and hydroxproline.

The human anatomy contains and utilises over 20 variants of collagen amino acids, however there are three main types of collagen that comprise 80 to 90% of the body.

Different Types of Collagen Explained

First, all three types of collagen decrease with age. The knees generally take the brunt of this loss earlier in life in those who are regularly engaged in vigorous physical active and are not keeping up with the levels of collagen regeneration required for recovery.

There are actually 28 different types of collagen with three being the main types. These three types of collagen are simply named I, II, and III. Collagen type II is the most significant for joint health. Of the three, collagen type II is believed to be most effective in targeting and enhancing joint cell health.

Collagen Type I

This collagen is in our skin, artery walls, bones, tendons and in scar tissue. Type I is the most abundantly found in the body. It is a fibrillar type collagen, and inevitably has been the best investigated collagen.

Collagen Type II

This collagen is found in our cartilage and respiratory tubes. Type II is a fibrillar collagen, and the main component of cartilage. This collagen constitutes 95% of the collagens and approximately 60% of dry weight. Mutations in type II collagen result in several types of chondrodysplasia, leading to premature osteoarthritis.

Collagen Type III

This collagen is predominantly found in blood vessels. Type III collagen is a fibrillar collagen which is secreted by fibroblasts and other mesenchymal cell types. This makes it a huge factor in various inflammation-associated pathologies such as viral and non-viral liver diseases, kidney fibrosis, lung injury, and vascular disorders.

In order for collagen to help repair joints Type II is the collagen people need to have the most of in order to attain any level of relief. Having supplements will help but the body also needs to be able to produce collagen as well. Eating foods high in lysine and arginine will help collagen production. Getting both of these amino acids from food is important.

Collagen and Vegetarian Diets

A vegetarian diet is known to prevent some diseases but it may influence the balance of carbohydrate and fat metabolism as well as collagen synthesis. Research published at Karger Journals in Switzerland, (Vegetarian diet affects genes of oxidative metabolism and collagen synthesis), indicates that there is reduced collagen synthesis in vegetarians, and this could also play a role in the aging process.

However, all is not lost for those adhering to a vegetarian diet. There are some foods that can help but seeking the advice from a qualified health practitioner is strongly advised.

Without Vitamin C There Is No Collagen

Vitamin C intake is critical to collagen production. There is a plethora of research that indicates many people are not getting enough vitamin C to maintain proper health; further to that, it has been argued that the recommended daily values fall short of what we really need.

Vitamin C deficiency, although uncommon in North America, results in our bones being unable to properly manufacture collagen and its connective tissues. The body literally deteriorates as collagen is broken down and not replaced. This results in joints wearing down as tendons weaken.

Denatured vs Undenatured Collagen

Denatured collagen is hydrolyzed. Most of the type II collagen that is derived from the sternum of chickens is denatured or hydrolyzed. This means that high heat and possibly even chemicals have been used to process it. These processes fundamentally alter the molecular structure of the protein, rendering the collagen ineffective as an immunomodulator. There seems to be no peer-reviewed scientific studies showing that denatured type II collagen provides joint health benefits.

Undenatured type II collagen is produced using little or no heat and processing is bare minimum. The processing required is just enough to concentrate the collagen and make it soluble. This type of collagen supplement is the only form that the body can use effectively.

Collagen Helps to Repair Joints

Collagen can help repair joints but under the proper conditions. Not only are foods rich in vitamin C needed (possibly supplementation as well), but also foods high in lysine and arginine ( i.e., fish, chicken, beef, lamb, milk, cheese, beans, and mung bean sprouts). Avoiding foods that cause inflammation is really important and this means reducing or eliminating gluten and anything that contains processed sugar. In addition to diet, exercise is important, but knowing what exercises can be done safely should be approved by a qualified health professional.

Established in 2007 by Dr. Behfar Sanjari, Chiro-Med Rehab Centre has a proven record of commitment providing quality health care services in the Greater Toronto Area. Chiro-Med Rehab Centre has qualified professionals who can help you develop a personalized plan to ensure your joint health is as good as it possible can be. We have clinics located in Richmond Hill and Newmarket, visit Chiro-Med online or call 905-918-0419 or 905-235-2620 for more information.

Resources:
https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/B9780128098479000015
https://www.omicsonline.org/open-access/efficacy-of-oral-collagen-in-joint-pain--osteoarthritis-and-rheumatoid-arthritis-2167-7921-1000233.php?aid=87350
https://www.sciencedirect.com/topics/biochemistry-genetics-and-molecular-biology/collagen-type-iii-alpha-1
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/18772587

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