Chiropractic & Physiotherapy Clinic in Richmond Hill

Winter sports are enjoyed by many outdoor enthusiasts and yet every winter, there are many avoidable sports injuries, especially injuries to the ankle. Ankle injuries include tendon injuries, ligament sprains, dislocation and fractures. Let’s explore some of the most common winter sports ankle injuries.

Snowboarding

Beginner snowboarders are those who are the most frequently injured, in fact, according to the American Academy of Family Physicians (AAFP), almost one quarter of all injuries occur the first time the person tries snowboarding. After the wrist, the ankle is the most frequently injured body part. Studies by the AAFP indicate that soft boots give snowboarders almost twice the risk of injury compared to hard boots.

There is a type of fracture that occurs in this sport referred to as the snowboarder’s ankle. This is a fracture of the lateral process of the talus and this is difficult to see on a standard x-ray. This fracture can affect almost 15 percent of snowboarding ankle injuries that require medical attention.

Snowboarding Ankle Injury Prevention: Getting out there and having fun is important, but it’s really important to know your limits. Studies show first time snowboarders are at greater risk for injury, so regardless of age, taking it easy is important and having a lesson or two from snowboarding professionals is a great strategy in preventing injury.

Ice Skating

According to the Ontario Injury Compass, every year more than 5,000 people find themselves in an emergency department due to an ice skating injury. The good news is that about 94 percent of these people do not require being admitted. Lower limb injuries, including the ankle, occur to 21 percent of those injured.

Ice Skating Ankle Injury Prevention: What is very important is to have a pair of skates that fit properly. Proper ankle support is crucial when ice skating otherwise the window to possible injury is opened. While skating, the skating gait and your posture is important; without good posture and a balanced gait, undue stress is being applied to the ankles as well as other areas of the body. Be aware of your surroundings; watch for obstacles and other people, especially unsupervised children as their movement can be unpredictable therefore causing you to move in such a way that causes you an injury. Knowing and staying within your limits is a good rule to follow in order to prevent injury.

Skiing

The good news is that with the development of improved ski equipment, skiing techniques, and slope grooming, incidents of ankle injuries has decreased. Ankle fractures, achilles tendon ruptures, tendon dislocations and ankle sprains can all occur should a skiing accident occur. Cross country skiers are more susceptible to ankle injuries due to the nature of the equipment.

Skiing Ankle Injury Prevention: Downhill or cross country skiers need to ensure their equipment is always in good condition and properly sized. Bindings need to be tested every year before hitting the slopes or the trails. Always make sure proper sunglasses or goggles are used otherwise a moment of vision impairment can result in an accident. If you are a cross country skier tempted to go down hills that are dangerous, try not to, especially in forested areas. As with snowboarding or ice skating, be aware and stay within your limits, especially if the slopes or trails are busy.

Chiro-Med Rehab Centre suggests that anyone who engages in these or other athletic activities to stretch your muscles before starting. There is a lot of conflicting research out there suggesting that stretching may not prevent injury; yet some research suggests that although it may not prevent an injury, a stretched muscle can better recover from injury. Regardless, stretching is a good habit to get into before any activity. Hopefully your winter activities bring you lots of enjoyment; however, should you unfortunately succumb to an injury, Chiro-Med Rehab Centre in Richmond Hill can get you back on the slopes, the trails or on the ice before you know it!

There is not a doubt that everyone from time-to-time experiences a “cracking” sound in their feet; this sound can be referred to as joint popping. Joint popping is quite common and there is usually no reason to fear that something is wrong.

As we walk cracking sounds may be heard, but this most likely occurs when the foot is moved beyond its normal range of motion. It is more common to hear cracking when you stretch or roll your foot. Pops and cracks are normal in this case because the motions require the bones and ligaments to stretch. If you have ever gently stretched your toes back and forth then you inevitably have heard cracks coming from your toes.

Causes of Cracking

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There are two main reasons why our joints crack. The bones in our joints are surrounded by synovial fluid which lubricates and prevents bones from rubbing against one another. Synovial fluid contains three gases: oxygen, nitrogen and carbon dioxide. These gases form bubbles when the joint capsule is stretched. A popping sound is heard when oxygen bubbles are released. The other reason why joints crack is related to movement of the ligaments or tendons. Ligaments or tendons can tangle or they can excessively tighten and when this happens, you hear a gentle pop as they return to their normal position.

Some cracking and popping scenarios that you need to be wary of include:

Pain - When you experience repeated popping or cracking and it causes you pain then something may be wrong. This is a possible indication that a structural joint problem exists and this needs to be treated.

Locked joint – If the joint becomes locked when it pops or cracks then there is a possibility that something may be caught between joint surfaces. A piece of torn bone or cartilage may be the cause. Once a joint is stuck then it will need to be manipulated to unlock it – and this will cause a pop.

Rupture - If there is a serious rupture of a tendon or ligament then this can create a popping sound. If this happens it can be painful.

Swelling – If you experience any swelling at the site of ‘cracking’ then this needs to be looked at by a qualified health professional.

Arthritis – You may have arthritis in the foot and arthritic joints makes sounds. This is caused by the roughness of the joint surface and the loss of smooth cartilage causing the bone to grind on bone.

(Many people experience pain in the toes and are not sure what is going on. Toe arthritis in caused by inflammation of the toe joints. It tends to attack the big toe more than the other toes. Past injuries or traumas can be reason why arthritis can hit later in life. Other culprits include gout, osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis. Risk factors include women who frequently wear tight, high-heel shoes, being overweight, increased age and family history of arthritis.)

Bottom line, joint popping usually occurs when a joint is manipulated beyond its normal range of motion yet it is possible for pops and cracks to sound during normal movement of the foot. This should not cause you pain. If it does, and more to the point, if it frequently causes you pain, then you need to seek qualified professional help. Chiro-Med Rehab Centre can help 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. Chiro-Med Rehab Centre has qualified professionals who can help evaluate you. We have clinics located in Richmond Hill and Newmarket, visit Chiro-Med online or call 905-918-0419 or 905-235-0419 for more information.

As a society we are conditioned, and with good reason, to get an annual physical check-up as a preventative measure with helping to stay healthy. We are also are conditioned to see a dentist on a regular basis to keep our teeth and gums healthy. Many people also go to their optometrists on a regular basis to ensure good ocular health. All of the above are very important in order to detect problems before they start. What seems to take a back seat to prevention is the importance of regular spinal check-ups.

Our Spine

The spine is a critical component of your body. Without it, you could not keep yourself upright or even stand up. The spine provides your body with structure and support allowing you to move about freely and to bend with flexibility. Within the spine is your spinal cord, a column of nerves that connects your brain with the rest of your body, allowing you to control every movement. Without a spinal cord, you could not move any part of your body, and your organs could not function. This is a compelling reason as to why keeping your spine healthy is vital.

Benefits of Regular Chiropractic Care

The overall goal of chiropractic care is to improve musculoskeletal health, which impacts your quality of life. Perhaps you may already know you have some health issues but are not sure what. When a chiropractor improves your body’s biomechanical dysfunctions, there can be a plethora of unexpected benefits. Even if there are no issues, a check-up can detect if a problem may be on the horizon.

Improved immune function . . .

A healthy immune system is really important for many reasons. The nervous system regulates cell functions, but even the slightest misalignment can interrupt the process, and this has a ripple effect on the immune system’s ability to fight off viruses. Chiropractic care can restore function to the nerves to ensure your cells are functioning well.

More energy . . .

When the body is sore, joints and muscles tense up often resulting in inflammation. This tension and pain interferes with your well-being. Chiropractic care can help reduce joint and muscles discomfort providing a vitality boost.

Improved digestion . . .

As mentioned earlier, the nerves running through the spine control all functions, including digestion. If the vertebrae are misaligned, your nerves may signal for more acid which leads to acid reflux, gas, and heartburn. Chiropractic care can help to ease stomach issues by an examination of the thoracic spine.

Easier breathing . . .

The lungs rely on proper nerve function. When there is a misalignment in your cervical and thoracic spinal regions, it can result in lung problems. Chiropractic correction of these issues can help correct issues such as inflammation and help you breathe easier.

Better balance and coordination . . .

As we get older something as simple as maintaining balance can become a problem. The more durable and healthy the spine is, the easier it is to maintain good balance, possibly preventing an injury due to instability like a slip and fall. While activities like tai-chi and regular exercise can help keep the core and leg muscles strong, chiropractic care can also help improve coordination and balance.

Healthier pregnancies . . .

Countless women have praised chiropractic care in helping them have healthier pregnancies and easier deliveries. Your body goes through many changes during pregnancy which impact the nervous system. The weight gain places pressure on the spine which can create discomfort. Regular chiropractic care can ensure both a healthier mother and baby.

Improved range of motion . . .

Regular chiropractic care provides an improved range of motion and this is really important given today's sedentary lifestyles. It is really important to get regular exercise but sometimes this is not enough. Chiropractic care can help you move easier and get through daily activities with less effort.

In addition, regular chiropractic spinal check-ups can:

• Improve joint mobility, function and health.
• Decrease degeneration of the joint and connective tissues (arthritis).
• Strengthen the immune system.
• Improve individual organ system function (heart, lung, sinuses, digestive, etc).
• Increase energy, vitality and improves sleep.
• Decrease the adverse effects of stress.
• Improve athletic performance.
• Improve cognitive ability.

There is not a doubt that getting regular spinal check-ups is just as important to your overall well-being as getting an annual physical check-up and regular dental care. Make an appointment soon to get a spinal check-up and you'll soon join the millions who have already discovered the benefits of regular chiropractic care.

Established in 2007 by Dr. Behalf 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 provide the services you need. Chiro-Med has clinics located in Richmond Hill and Newmarket, visit Chiro-Med online or call 905-918-0419 or 905-235-2620 for more information.

Tension headaches are one of the most common forms of headaches. Other forms of headaches include migraines, sinus headaches and cluster headaches, but tension headaches seem to be the one type of headache that most people experience. In fact, the World Health Organization recently stated that about half of all adults suffer from headache disorders, including tension headaches.

Canada.com quoted Dr. Shekhar Saxena, WHO's director of mental health and substance abuse disorders on June 20, 2011, "Headache and migraine disorders are greatly underrated and underreported by health systems and receive too little attention." This news story goes on to say that headache disorders (including tension headaches) have a ripple effect. There are huge economic and societal costs that result from time off work.

What Is A Tension Headache?

More often than not, a tension headache is a mild to moderate pain that can be best described as having a tight rubber band squeezing the head. It may also sometimes feel as though the muscles in the head are contracting. Tension headaches are not just restricted to the head because some individuals feel discomfort or pain in the neck or on the scalp.

This headache-type occurs at any age but they are most common in adults.

If a tension headache occurs two or more times with a week and persists for several weeks, then this condition is referred to as being chronic. Sometimes a primary headache can be over-treated therefore a person who is regularly on pain medication for more than three days a week can develop rebound headaches.

Tension Headache Causes

Causes of tension headaches are often when the muscles on the neck and scalp contract – and this is tension. These contractions can be a natural response to various stimuli such as: stress, anxiety, depression or a head injury. In addition, if you engage in an activity that demands your head to be in one position for any length of time without moving it, this can cause a tension headache. Other causes include if you slept in the wrong position or sleeping in a room that's too cold.

According to the National Institutes of Health there are also triggers that can start a tension headache. Some of these triggers include:

• Colds/flu
• Dental problems such as teeth grinding
• Eye strain
• Too much smoking
• Alcohol use
• Excessive caffeine intake
• Nasal congestion/sinus infection
• Fatigue
• Overexertion

Tension Headache Symptoms

Tension headache pain does not throb and it is not a sharp pain. It's pressure with a dull-like pain. There are other symptoms such as the feeling of a tight rubber band on the head and the pressure/pain is felt all over, not isolated in one place. These sensations can be felt on the scalp, at the temples, back of the neck and possibly in the shoulders.

These symptoms may be an isolated event or they may be frequent. The pain may even get worse if triggered by stress, noise, glare or fatigue.

Nausea or vomiting is very rarely associated with this type of headache and sleeping may be very difficult if suffering from a tension headache.

Treatment Options

You can often spot a person who is at the onset or experiencing a tension headache because you see them massaging their temples, neck or scalp. If you find yourself trying to massage yourself and it is not working, then profession massage therapy is a viable treatment option. Massage therapy in Richmond Hill at Chiro-Med Rehab Centre has helped many patients get rid of tension headaches and has worked as a preventative measure.

Other treatments for milder forms of tension headaches include a hot or cold shower or taking an over- the-counter painkiller.

For those who suffer from tension headaches regularly, they may want to examine their lifestyle. If there is an activity that triggers these headaches, implementing some stress-management techniques can help minimize or eliminate these headaches and can have positive outcomes.

If a tension headache occurs often, seek professional help. Should any headache affect your ability to see or speak then call 911 right away. No one needs to suffer with ongoing headaches when treatment options such as massage therapy are available.

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.

All living cells from simple organisms to humans depend on catalytic proteins called enzymes in order to grow, divide, and function normally. All living "systems" must have a healthy interaction of enzymes that are either synthesized from components of water, food and other nutritional supplements or from the breakdown products of tissues. Bromelain is a mixture of enzymes that aid in the digestion of protein and it has many health benefits.

Where Is Bromelain Found?

Bromelain is found naturally in the juice and stems of pineapples and as a result is often referred to as the pineapple enzyme. Interestingly, the pineapple belongs to the Bromeliaceae family, from which the enzyme bromelain was named. Although bromelain is found only in pineapples, it is not in high enough doses to act as medicine.

Bromelain Health Benefits

This enzyme has been heralded as an anti-inflammatory agent. Bromelain has brought temporary relief from inflammation caused by muscle soreness, injury, arthritis and even surgery. Some carpal tunnel syndrome patients have stated that they feel a reduction of numbness, aching, and tingling after taking bromelain. There have been many studies and although there appears to be mixed results, bromelain may also reduce bruising and healing time after surgery. Bromelain is often used to reduce inflammation due to sprains, strains, tendinitis and other minor muscle injuries.

Some naturopathic doctors have recommended that their patients take bromelain before and after
surgery and some suggest that pineapple dressings be applied to skin injuries (including wounds) to help reduce inflammation and promote quick healing. (Chiro-Med Rehab Centre recommends that you consult with a health professional before self-administering bromelain.)

Some studies have indicated that bromelain may actually help reduce cough and nasal mucus associated with sinusitis. In addition, it might even relieve inflammation caused by hay fever.

Other Health Benefits:

• Bromelain is well-recognized as a beneficial digestive aid. This mixture of enzymes not only
  benefits better digestion; it can reduce or eliminate heartburn, gastric reflux, nausea, and other ailments related to improper digestion of foods.
• After extended use, bromelain has been noted to reduce blood pressure.
• Heart researchers have discovered that bromelain can reduce thrombus and that it is an
  anticoagulant.
• When topically applied, bromelain lowers swelling and reduces pain associated with insect bites and stings.
• Bromelain has been used in alternative medicine to help reduce hemorrhoids, varicose veins,
  chronic venous insufficiency, as well as other conditions of the veins.
• Many studies indicate that bromelain may prevent blood platelets from clotting.
• The immune system may be boosted. In many people who were studied, cytokines, hormones in the immune system, increased when given bromelain.
• Although not studies on humans yet, animal studies indicate that bromelain possesses anti-
  bacterial and anti-viral effects that may help in relieving symptoms of urinary tract infections,
  bronchitis and pneumonia.

The health professionals at Chiro-Med Rehab Centre in Richmond Hill are excited about the new
research that is emerging about all the health benefits of bromelain. Bromelain as an anti-inflammatory has helped many people with tendonitis, sore muscles, arthritis and.

If you suffer from an inflammatory health ailment book an appointment with Chiro-Med Rehab Centre and let their professionals put you on the road to good health.

Vitamin D is a fat soluble vitamin that is best known as the sunshine vitamin.  What is surprising is that many people are unaware as to how critical this vitamin is in order to have healthy bones.

First of all, an important strategy to keep your bones healthy is to eat the right kinds of food. Countless studies have shown that individuals who eat a lot of processed foods and fast foods produce biochemical and metabolic conditions that decrease bone density.

Yes, calcium and magnesium are essential to bone health; but for maintaining healthy mineralized bones so is vitamin D. In fact, vitamin K2 and boron are also required in maintaining healthy bones.

Sunlight causes the photoproduction of vitamin D3 in our skin. Once formed, vitamin D3 is metabolized sequentially in the liver and kidneys to 1,25-dihydroxyvitamin D. Yes this does sound somewhat foreign however 1,25-dihydroxyvitamin D it critical for our bodies to maintain essential cellular functions as well as promoting bone mineralization.

The bad news is that many foods do not contain any vitamin D. According to the USDA, the only natural food sources of vitamin D (known as D2) are:

• Wild salmon (1,448 iu)
• Pacific rockfish (459 iu)
• Canned tuna (68-229 iu, with light tuna in oil having the most)
• Sardines (164 iu)
• Flatfish, like sole or flounder (154 iu)
• Fortified milk (115-124 iu, with whole milk having more than skim)
• Fortified cereals (34-104 iu, varying by type and brand)
• Pickled herring (96 iu)
• Pork (6-88 iu, with variation by cut)
• Mushrooms (5-45 iu, with shitake having much more than white mushrooms)
• Beef liver (42 iu)
• Atlantic cod (40 iu)
• Eggs (25-29 iu)
• Ricotta cheese (25 iu, whereas most cheese have 4-6 iu)

Exposure to sunlight provides most of us with vitamin D (known as D3) but this ability is very limited. Aging, sunscreen use, and the change in the zenith angle of the sun dramatically affects the skin’s ability to produce vitamin D3. Vitamin D deficiency is now recognized as a major cause of bone disease in the elderly.  Some studies indicate that those of us in the southern latitudes of Canada can only get vitamin D from the sun between May and July. Even then, many people saturate their skin with sunscreen so they are getting very little. Bottom line, it is critical to eat lots of the foods that have vitamin D2 or take a trusted supplement.

VITAMIN D DEFICIENCY

Without a sufficient amount of this vitamin on a daily basis, bones can become thin and brittle. Vitamin D deficiency can cause rickets in children and osteomalacia in adults. Together with calcium, vitamin D also helps protect adults from osteoporosis.

Vitamin D is also critical to our immune system. Without sufficient levels of vitamin D, the immune system is compromised making the individual more susceptible to many illnesses from the common cold to heart disease.

Scientists at the University of Copenhagen discovered that Vitamin D is essential to activating our immune defenses. Without sufficient intake of the sunshine vitamin, T cells (the killer cells of the immune system) will not be able to react to and fight off serious infections in the body.

Other possible health issues that have been linked to vitamin D deficiency include muscle weakness, psoriasis, kidney disease, diabetes, asthma, periodontal disease, schizophrenia, depression and cancer. For more information on this Natural News is the best resource.

If you want more information on how chiropractic methods can help you, 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. VisitChiro-Med online or call 905-918-0419 for more information about our services

Getting a blood test can determine if you are deficient.  Better still, prevention is truly the best medicine. For help on implementing simple solutions please contact Chiro Med Rehab Centre. Chiro-Med Rehab Centre in Richmond Hill has professionals on staff that can help you maintain strong muscles and a healthy skeletal system. 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.

If you experience low back pain and struggle to understand why, then this may help shed some light on your situation. Many of us have heard on television commercials about core strength or core training, but what exactly do these terms mean and why is there a push to strengthen our core muscles?
Let’s start off with defining core strength. This is not about getting a six-pack of abs or having a rock hard belly; core strength is about keeping your core muscles in shape as a preventative to injury.

Core muscles are the muscles that form around the trunk of the body. The more common core muscles include:

• Transverse abdominis: This is located under the obliques. It is the deepest of the waist muscles and this helps to keep the spine stable and protected.
• Internal obliques: These are located under the external obliques.
• Pelvic floor muscles: The pelvic floor is a hammock of pelvic floor muscles that connect the pubis bone at the front to the tailbone (coccyx) and sitz bones at the back.
• Multifidis muscles: This area is under the erector spinae (a group of 3 muscles that extend from the lower back to the neck) and runs along the vertebral column. These muscles rotate and extend the spine.

There are other core muscles that include: hip adductors, hip flexors, as well as the gluteus medius, minimus and maximus.

Weak Core Muscles And Reoccurring Back Pain

The abdominals are only a small portion of what makes up the core. Weak or unbalanced core muscles are often linked to severe back pain. Weak core muscles can also result in a loss of good posture and this means eventually there will be pain.

When core muscles are kept toned through core exercises, they stabilize the spine area, as well as the neck and shoulder. All movements originate from the center of the body so keeping these toned is crucial. Before you’re able to do any quick or powerful movement, your spine has to be stable and balanced from the core; if not, and it is weak, and a quick movement occurs, injury can occur. Core exercises develop functional fitness and this is highly beneficial to help with regular activities.

Weak Core Muscles And Back Muscle Spasms

When an individual has a weak core this can lead to the global muscles working harder than they should. Global muscles are large torque-producing muscles that produce a flexing motion. They act on the spine and the trunk without direct attachment. The global muscles are the rectus abdominis and the external oblique. So a weak core exerts pressure on the global muscles which results in regular muscle spasms.

If you have a lack of core development then this means you have a predisposition to injury. When core muscles are weak, putting them to work feels like hard work.  For example, it is easier to slouch than to sit straight – slouching weakens the core muscles. It also creates a shift in the natural alignment of the spine putting continuous pressure on the spinal column and all the core muscles surrounding it.  Before long, muscles become imbalanced (some over stretched and others shortened) and create deviations in the spine that produce chronic back pain

Developed core muscles help you react faster and stronger, and they allow your body distribute stress evenly and absorb shock effectively. In turn, your chances of back pain or injury are greatly minimized.

Developing Core Strength

In order to develop any muscle you have to use it. There are many exercises you can do, the best way to start is through bracing exercises.

Getting that perfect posture is very important. The more centered your spine is in relation to the rest of your body, the more erect you'll sit and stand. Strong lower-back and abdominal muscles help you to even sit at a desk all day. (If you sit several hours at a desk every day, try ditching your chair for a stability ball; sitting on this does wonders for developing and maintaining core strength.)

There is much more you can do to strengthen your core muscles. Chiro-Med Rehab Centre in Richmond Hill has qualified staff to help you regardless of whether you already have a back injury and need treatment or if you need advice on getting your core strength increased.

Chiro-Med Rehab Centre has a walk-in clinic conveniently located at 10144 Yonge Street, just north of Major MacKenzie Drive in the heart of Richmond Hill. Call 905-918-0419 for more information or to book a consultation.