Chiropractic & Physiotherapy Clinic in Richmond Hill

Backpacks are, bar none, a better option for carrying books and supplies than a shoulder or a messenger bag. The weight of what is being carried is evenly distributed across the body in which the back and abdominal muscles are used for support. However, backpacks that are not used properly, or if they are overloaded, can cause health problems for children, teens and even adults.

How Can Backpacks Cause Problems?

The human spine consists of 33 vertebrae: 24 presacral vertebrae (7 cervical, 12 thoracic, and 5 lumbar) followed by the sacrum (5 fused sacral vertebrae) and the coccyx (4 frequently fused coccygeal vertebrae). Between the vertebrae are disks that act as natural shock absorbers.

When improperly carrying a heavy weight on your shoulders, the force of the weight can pull you backward. Typically, most people will compensate this by bending forward at the hips or arching the back. This can cause the spine to compress unnaturally.

Those who compensate by leaning forward, over time, the shoulders can become rounded and the upper back may become curved. As a result, neck, shoulder and back pain can develop.

Carrying a messenger bag or backpack over one shoulder can result in lower and upper back pain in addition to straining the neck and shoulders. Backpacks must be worn properly otherwise bad posture may eventually occur.

If you wear a backpack that has tight, narrow straps that put pressure into the shoulders then nerves can be pinched and circulation issues may result. There could even be tingling, weakness and numbness in the arms and hands.

Children Are at Higher Risk

Many health care professionals recommend that children carry no more than 10 to 15 percent of their body weight in their backpacks. The reality is that many carry a lot more than that. Girls and younger children tend to be especially at risk for backpack-related injuries because they're smaller and may carry loads that are heavier in proportion to their body weight.

Wearing school backpacks has a significant biomechanical, physiological and discomfort impact, especially with loads above 10 percent of the student’s body weight.

There are a multitude of health impacts that children and youth are experiencing such as:

• poor posture (changes to spinal posture, lumbo-sacral angles, and thoracic kyphosis);
• gait (increases in plantar pressure during foot-ground contact and increased double support);
• increases in physical discomfort and muscle activity; and
• increases in breathing rate.

Results of a 2003 review of backpack loads carried by school students was referred to by the National Institutes of Health in 2018. They said that during a school day, children were carrying as much as 30 to 40 percent of their body weight. This 2003 review noted that large, heavy backpacks were a relatively recent phenomenon. It addressed how there is an increasing number of high school students having less time between classes to get to their lockers so they must haul their backpacks with them throughout the day.  Nowadays there are larger textbooks, musical instruments, laptops, and other objects that are presenting areas of concern regarding student loads.

According to the National Institute of Health the weight carried by students, backpack pain and other health concerns have shown little to no improvement over the past 15 years and the recommended load of around 10 percent of the body weight is not always being met. It is highly recommended that if any student walks or rides a bike to school, then the backpack should be closer to the 10 percent mark.

Tips for Choosing and Using Backpacks

• When purchasing a new backpack make sure it has two padded straps that go over your shoulders. The wider the straps, the better.
• Hiking backpacks have a waist belt which helps to distribute the weight more evenly across the body. If it is at all possible, try to get a backpack with this strap. Also, backpacks with multiple compartments can also help distribute the weight more evenly.
• Before placing items in your backpack, adjust the straps so the pack sits close to your back. If the pack hits against the lower back as you walk, the straps are inevitably too long.
• Always pack your backpack with the heaviest items closest to your back.
• Wear both straps over your shoulders.
• Try a “back” pack with wheels. Lots of children use these as an alternative to backpacks. Even adults can benefit from this.

Adults and youth can consider strengthening their core muscles. From an overall health perspective, this is a great way to prevent back injury from not just carrying a heavy backpack, but from most physical activities. Weight training, pilates, and yoga are all activities that can be effective in strengthening these core muscles.

If you or your child is experiencing back discomfort chiropractic care has been proven to help.

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.

Anyone who has had massage therapy or even just a deep massage to help aching muscles knows how great they feel afterwards. If there were to be a list of the top three things that relax us, makes us feel great, and has health benefits, massage therapy would be on it.

So why is it that massage therapy helps us to feel so good? Without a doubt, massage therapy helps to increase blood circulation. Ancient Greeks believed that a daily massage was an amazing way to ensure maintaining good health.

There are specific massages that boost circulation to the extremities. Good circulation is essential to good health because when our circulation is where it needs to be, then our circulatory system delivers oxygen-rich blood and nutrients that is required to heal.

Everyone has experienced those moments of inactivity when our hands or feet get cold; this is because of the lack of circulation. Having this happen once in a while is fine, but if this occurs on a regular basis it could be the warning of something more severe such as blocked arteries.

Therapeutic massage can increase the circulation of blood as well as the flow of lymph. The stimulation of nerve receptors causes blood vessels to dilate and this facilitates blood flow. Lymph is a milky white fluid that takes impurities and waste away from the tissues and passes through the lymphatic system which acts as a filtering valve. Lymph does not circulate the same as blood so its movement largely depends on the squeezing effect of muscle contractions. On one hand, inactive people are unable to stimulate lymph flow yet on the other hand the stimulation caused by activity can be outstripped by the increased waste produced by the activity. Fortunately, massage can help the movement of lymph either way.

It goes without saying; our entire body needs to be healthy. Every cell in our body is dependent on an abundant supply of blood and lymph because these fluids deliver nutrients and oxygen and remove wastes and toxins. Without good circulation there is potential trouble.

Buttocks And Backs Of Legs

A  sluggish lymphatic system and circulation can greatly improve with a therapeutic massage to the backs of the legs and buttocks. The movement of lymph is highly dependent on muscle contractions and good circulation. A therapeutic massage helps to drain a blocked up lymphatic system.

Here is an interesting fact that women in particular will want to know; an accumulation of proteins, fats, and other wastes that does not get excreted from the body often ends up becoming cellulite. This is why a therapeutic massage on the back of legs and buttocks can greatly help.

Massaging the wrong areas or focusing on certain acupressure points have been known to trigger uterine contractions in some women making it vital that a prenatal massage be given by a qualified health professional. Massage therapists trained in prenatal massage know exactly what areas to focus on and provide the maximum benefits during the massage therapy.

Arm And Hand Massages

Many people get through the day with tight, clenched hands, arms, and there can be a plethora of stress and anger building up all day causing neck pain, back pain, headaches, and much more.
The lymph can also collect toxins in this area of the body as well.

Getting a therapeutic massage on the arms helps to relax the muscles therefore creating more blood flow. The increased circulation will help relieve pain, and stress. In some cases it has been reported to help those with carpal tunnel syndrome.

Stimulating circulation in your hands is as important as anywhere else on your body. If you suffer from Raynaud's phenomenon (a painful condition of primarily the fingers, toes) then therapeutic massages are important. This condition is thought to be caused by a sharp and persistent contraction of a blood vessel, which reduces blood flow to the fingers.

Improving circulation in the hands is also important following surgery or after an injury, such as ligament sprains and muscle strains. Improved circulation to injured tissues helps to expedite healing by bringing more nutrients to the area and removing harmful metabolic byproducts that tend to accumulate in the tissues following trauma.

The overall therapeutic effect of massage was once described by Hippocrates (the Father of Medicine) as ‘vis medicatrix naturae’. Hippocrates, a massage advocate, believed that massage helped the body’s natural healing powers.

Chiro-Med Rehab Centre in Richmond Hill has qualified massage therapists on staff to help you improve your circulation. 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 today!

Plantar fasciitis can be quite painful and is one of the most common causes of heel pain. This foot ailment is inflammation of the thick tissue (plantar fascia) located on the bottom of the foot. This tissue is what connects the heel bone to the toes and it creates the arch of the foot; this can be quite painful and make walking more difficult.

Those who have plantar fasciitis feel dull or sharp pain and stiffness at the bottom of the heel. Some people report feeling an ache or burn at the bottom of the foot. This pain is felt worse in the morning when taking the first steps of the day. It is also noticeable after standing or sitting for a period of time. Plantar fasciitis pain may develop slowly over time, or suddenly after intense activity.

Causes Of Plantar Fasciitis

When the thick band of tissue on the bottom of the foot is overused or overstretched this is when plantar fasciitis can occur. Another possible cause of pain and dysfunction is now thought to be degeneration of the collagen fibres close to the attachment to the heel bone.

Risk factors for plantar fasciitis include:

• High arches or flat feet
• Poor arch support
• Sudden weight gain or obesity
• Tight Achilles tendon
• Long distance running or running on uneven surfaces

Plantar fasciitis is the most common orthopedic complaints related to the foot and seems to affect mostly men aged between 40 and 70.

If you think you have plantar fasciitis you should see a health professional as soon as possible. An examination will be conducted to determine the tenderness of the foot, arches will be checked, and the tightness or stiffness of the arch will be examined.

Plantar Fasciitis Treatment

Chiro-Med Rehab Centre has helped countless people who have suffered with plantar fasciitis. The severity of this condition will determine the treatment. The good news is that almost always, nonsurgical treatment improves the pain. Patients who have severe plantar fasciitis may require several months of therapy  in order to feel totally better, and in some rare cases, surgery may be needed to relieve pain.

Immediate steps to relieve pain are to apply ice to the painful area, minimum twice a day for about 15-20 minutes.  Wearing shoes with good support are a must and resting as much as possible as well.

You may need to do some heel stretching exercises to help relieve the stiffness. In addition, using night splints to help stretch out the plantar fascia may aid in the healing process.

Orthotics from Chiro-Med Rehab Centre are medical inserts that fit comfortably into normal footwear, and are custom designed to support and improve your ability to walk pain-free. Orthotics should be worn at all times, at work, at home, and during recreational activities. Orthotic insoles work like prescription eye-glasses, they work when they are being worn, providing support to all the areas that need support.
During the first couple of weeks while wearing custom orthotics, there may be a slight discomfort felt in the arches, feet, and legs. This is normal, and is actually an indication that your custom orthotics are doing their job.

Chiro-Med Rehab Centre in Richmond Hill has a convenient location and highly qualified health professionals to help you get back to activities you once enjoyed – pain free! Call 905-918-0419 for more information.

Nearly everyone experiences back pain at some point, often as a result of injury or poor posture.  Many jobs require people to stand or sit in the same position for many hours at a time, which puts an unreasonable amount of strain on the lower back over time, causing pain.  A visit to a Richmond Hill chiropractor may be just what you need if you suffer from lower back pain.

Chiropractic medicine is an alternative treatment that uses a drug-free and non-invasive method of treating lower back pain and many other types of health problems through hands-on manipulation of the spine.  Chiropractic care is based on the belief that the body has the power to heal itself if given the opportunity, and that the structure of the spine is connected to the function of all other parts of the body.  The purpose of chiropractic treatment is to balance the relationship between the spine and the rest of the body so that healing can occur.  When the movement of the spine is restricted by injury, swelling or misalignment, back pain occurs.  A Richmond Hill chiropractor will use spinal manipulation to change the alignment of the spine in key areas to loosen the vertebrae so they can move freely.

Lower back pain is one of the most common types of pain, and it can occur in anyone as a result of poor posture or inadequate support while sleeping.  Women who wear high heels often suffer from lower back pain, as the heels change the angle of the spine, forcing it into an unnatural position.  Looking fashionable can come with a price, and many women find themselves in need of regular visits to a chiropractor.  No matter what the source of your back pain is, a visit to a Richmond Hill chiropractor is sure to provide you with the relief that you need.

We have all suffered from back pain before, but not everybody seeks treatment for occasional back pain, or even for ongoing problems. Controversy over the effectiveness of chiropractic medicine discourages some people from making that first step and scheduling an appointment with a Richmond Hill chiropractor.

If you haven’t been to a chiropractor before, you may not know what to expect. Contrary to what many people think, chiropractic treatment is not painful, even when you are already in pain. A Richmond Hill chiropractor will assess your condition and decide what treatment you require. In the case of an injury, there is usually a lot of pain and swelling, but rest assured, the chiropractor would not aggravate sensitive areas and cause you unnecessary pain. When a painful injury is involved, the chiropractor will make gentle, subtle adjustments to avoid aggravating the injury.

Your Richmond Hill chiropractor is likely to recommend frequent visits at first, so that several subtle adjustments can be made to facilitate healing. These small adjustments will probably not hurt; in fact, it may not even seem that the chiropractor has even done anything at first, but you will probably notice improvement within the next 24 hours as the muscles begin to respond to the treatment.

After treatment, your Richmond Hill chiropractor will probably suggest that you take it easy and avoid any strenuous movements. This is because the muscles are accustomed to being in the position they were in before the treatment and need time to adjust to the slightly new position. Sudden movements can cause the muscles to return to the position they were in before treatment, prolonging recovery time. After your injury has healed, it is a good idea to schedule regular visits with your Richmond Hill chiropractor to maintain alignment of your spine and balance throughout your body.

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.

The Facts On Torticollis

Torticollis, or wry neck, can cause tremendous neck pain and affects about 1 out of 10,000 people. This is a painful disorder that occurs in the neck and it tends to affect individuals between 30 and 60 years of age and more women than men.

This condition generally affects the muscles on one side of the neck and can involve an occasional or a constant spasm that is very painful. When torticollis strikes, the individual may find that they are forced to rotate and tilt their head to the back, to the side or forward. Depending on the individual, they may find the pain is much worse when they stand, walk or sit.

Causes Of Torticollis

There is no one definitive cause of torticollis. There are many causes such as:

• Nervous system infections;
• Hyperthyroidism;
• Neck tumours;
• Degenerative disc disease
• WAbnormal facial movements that result from the use of antipsychotic medications; or
• Inherited.

Although not proven, some health professionals feel that torticollis can worsen if the individual has emotional difficulties. Also, if torticollis occurs without a known cause then it is referred to as idiopathic torticollis.

On occasion, newborn babies have been known to develop a congenital form of torticollis because some deliveries are difficult and can cause damage to neck muscles. Older children have been known to suffer from torticollis also as a result of an imbalance of the eye muscle. Also, muscle or bone deformities in the upper spinal area can cause torticollis in children.

Symptoms Of Torticollis

The one for sure symptom that you may have torticollis is if you experience acute, painful muscle spasms on one side of your neck. This pain can happen suddenly and be ongoing for some time or it can occur occasionally. When experiencing this pain, your head will no doubt feel forced to tilt in one particular direction and possibly rotate depending on which neck muscles are affected. On occasion, individuals with torticollis also experience muscle spasms in other areas of their head including the face, jaw, eyelids and even in one or both hands.

Other symptoms may include:

• Headache
• Head tremor
• Shoulder becomes higher on one side of the body

More often than not, those who suffer with torticollis experience spasms without any warning and they usually strike only while awake.

There are mild cases as well as severe cases of torticollis. Some patients find that without adequate care, torticollis can worsen then stabilize. For some individuals, torticollis can be a lifelong condition and in very severe cases, it can result in deformities to the posture.

Diagnosing And Treating Torticollis

In order to diagnose torticollis, a health professional will ask detailed questions about previous neck problems as well as past injuries. Depending on the situation, an electromyogram (EMG) may be able to diagnose. If not, then computed tomography (CT) scans may be required, or an MRI (magnetic resonance imaging), or an x-ray. This will aid in discovering the specific causes of the neck spasms. A routine physical examination can determine if there is neck muscle damage in infants and children.

Richmond Hill massage therapy at Chiro-Med Rehab Centre has helped clients who suffered from torticollis. Torticollis can be treated when the cause has been pinpointed.

Physical therapy and massage are techniques that help in alleviating painful spasms. One method of massage, for example, that has helped is when slight pressure is applied to the jaw in a specific manner. Only when physical therapy and massage techniques do not work are more invasive methods suggested to treat torticollis. Some of these methods include a variety of medications, and sometimes surgery. Nerves that are responsible for the spasms in the affected area are surgically removed. Surgery should always be the very last option.

Infants with congenital torticollis are treated with intensive physical therapy to stretch damaged muscles and this should commence within the first year of life. Therapy needs to start as soon as possible because should it be unsuccessful or if it is too late, surgery may be required to repair the child's neck muscles.

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.