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.

Scoliosis refers to a medical condition where a person's spine curves from side- to-side. Back x-rays of people with scoliosis demonstrate "C" shapes or "S" shapes, as opposed to being straight.

Anyone can get scoliosis, but geneticists have identified DNA markers associated with adolescent idiopathic scoliosis.

Causes Of Scoliosis

Scoliosis is classified according to its cause, and there are three main classifications:

• Congenital scoliosis, caused by vertebral anomalies at birth
• Idiopathic scoliosis (cause unknown) that occurs with infants, juveniles, adolescents or adults (adolescents is the most common occurrence)
• Neuromuscular scoliosis, which develops as a result of another condition such as cerebral palsy, spinal muscular atrophy, spina bifida or some sort of physical trauma

Curving often accelerates during growth spurts in adolescents, and cases with adolescent woman are most common. Scoliosis is less common with infants and young children, and affects boys and girls equally.

Scoliosis symptoms are as follows:

• Unequal hip lengths or leg lengths, resulting in tilting of the hips
• Uneven musculature development along one side of the spine
• One shoulder is higher than the other
• Lower back pains
• General fatigue
• Spinal curvature from side-to-side

Extended standing or sitting for people with scoliosis may result in spinal fatigue. Pain can also occur, depending on the amount of tissue irritation and spinal bone deterioration.

Treatment Of Scoliosis

There are a wide variety of treatments for scoliosis. The required type of treatment is determined by the amount of spinal curvature along with a person's age (which affects how supple the spine is).

The following treatment options are ordered from least to most severe:

• Physical therapy
• Occupational therapy
• Chiropractic or osteopathic therapy
• Casting (EDF)
• Bracing
• Surgery

Our Richmond Hill Chiropractic, Massage Therapy and Physiotherapy center can help treat scoliosis via:

• Spinal joint mobilization that improves flexibility and blood flow
• Spinal joint manipulation that increases flexibility, breaks down scar tissue, improves blood flow, stretches muscles and speeds healing
• Physiotherapy using the Schroth method, which is a noninvasive treatment based upon the idea that scoliosis results from muscular asymmetries
• Massage therapy that decreases chronic neck pain, shoulder pain and lower back pain
• Orthotics that are customized to your pertinent body measurements

The majority of scoliosis cases can be corrected and even extreme scoliosis can be treated so that the spine becomes straighter. Regardless of the severity, it is not necessary to live with pain resulting from scoliosis.

As treatment progresses your shoulders and hips will become more even, breathing will become easier, there will be less pain and greater ease of movement. Most of the improvement will be permanent, although there may be a small amount of regression between treatment sessions.

Scoliosis is a debilitating condition that needs to be detected and treated as early as possible. The longer it goes unnoticed, the more severe the treatment may have to be.

Fortunately scoliosis is easy to detect, the trick is to get checked out sooner rather than later.

Chiro-Med Rehab Centre has the necessary knowledge and expertise to start you on the road to recovery today. As professionals we can recommend the type of treatment needed and effectively implement that treatment, getting you back up and running in as little time as possible!

Migraines are not just a different type of headache; they are a severe throbbing pain or a pulsing sensation that is generally felt on one side of the head. More often than not nausea, vomiting, as well as extreme sensitivity to light and sound accompanies this pain. These attacks can last for hours or for days and they can be so severe a person is not able to function. In fact, a migraine headache ranks in the top 20 of the world's most disabling conditions affecting people of all ages. Migraines are a neurological disease that can be managed using massage therapy.

Different Types of Migraines

Common Migraine: This is the most prevalent type of migraine; technically this is referred to as a migraine without aura. Almost 11 percent of general population worldwide suffer from this. According to some doctors, this type of migraine will worsen with overuse of over-the-counter headache pills. A common migraine can last for anywhere from 4 to 72 hours. If the headache continues for over 72 hours then it is known as status migrainosus, which requires immediate medical attention.

Classic Migraine: Another term for this migraine is a migraine with aura. People suffering from aura experience dazzling flash of light, hazy spots or zigzag lines in their vision few minutes prior to the onset of the migraine. It is estimated that 15 to 20 percent of those who regularly get migraines have aura symptoms.

Menstrual Migraine: Migraine is a condition that is twice as common in women as men. There is a strong connection between the menstrual cycle and the onset of a migraine. Fluctuating hormones are the antecedent.

Chronic Migraine: This is a severe form of migraine. Defined, this headache occurs for more than 15 days in a one month period for three consecutive months. Over the course of time the headache continues throughout the day with occasional migraine symptoms such as nausea and vomiting. Chronic migraine is one of the most disabling forms of migraine.

Abdominal Migraine: With this type of migraine, the person experiences light to severe abdominal pain along with nausea and vomiting during the attack. This is commonly seen in children who have a history of migraine in their family.

There are other types of migraines but this gives you an idea that not all migraines are the same.

Massage Can Help

The science community has done very little research about massage therapy and migraines; however, there have been many independent studies conducted that conclude there is relief for most massage therapy patients. It is encouraging that there is a positive connection between massage and migraine relief. For example, a 2014 published paper in the Journal of Alternative and Complementary Medicine shows positive effects of Thai traditional massage. This massage uses stretching, compression, and pulling and rocking motion. This has proven to provide relief in many migraine sufferers.

Depending on the severity and type of migraine the patient is suffering with, a massage therapist may use a variety of different techniques such as:

• Craniosacral therapy: This is a gentle massage focused on the skull and scalp.‍
• Reflexology: Uses pressure and massage on the soles of the feet.‍
• Relaxation massage: This is for stress relief.‍
• Deep Tissue Massage: This massage works well on a tense neck and shoulders providing great results in relieving migraine symptoms.

Massage therapy is not a cure for migraine, but countless migraine patients state it is an indispensable complementary therapy. Some research has even shown that those who receive massage therapy experience a reduction in migraines. This has proven to bring relief to many who seek a reduction or elimination in pharmacological treatment.

Many benefits of massage therapy include an increase in serotonin levels which can help decrease senility to pain, reduce stress levels, and it can help improve sleep. At Chiro-Med Rehab Centre you can be sure you are in the hands of not only a qualified massage therapist, but a therapist who puts your best interests first.

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 a decade. Chiro-Med Rehab Centre has qualified professionals who can help you seek relief from migraine pain. We have clinics located in Richmond Hill and Newmarket, call 905-918-0419 or 905-235-2620 for more information.

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Resource:

Chatchawan U, Eungpinichpong W, Sooktho S, Tiamkao S, Yamauchi J. (2014). "Effects of Thai traditional massage on pressure pain threshold and headache intensity in patients with chronic tension-type and migraine headaches." Journal of Alternative and Complementary Medicine.

Spring has arrived and with it, the heightened desire to get into the garden to start planting. The warmth of the sun, the freshness in the air and seeing new growth coming up every day inspires most people to get into their gardens.

This article is going to provide you with some useful spring gardening tips that come from two angles. First of all, let’s discuss some ideas on what to plant that can benefit your health.

Edible Gardening

You may have heard the term edible gardening, more and more people are turning to their gardens as a source of fresh herbs and food. If you have the space to grow vegetables, then it makes sense. Even if you live in an apartment or have limited space, container gardening is very popular and can keep you eating fresh healthy greens all summer long.

Don’t know what to plant? Here are some quick tips to help you decide.

• Grow what you like to eat. If you like beets, then growing these from seed is easy (remember, beet leaves are also very nutritious to eat).
• Be sure to grow herbs or vegetables that are well-suited for this area.
• We live near Ontario’s salad bowl, the Holland Marsh. Fresh produce (especially carrots and onions) is available from the farmers there at very affordable prices; so choose other produce to grow.
• Get a soil pH kit from a nursery and do a little homework in order to be successful. Vegetables thrive in a variety of soils and trying to grow alkaline veggies such as endive, cucumber or leeks in acidic soil is going to set you up for failure. (This chart is a reliable source to learn what is acidic and what is alkaline.)
• Also be sure to do some homework in regards to sunlight. Where you plan on gardening, is it full or part sun? Some veggies do not thrive in full sun – and some prefer cooler temperatures and do best in early spring or late summer (i.e., peas, some lettuces).
• If you choose to grow in containers, remember to keep in mind that you will have to replenish nutrients often into the soil because container gardening removes nutrients at a much more rapid rate than in the ground.
• Google companion gardening; for example, marigolds help tomatoes stay pest-free while growing.

By planting an edible garden, your body will reap the goodness of all the vitamins, minerals, enzymes and nutrients that you can’t get from store-bought produce.

So, now you have an idea about what to garden, now to start. If you have any health ailments please be sure to speak to your health professional. Getting into the garden may seem like a simple task, but if you suffer from an injury or have arthritis, then you may be facing some challenges. For example:

• Hauling in fertile soil to start container gardening, or manure to help richen the earth with nutrients can be strenuous work. Know your limitations and when to seek help from a friend or family member. Lifting heavy weights or shoveling earth into a wheelbarrow must be done carefully. Always keep the knees slightly bent and always use your legs to lift; never use your back to lift.
• Always try to find ways to make gardening much easier on your body; after all, gardening is physical work. If on your knees a lot, be sure to cushion your knees if you suffer from sore knee joints.
• When container gardening, arrange your containers where you want them to be, then fill them up with earth.
• Always be sure to play it safe; never leave your rakes or other garden implements on the ground. If you forget about them, you could end up tripping over them and hurting yourself.
• If it is hot out, know your limitations. Drink lots of water and take breaks.
• If you have arthritis or any other health issue, be sure to use garden tools that will help you such as long-handled tools. These will allow you to stand so you can avoid stooping over.
• Let your stronger joints do the work whenever possible. Even when something may not be that heavy to lift, instead of using your fingers, use the flat palm of your hand or your forearms to lift. Keep the lifted items close to your body as you carry them. Stand or sit with good posture while you work; and change positions often.

There you have it! Comprehensive spring gardening tips you’ll find valuable. If you have arthritis or painful joints from an injury, and are not sure about gardening, give Chiro-Med Rehab Centre a call. 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.

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.

Our sleeping position(s) can have a major impact not only on the quality of sleep, but on overall health as well. Poor sleeping positions could potentially cause back and neck pain, impaired circulation, headaches, and even premature wrinkles.

For young adults and healthy people, the sleep position is not as important as when we get older or have medical issues. With age, or those with medical issues, the sleep position can make or break a good night's sleep. In addition to the sleep position, it goes without saying that the mattress quality and choice of pillow is really important to a good nights sleep. Let`s begin with these basics before discussing positions.

Choosing a Mattress

According to the Medical Centre at the University of Rochester, there’s little scientific research that exists on which mattress is best for maintaining a healthy back let alone for those with back issues. In reality, the mattress that's best for you allows you to wake up feeling fully rested and free of pain or soreness. Unfortunately when we shop for mattresses testing them in a showroom can be a different experience from actually sleeping on it permanently.

If you sleep with a partner, the bed size must allow enough space for both individuals to move into a comfortable sleeping position. Mattresses should be replaced about every ten years. If you have a back problem, ask a qualified healthcare provider or physical therapist to recommend the type of mattress that would be best for you.

Pillows

Depending on your sleeping position, multiple pillows can help keep your spine in the proper position. The pillow for your head should support the natural curve of your neck and be comfortable. A pillow that's too high can put your neck into a position that causes muscle strain on your back, neck, and shoulders. Choose a pillow that will keep the neck aligned with the chest and lower back and it should be adjustable to allow you to sleep in different positions. Pillows should be replaced every one to two years.

Proper Body Alignment

Regardless of your sleeping position, try to keep in mind that it is important to keep your ears, shoulders and hips aligned.

If you sleep on your back then you are part of a small minority. Apparently it is estimated that only 8 percent of people sleep on their backs. Sleeping on the back is by far the healthiest option for most people, because it allows the head, neck, and spine to rest in a neutral position. However, it can cause the tongue to block the breathing tube, making it a dangerous position for those who suffer from sleep apnea. This position can also induce heavy snoring. It is recommended that when sleeping on the back, that a small pillow be placed under the back of the knees because this will reduce stress on your spine and support the natural curve in your lower back. If you suffer from osteoarthritis or any other ailment that affects your knees, this will also help to provide you some relief. The pillow for your head should support your head, the natural curve of your neck, and your shoulders.

Although sleeping on the stomach is good for low-to-no-snoring, it’s bad for practically everything else. Seven percent of adults tend to be stomach sleepers, but this can lead to back and neck pain, unless pillows are strategically placed to provide support. Stomach sleepers put pressure on their muscles and joints, possibly leading to numbness, tingling, aches, and irritated nerves. Sleeping on your stomach can create stress on the back because the spine can be put out of position. Placing a thin pillow under the stomach and pelvic area can help to keep the spine in proper alignment. If you sleep on your stomach, a pillow for your head should also be thin, or if you can manage it, sleep without a pillow.

Sleeping on your side (with your torso and legs being relatively straight) helps the spine to remain elongated therefore warding off back and neck pain. A big plus is that you're less likely to snore in this position because it keeps the airway open. For that reason, this is the best choice for those with sleep apnea. Sleeping on the side has one downside, it can lead to wrinkles, because half of your face pushes against a pillow. A firm pillow between the knees will prevent the upper leg from pulling the spine out of alignment if you sleep on your side. It also helps to reduce stress on the hips and lower back. Bring your knees just slightly toward your chest.

Almost fifty percent of people prefer to sleep in the fetal position. If you are pregnant then this is a good position because it improves circulation in your body and in the fetus. This position is also good for snorers; however, a tight fetal position can restrict breathing in the diaphragm. It can leave you feeling a bit sore in the morning, particularly if you have arthritis in your joints or back. Try to prevent these problems by straightening out your body as much as you can, instead of tucking your chin into your chest and pulling your knees up high. You can also reduce strain on your hips by placing a pillow between your knees.

Most important of all, when changing positions in bed try not to twist or bend at the waist but to shift your entire body. Keep your stomach pulled in and tightened and bend your knees toward the chest when rolling over. This will be a tough one to remember considering when we move we are in a slumber-state or fast asleep.

If you simply cannot find that perfect sleeping position and are experiencing sleep-related pain, then a qualified health professional can 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.

There are no shortages of studies that indicate that Canadians are struggling with maintaining a healthy weight. Our lifestyle choices ultimately are the main contributing factor to becoming overweight; incorrect food choices, lack of exercise and alcohol consumption greatly contribute to excess weight.

Many of us are in a chair at a desk 6 – 8 hours a day and without any form of exercise throughout this time period, the body will pay the price.

Stretching

Stretching is important for a multitude of reasons. Increasing the flow of oxygen throughout the body by regular stretching is critical in order to have healthy blood circulation. Far too many minor aches and pains stem from the lack of oxygen in the blood stream which also causes tension and tightness in the muscles. Making time to stretch for 15 minutes a day can lead to improvements.  A great example of how many of us automatically correct circulation is when we are working at a desk and the tension builds in the neck and shoulder – most of us will slowly move our head in circles to alleviate that feeling; what we are doing is stretching those muscles in order to increase the flow of oxygen.

Our muscles need oxygen and stretching accomplished this. Those who stretch regularly feel the benefits for muscles that are less tense, less aching and less strained.

Stretching While At Work

Taking regular 60 second breaks to stretch throughout the work day is easy. Here are some suggestions to get oxygen moving into your blood stream. (All the below stretches are not to be done on chairs that have castor wheels. The chair must have 4 legs.)

1. While sitting and with proper posture, lower your chin as far as you can (to your chest). Slowly raise your head until the back of your head touches your back.
2. Slowly turn your head side-to-side with the ultimate goal of eventually getting the chin over each shoulder.
3. Make circles with your head – slowly.
4. Place both feet on the floor and sit straight – chest out and move both arms behind you until you can hold your hands behind the back – hold this position 5 to 10 seconds.
5. Take your right arm and hold it straight up – bend the elbow downwards until behind the back – with the left hand hold the right elbow and slightly pull until you feel the stretch and hold it for 5 – 10 seconds.  Repeat with the opposite arm.
6. While sitting place both feet on the floor place the left foot on the right knee. Slowly lower left knee until you feel a stretch in the upper outer thigh area – hold for 5-10 seconds and repeat. Then alternate legs.
7. Sit on the edge of your chair with both feet on the floor at shoulder-width distance.   Slowly lower the torso with your arms extended in front – stretch as low and as forward as possible until you feel a good stretch. Hold it for 5-10 seconds, slowly release and repeat 3 or 4 times.

These “extra” fun stretching exercises that can only be done only with a wooden chair in good condition (that has solid arms and four legs securely on the floor) positioned on carpeting so that it cannot move.

1. When time at the computer desk is spent reading (or watching television), pull the chair out to a comfortable distance. Place both feet flat on the floor and while keeping the back straight, use only the arms to slowly lift the body until the elbows are straightened. Hold that position as long as possible, and then slowly lower the body back to the chair. Repeat this exercise as frequently as possible when spending “reading time” at the computer. This will benefit the forearms, upper arms and shoulders.
2. At the desk, position the chair at an angle to free up leg space. Keep the back straight with both feet on the floor. Lift one leg off the floor about 10 cm (4”). Slowly straighten the leg to about a 140 degree angle. Hold that position. Then raise the leg higher and hold as long as possible then slowly release. Use your arms to help alleviate any unnecessary pressure on the lower back. This move will work out the quadriceps, calves and the tibialis anterior muscle.
3. Using the chair leg lift exercise, do the same only this time, firmly hold onto the arms of the chair and lift both legs simultaneously. Repeat as mentioned above. This time, not only are the legs getting a workout, but so are the abs, arms and shoulders.
4. While preparing a meal or hand washing dishes, stand erect. Choose one leg and bend the knee back until there is a 90 degree angle. Then using the upper part of that leg lift up until the gluts feel tight. Remember to keep the back straight by bending slightly forward from the hips in order to alleviate any strain on the lower back. Hold for 10 seconds and slowly release. Repeat as many times as the comfort level permits, remembering to alternate legs.

These simple stretching exercises, if done on a daily basis, will soon become so routine you’ll notice the difference.

For further information, Chiro-Med Rehab Clinic in Richmond Hill has a walk-in clinic conveniently located at 10144 Yonge Street, just north of Major MacKenzie Drive in the heart of Richmond Hill. The health professionals at Chiro-Med can help you with these or other stretching ideas to help you feel great. Drop on by or call 905-918-0419 for more information or to book a consultation.

The thoracic outlet syndrome (TOS) is a condition that involves the chest, neck and shoulder in which there is compression that affects nerves and vascular supply. The thoracic outlet is the area located between the collar bone and the rib cage. Pain is the result as well as tingling and numbness of the fingers.

There are generally three types of TOS. Vascular thoracic outlet syndrome is when there is compression of one or more veins or arteries under the collar bone.

Neurogenic thoracic outlet syndrome is characterized by the compression of the network of nerves that originate from the spinal cord and control muscle movements. This creates a negative sensation in the shoulder, arm and hand. Most thoracic outlet syndrome cases are neurogenic.

Common thoracic outlet syndrome is chronic pain in the thoracic outlet that worsens with activity. In fact, according to the Mayo Clinic in the U.S., some doctors believe it does not exist, while others say it's common.

Causes Of Thoracic Outlet Syndrome

The human body holds a vast network of blood vessels and nerves, many that come from the spine, and they pass through a narrow area near the collar bone and shoulder as they branch out into the arms. Sometimes as they pass through this area, there is not enough space. As a result, compression (pressure) on those blood vessels and/or nerves will produce symptoms in the hands and arms. Problems with the nerves are the root cause of all thoracic outlet syndrome cases.

This compression can be caused due to an abnormal tight band connecting the spinal vertebra to a rib or in rare cases, there is an extra cervical rib. Also, if an individual has been injured in that area or has overused the shoulder, they may experience TOS.

One other possible cause is that some people have weak (or droopy) shoulders or long necks and this creates extra pressure on the blood vessels and nerves.

Thoracic Outlet Syndrome Symptoms & Diagnosis

As mentioned above, pain is felt in the thoracic area and there can be tingling and numbness of the fingers. Also, when lifting an item, the arm may look pale due to intense pressure on the blood vessels.

A health professional must perform a physical examination and often ask about the patient’s history. Some tests that may be required include an MRI, CT angiogram, and x-ray, EMG (electromyography) or a nerve conduction velocity study. While conducting these tests, there is often a check to ensure there are no other presenting problems such as damaged nerves in the neck or carpal tunnel syndrome.

THORACIC OUTLET SYNDROME TREATMENT

TOS affects the nerves and the first line of treatment is physical therapy – always. Physical therapy is required to strengthen should muscles, improve range of motion, and it promotes better posture. In more severe cases, pain medication may be discussed with the patient. Depending on the health professional, some will give their patient blood thinners to help reduce any swelling that may be present.

Only in very severe cases will surgery be considered. Surgery is invasive and Chiro-Med Rehab Centre strongly feels that this must always be a last resort option.

If you feel are experiencing any TOS symptoms, 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. The health professionals at Chiro-Med are available to help you with the least invasive methods possible. Call 905-918-0419 for more information or to book a consultation.