Chiropractic & Physiotherapy Clinic in Richmond Hill

Back, neck and sciatica pain can range from a mild nuisance to excruciating pain. According to the Canadian Chiropractic Association, about 4 million Canadians (15 percent of the population) seek the services of a chiropractor every year.

The back is a marvelous mechanical system that contains a complex group of muscles and the spine. The spine consists of 24 vertebrae (small bones) that are stacked on top of one another and together, they are referred to as the vertebral column. In between each of the vertebrae is a gel-like cushion that absorbs pressure and prevents the bones from touching one another; this cushion is called the disc. Ligaments hold the vertebrae together and tendons connect muscles to the vertebral column. Inside the spinal column is a massive collection of nerve fibres transmitting electrical information throughout the entire body. This mechanical system is so complex that when pain strikes, it can detract you from enjoying your day-to-day activities.

What Is Spinal Decompression Therapy?

If you ever get a chance to go to a local park and find a set of high monkey bars, hang from them; the feeling on the back is almost euphoric. Spinal decompression therapy mimics that feeling by providing a mild linear pull on the body. This gentle pull that spinal decompression therapy provides can assist a misaligned disc to be gently manipulated back into place thereby creating adequate space between the vertebrae and when this occurs, higher levels of oxygen and blood will return to the area providing relief. In addition, any pressure on the spinal nerves will be alleviated.

There are several back conditions that can be treated using spinal decompression therapy. People with lumbar strains, sciatic, herniated discs, bulging discs, degenerative discs, degenerative joint disease, and spinal arthritis have all experienced relief through spinal decompression therapy.

To better illustrate what spinal decompression "looks" like, think of the all the vertebrae as Lego® blocks loosely placed one on top of another. Compression of the spine (which occurs through poor posture, daily wear and tear, degenerating discs or injury) is the pushing of the Lego® blocks tightly together, and for the spine, this is not good.

Spinal decompression therapy is painless and each treatment lasts about 20 to 30 minutes.

Spinal Decompression Therapy Research

In a 2003 Orthopedic Technology Review spinal decompression therapy was studied. Patients who suffered at least four weeks of herniated discs or degenerative disc diseases were treated. The results were astounding – 86 percent of those treated reported immediate symptom relief and after the completion of treatment, 90 days later, they were still pain-free.

Are You A Candidate For Spinal Decompression Therapy?

Spinal decompression therapy is generally only one part of a complete treatment plan. There are other therapies a healthcare provider may recommend to help expedite the healing process. If you are want a non-invasive way to combat back problems and are considering spinal decompression therapy, the fully qualified health professionals at Chiro-Med Rehab Centre are only too pleased to answer any questions you may have. Put an end to back pain and call Chiro-Med Rehab Centre today. Start your road to recovery by booking your appointment today.

Although most people experience occasional back pain or injury at some point in their lives, there are some who suffer from back pain on a continuous basis.  A Richmond Hill chiropractor can provide professional treatment for all types of back pain, whether it is occasional pain or an ongoing problem.

Ongoing back pain can have a variety of causes, many of them environmental.  A Richmond Hill chiropractor can correct the problem, but part of the treatment is identifying the source of the pain and taking steps to eliminate it.  Poor posture can be caused by excess body weight, uncomfortable shoes, or standing or sitting in the same position for long periods of time.  Many types of mattresses can also cause back pain.  If you wake up every morning with a sore back, it is a good indication that your mattress is not supporting your spine properly, and you may want to try a different type of sleep surface.  Often mattresses that are too soft do not support the body well enough, allowing the heavier parts of the body to sag and putting strain on the spine.  Lower back pain is one of the most common types of back pain, and it is one that often results in a visit to a chiropractor.

When you visit a Richmond Hill chiropractor, your initial visit will involve an assessment of your condition.  This will include an analysis of the type of pain that you are experiencing as well as an overall examination of your spinal alignment.  This will allow the chiropractor to recommend the right type of treatment for your condition.  Together, you and your chiropractor can work together to address some of the issues that are causing your back pain to allow you to get the most out of your treatment.

Kyphosis is the technical name for having a hunched back that is not remedied by naturally straightening the back. Of course we all get lazy at times and slouch to the point it appears we are hunchbacked; however, kyphosis is a condition in which an individual has an exaggerated thoracic curve and rounded shoulders. This is a condition that is on the increase.

There are causes to this condition with the two most common causes being poor posture and muscular imbalances. When caused by poor posture this condition is known as postural kyphosis. Kyphosis can affect anyone at any age except newborns.

In addition to poor posture and muscular imbalances other possible causes include:

• upper back muscle weakness
• arthritis
• bone degeneration diseases
• spine injury
• slipped discs
• spinal curvature (scoliosis)
• aging

Although much less common there are other causes that may lead to kyphosis, these include:

• tumours
• infection in the spine
• Paget’s disease
• muscular dystrophy
• birth defects

Many people live with kyphosis and rarely seek out treatment. If any individual with this condition experiences breathing difficulties, pain or fatigue then it is really important to get treatment. Pretty much all of our mobility and flexibility depends on the health of our spine. Seeking treatment to help correct kyphosis is important to help reduce the risk of complications later in life.

Postural kyphosis will more than likely cause further trouble down the road. Even if an individual experiences shallow breathing or slight, occasional pain it is imperative they seek treatment.

Treating kyphosis early by strengthening the back muscles and seeking out chiropractic adjustments will help.

Other Types of Kyphosis:

Congenital kyphosis refers to abnormal development of the spine that is inherited. This means a person is born with a defect, such as the incomplete formation of the spine. This can lead to a severe abnormal kyphosis.

Paralysis can lead to kyphosis. Causes of the paralysis can include spinal muscle atrophy or cerebral palsy. The development of kyphosis in these cases is gradual.

Degenerative kyphosis refers to the wear and tear of the lumbar (lower) spine. Over a period of time the degenerative process can cause the collapse of the intervertebral disc and weakening of the spinal ligaments. Once kyphosis begins to form it gradually gets worse.

Scheuermann's kyphosis occurs in children and the thoracic curve is usually 45 and 75 degrees.

Exercises that Can Help

Here are four exercises that can help you if done on a regular basis:

• Lay Down Y

This exercise will strengthen the extension muscles in the upper back.

How to do it: Lie face down with your head lifted off the floor. Your lower back needs to be slightly hyper-extended. Stretch your arms straight out in a Y position with your thumbs pointing up. Pull your arms back in an arc until your hands are in a ‘handcuff’ position. Slowly reverse your arms until you’re at the start. Repeat 2 or 3 times.

• Wall Sliding (wall angels)

This exercise will strengthen the scapular retractors and will provide good shoulder mobility.

How to do it: Stand with your back against a wall but take one small step forward. Hold your arms out in the shape of a W with your hands facing up. Push your hands up toward the wall until they reach a Y position. Return your arms to the W position. Repeat 5 times.

• T-Spine Rotation

Thoracic spine rotations are essential for increasing mobility in the thoracic spine region (where the kyphosis affects).

How to do it: Get on all fours making sure your arms are at full length and your hands are positioned just in front of your shoulders. Take your right arm and stretch out your arm. Slowly move your arm underneath your body (and slow twist at the waist) until your arm is as far through as possible and you are looking at the palm of your right hand. Slowly reverse. Do 3 of these then repeat with the other arm.

• Crucifix

Spending too much time in a seated position causes lower and upper back muscles to shorten which leads to poor posture. This stretch helps to undo these shortened muscles.

How to do it: Stand tall with your arms extended straight out to your sides at shoulder height. Turn your wrists so your thumbs face backwards and pull your (straight) arms up over your head. Bend your elbows until your elbow is at a 90 degree angle. Lower your left hand until it touches your shoulder. Take your right hand and place it on the left elbow. Lower your left hand as far as you can go and hold for as long as you can. Slowly release. Repeat 2 times then switch to your other arm. Do this exercise several times a day.

Chiropractic Treatment for Kyphosis

Treatment will depend on a couple of factors such as the severity and the underlying cause. For those in which the cause is poor posture the good news is that aggressive treatments are not required. What may be required includes:

• physical therapy
• correction of the spinal joint fixations
• yoga (to help build strength and range of motion)

If the cause of kyphosis is due to an infection then antibiotics may be required. If tumours are the underlying cause then surgery may be required.

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.

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.

Water is critical to life and this includes the human body. There is no shortage of websites out there all sharing their opinions as to how much water we need every day to thwart off dehydration and to nourish all cells in our body. The reality is that there is no “one size fits all” answer for this. Drinking to avert thirst is not enough. Every cell in our body needs water and this includes the joints in our body.

How Much Water to Drink Daily?

The amount of fluid we need in order for all our cells to perform their best varies according to factors such as climate, physical activity levels, and physiology. As a rough guideline, the Dieticians of Canada suggest 2.2 litres (nine cups) per day for women and three litres (12 cups) for men. These totals include food moisture, which accounts for about one-fifth of the average person’s liquid intake and more for people who eat a lot of fruit and veggies. Keep in mind that you’ll need extra fluids if you’re exercising, if the weather is hot, if you are not feeling well, or if you’re somewhere with indoor heating (which can rob moisture from your skin).

As we age our bodies change and with that is the ability to detect the onset of dehydration. Adults from about 20 to 60 years of age generally know when they are thirsty, and this means dehydration has already started. Seniors must take extra care to get fluids on a regular basis every day because their bodies do not detect thirst as easy as they once did. Also, many older people tend to have modest appetites, so they receive less fluid from food. Ageing kidneys tend to function a little less in our elderly so they are sometimes not as good at conserving the water they do get.

It is possible to consume too much water. Those who have certain health conditions such as thyroid disease, kidney, liver, or heart problems may trigger other health issues. Also, individuals who take medications such as non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, opiate pain medications, and (some) antidepressants risk water retention.

As the body loses water without replacing it, the blood becomes more concentrated and, at a point, this triggers the kidneys to retain water. Also, dehydration means that blood becomes thicker and more concentrated. This creates difficulties. For example, the cardiovascular system compensates by increasing the heart rate to maintain blood pressure. In addition, when a dehydrated body is forced to keep going, such as during exercising or heat stress, the risk of exhaustion or collapse greatly increases. For example, this can cause a person to faint when standing up too quickly.

Thicker blood also means that it is not flowing as freely as it needs to in order to bring oxygen, nutrients and water to all parts of the body. Joints, therefore, become dehydrated.

Benefits of Drinking Water

Water keeps every system in the body functioning properly. The Harvard Medical School Special Health Report: “6-Week Plan for Health Eating” notes that water has many important jobs such as:

• carries nutrients and oxygen to the cells
• flushes bacteria from the bladder
• aids digestion
• prevents constipation
• normalizes blood pressure
• stabilizes heartbeat
• protects organs and tissues
• regulates body temperature
• maintains electrolyte (sodium) balance
• cushions joints

Our Joints and Water

Water is the most abundant component of the articular cartilage, contributing up to 80 percentage of its wet weight. Approximately 30 percent of this water is associated with the intrafibrillar space within the collagen, although a small percentage is contained in the intracellular space.

Generally, tendons and ligaments consist of about 20 percent cellular material and about 80 percent extracellular material. The extracellular material is further subdivided into about 30 percent solids and 70 percent water. These extracellular solids include collagen and a small amount of elastin. Around 65 to 80 percentage of cartilage is water.

What this means is that the lack of hydration is sometimes associated with joint pain. The water content in cartilage is regulated by proteins that become a gel-like consistency when they come into contact with water. This gel-like liquid provides cushioning, lubrication, shock absorption and nutrition to the cartilage in our joints. They are the framework, much like a sponge. For the sponge to be “full” and provide that “cushion” it needs to be filled with water. This is why, even if you take specific supplements for your joints, without enough water, they will not provide the best benefits. Worse, those taking some prescribed or over-the-counter medications such as NSAIDS may be at risk of chronic dehydration. Some medicines have an effect on the distribution of electrolytes and salts in the body therefore reducing swelling and inflammation associated with pain; however, this can further reduce water content in the body.

According to H.H. Mitchell, Journal of Biological Chemistry 158, the brain and heart are composed of 73 percent water, and the lungs are about 83 percent water. The skin contains 64 percent water, muscles and kidneys are 79 percent, and even the bones contain 31 percent water. Not only do these parts of the body require water, so does the articular cartilage, synovial fluid, ligaments, tendons, and muscles.

Without water in the joints, people become susceptible to joint damage and degeneration. It is of the utmost importance to make sure you get a sufficient amount of water to help protect your joints.

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.

The shoulder is an important junction in the body that contains the rotator cuff. The rotator cuff is comprised of tendons and four muscles (teres minor, subscapularis, supraspinatus and the infraspinatus). Together they provide strength and stability for the shoulder joint as well as anchoring the scapula (shoulder blade) to the humerus (upper arm bone) in order for arm movements to occur in a smooth manner.

Shoulder pain generally occurs due to injury to the rotator cuff tendons that results from weakness, poor posture, trauma, or overuse. The rotator cuff becomes inflamed or irritated when pinching occurs between the humeral head (ball portion) of the shoulder joint and the acromion (roof area of the shoulder).

A sprain is an injury that involves the tearing or stretching of a ligament or joint capsule. Strains occur when a musculo-tendinous structure (muscle and tendon) tears or stretches. A rotator cuff sprain or strain can cause major discomfort and Chiro-Med Rehab Centre in Richmond Hill has professional physiotherapists and chiropractors that can help you restore maximum movement and functioning before the injury worsens.

Rotator Cuff Sprain / Strain Symptoms

The symptom list is not too lengthy for a rotator cuff sprain or rotator cuff strain. If you are experiencing a limited range of motion then this is a warning sign. Shoulder pain can indicate that a sprain or strain is a possibility as well as experiencing shoulder weakness in the muscles. Difficulty lifting over your head or even brushing your hair is another tell-tale sign that something is wrong and medical attention is required.

Sleeping may be affected when you have a rotator cuff sprain or rotator cuff strain. Rolling onto the injury can cause pain and even make the sprain or strain worse.

When you have any discomfort in the shoulder that lasts more than a day or two then it's advisable to get it seen to before it gets worse.

Rotator Cuff Sprain / Strain Treatment

Richmond Hill physiotherapy, chiropractic, acupuncture, massage, exercise and rehabilitation therapies are comprehensive and no two patients are viewed as being the same.

Chiro-Med Rehab Centre in Richmond Hill will assess your injury or area of complaint and prescribe specific exercises (with pictures and explanations) that can be completed at the clinic and at home to expedite healing, increase flexibility, improve strength, and most importantly to prevent re-injury.

There are other treatment options to compliment in office therapy that include rest. Taking a break from activities that affect the rotator cuff is important; as well as applying ice to the injured area to help reduce inflammation.

Stretching and strengthening the shoulder muscles is one method that Chiro-Med Rehab Centre physiotherapists will work on with you when symptoms are less acute. Professional registered massage therapy is another method to restore function to the shoulder. You can be rest assured that you are in professional hands at Chiro-Med Rehab Centre in Richmond Hill. A rotator cuff sprain or a rotator cuff strain can really affect your day-to-day living and we will ensure that you'll have professional support and assistance until you are fully recovered.

Acupuncture is recognized as an effective form of alternative treatment for numerous health problems, but many people wonder if they will benefit from acupuncture treatments if they are not sick or in pain.  The fact is that acupuncture can help anyone, even people who do not feel sick.  Richmond Hill acupuncture is performed by highly trained acupuncture specialists who insert tiny needles into the skin at specific points throughout the body.  Acupuncture stimulates the body’s natural healing ability and improves the function of all bodily systems.

Richmond Hill acupuncture specialists are trained in this ancient art, and they can administer acupuncture treatments to combat a multitude of health problems.  Acupuncture is commonly used for various types of pain, including arthritis, headaches and various neurological disorders.  It is also often used for the control of cravings and addictions, and has successfully helped countless people lose weight or quit smoking.  Acupuncture is also an effective treatment for many other ailments including asthma, digestive disorders, nerve damage and reproductive problems.

According to Chinese medicine, the body has numerous energy channels called meridians that run in patterns throughout the body.  Ideally, the energy is supposed to flow unchecked through the channels, but they often become blocked, resulting in a dysfunction in that particular area of the body.  Inserting needles into precise points releases energy blockages and allows the energy to flow freely once again.  Richmond Hill acupuncture treatments can correct imbalances and restore proper function in all of the body’s systems.

According to modern science, inserting needles into acupuncture points triggers the release of various chemicals in the spinal cord, muscles and brain, influencing the body’s biochemical balance and regulating the function of bodily systems.  No matter which way it is explained, overwhelming evidence proves that acupuncture works, and it can help anyone.

Many of us have either experienced or know an individual who has restless leg syndrome (RLS). This is a condition in which the individual experiences an anxious feeling (sometimes subconsciously) and the urge to rapidly tap their foot or shake the leg occurs. Although this is not necessarily a painful condition it can impede an individual’s quality of life.

“Jimmy legs” is a term some people may be more familiar with when describing restless leg syndrome. This condition can range from mild to intolerable and if this is not treated then it can lead to sleep deprivation, stress and decreased alertness in the daytime. If left untreated, over a period of time RLS can become disabling.

Medical doctors tend to approach restless leg syndrome as it would insomnia as it disturbs sleep. Although prescription medication may enable sleeping, it does not address the cause of the anxiety. RLS is a disorder that is part of the nervous system that controls the movement of the leg muscles. Turning to chiropractic care means that the cause is determined and treated accordingly. The nerves that innervate the legs are the fattest and the longest in the body therefore making chiropractic care the only logical choice when seeking help.

Restless Leg Symptoms

RLS symptoms are brought on while an individual rests either sitting or lying down. The more comfortable the person becomes, the more likely the symptoms will occur. Oddly enough, the reverse is also true, when a person becomes uncomfortable RLS sets in.

Most patients report that there is often an uncomfortable sensation that occurs in the legs such as tingling, throbbing, itching, gnawing, burning and mild pain. These and other unpleasant sensations occur in the calves, thighs or feet and they generally occur while sitting or lying down. Some individuals state that there are no words to describe some of the sensations they feel.
It is common for a variety of these symptoms to fluctuate in severity and some individuals say that there are periods of times in which the symptoms disappear.

Although an RLS patient may describe a ‘cramping’ sensation it is important to determine that it is not a ‘real’ cramp which is a definite knotting of the muscle. However, restless leg syndrome can include severe local muscle pain.

Cause Of Restless Leg Syndrome

In most cases there are no specific causes for RLS. For some individuals, when RLS starts early in life, there is a heredity link.

Some women experience RLS during pregnancy, especially in the final trimester. Usually the symptoms disappear after giving birth.

Restless leg syndrome is not related to serious underlying medical conditions however it does accompany other medical conditions including peripheral neuropathy. This is when there is damage to the nerves in your feet and hands due to chronic diseases. Also, if a person has an iron deficiency RLS may occur (or worsen if RLS is already present). It is very important to never just start taking iron supplements until iron levels have been tested first.

RESTLESS LEG SYNDROME TREATMENT

Chiropractic treatment is a safe way to treat RLS. A chiropractor will extensively examine the patient which includes asking about medical history. A range of motion exercise test determines how well the skeletal system functions and the results are taken into consideration for treatment. In some cases an x-ray may be required to see if there are any skeletal injuries or impairments.

A spinal manipulation (or adjustment) may be done to help relieve stress that is on the joints and muscles in the leg.  Many patients find that after routine adjustments there is relief.

Other treatment options may include leg stretches, electro-micro current therapy and exercises that strengthen the pelvis, lumbo-sacral angle and the intervertebral discs. Treatment may also include the patient implementing a regular walking regimen to help.

For more information about treatment options to seek relief from restless leg syndrome, Chiro-Med Rehab Centre in Richmond Hill can help. 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.