Neuromuscular skeletal conditions are experienced by just about everyone at some point in their life. Strains and sprains causing pain are common occurrences throughout our lifetime and sometimes the pain in so intense that it won’t go away. Part of the reason of this is because many people “carry on” their routines as best as they can without seeking treatment and this results in pain that may not go away.

Inflammation and pain are things that many individuals tend to live with by taking medications as opposed to seeking professional treatment that can relieve pain at the root cause. There are a variety of great treatment options out there but there is a type of medical technology that is innovative because it heals injuries on a cellular level and it is safe. The Theralase line of therapeutic medical laser systems are effective with most patients with treating an injury.

Conditions That Are Treatable

There are over twenty pre-programmed clinically proven treatments that the Theralase super-pulsed laser can help with. Some treatable conditions include:

• Pain management
• Arthritis
• Weight loss
• Healing wounds
• Addiction rehabilitation
• Anti-aging
• Herpes simplex
• Skin conditions
• Wrinkles and stretch mark

How Theralase Laser Therapy Works

Light therapy can improve circulation by increasing the formation of new capillaries. (Capillaries are the smallest of a body's blood vessels and are parts of the body’s micro-circulation.) New capillaries help to speed up the healing process by supplying extra oxygen and nutrients that are required for healing and to stimulate collagen production.

One of the secondary mechanisms of light therapy is that it can increase collagen synthesis. Collagen is the essential protein used to repair and replace tissue that has been damaged. It is the essential substance that binds cells together (in conjunction with elastin) therefore increasing elasticity. Increasing both collagen and elastin production has been proven to decrease scar tissue.

Benefits Of Theralase Laser Therapy

Proven clinical studies have found that there is an efficacy rate up to 90 percent and no side effects. This is treatment decreases or eliminates pain, reduces inflammation, promotes nerve axon growth, and so much more.

The positive biological effects are incredible. Some of these effects include:

• Reduced Fibrous Tissue Formation – Theralase laser therapy reduces the formation of scar tissue that occurs after being scratched, cut, burned or from surgery incisions and it allows for the re-absorption of fibrotic tissue.
• Increased Circulation – This laser therapy induces (temporary) vasodilation, which increases blood flow to damaged areas and removes waste products.
• Increased Metabolic Activity – Theralase laser therapy produces higher outputs of specific enzymes, greater oxygen and nutrients to nourish blood cells. There is also an enhanced production of adenosine triphosphate (ATP).
• Anti-Inflammatory – This laser therapy reduces swelling caused by bruising and it reduces joint inflammation therefore providing greater joint mobility.
  • Rapid Cell Growth – Theralase accelerates cellular growth and reproduction.
• Stimulated Nerve Function – This therapy increases the process of nerve cell reconnection. This prevents or stimulates recovery from nerve-damaged areas.
• Fast Wound Healing – Damaged tissue is repaired quicker as this laser therapy stimulates fibroblast development and accelerates collagen synthesis.

Whether you need help with reducing pain, pain due to arthritis or desire anti-aging treatments give Chiro-Med Rehab Centre a call. Chiro-Med Rehab Centre in Richmond Hill has a convenient location and highly qualified health professionals on staff who are fully trained in the Theralase laser treatment. Visit www.chiro-med.ca or call 905-918-0419 for more information.

Daniel David Palmer in Davenport, Iowa, founded chiropractic in 1895; in fact, the “Memorial” in the Canadian Memorial Chiropractic College (CMCC) was done so in his honour. Since Palmer’s first chiropractic adjustment, this profession has developed and grown to become one of the largest primary contact health care professions in North America.

CMCC welcomed many veterans returning from WWII when it officially opened on September 18, 1945. The founders of the CMCC envisioned their institution establishing a high standard of chiropractic education and they wanted to become a catalyst for the development of chiropractic in Canada. For 50 years the CMCC served all of Canada as the sole provider of chiropractic education. As a result, the majority of today’s practicing chiropractors in Canada are graduates are CMCC graduates. This chiropractic college is evidence-based and they have a patient-centred approach which attracts students from all around the world.

Daniel Palmer

Daniel Palmer educated himself in all the current science of that day, pseudo-science, as well as fads and built up a very successful practice.

In 1895 the janitor in Palmer`s building told Palmer how he had been deaf in one ear for 17 years after he had felt something “let go” at the top of his back. Palmer took that opportunity and examined him only to discover a bone out of place at that spot. After some convincing, the janitor allowed Palmer to “put the bone back in place” through a carefully analyzed manipulation. After two such manipulations the janitor could hear again and his hearing was normal for the remainder of his life.

After this success, Palmer went into seclusion for six months to carefully study the effects of manipulations on a wide variety of his patients. He truly felt he was on the edge of an amazing discovery so he was very secretive about what he was up to.

By 1900 Palmer proclaimed chiropractic as a profession and began to teach others his system of adjustments. Soon new chiropractors were spreading and before long they were in Canada.

While all this was going on, the field of health care was rapidly evolving. In the late 1800’s there were three main schools of health care; the physicians who worked with medicines and surgery, eclectics who worked with natural botanicals, and the manipulators, (mainly in the form of osteopaths but soon joined by the chiropractors).

Opposition Began

By 1912 physicians were the predominant field in health care that was supported by the US government. In fact, there was a rapid movement away from natural health care. Osteopathic health care was assimilated into mainstream medicine and to practice this field, one had to become an MD first then do further study to become an osteopath. This type of health care was not favoured therefore osteopathy became a dying profession in the US, though they are still present in Canada today. Only the persevering chiropractors remained, led by its discoverer and his entrepreneurial son, BJ Palmer.

The US government, in an effort to eliminate the weaker, profit-based medical schools, commissioned the Flexner Report (1912), describing the state of the schools in the US and making sweeping recommendations for reform. Meanwhile in 1915, the Ontario government issued a similar report, the Hodgins Commission, an investigation into the state of medical education in Ontario. This report noted “new avenues of healing which had not previously been dreamed of,” including “bone setting”, “manipulation” and “mechanotherapy”. Three chiropractors gave deputations to the commission, including BJ Palmer. Palmer was rather flamboyant and he, with the other two, espoused the fundamentalist philosophy that chiropractors “have no use for diagnosis”, “do not believe in bacteria” and believe “the analysis of blood and urine … has no value”. Naturally this commission reacted as expected and recommended that Ontario’s three chiropractic colleges be shut down.

Fortunately the commission did recognize the value in these methods and recommended they be added to the medical curriculum. It wasn't until 55 years later (1970) that the Ontario government saw that no action was taken by the medical schools and they chastised the medical profession for failing to incorporate manipulation into its curriculum. As further evidence of the mainstream medical opposition for any form of physical therapy, physiotherapists were not registered to practice in Ontario until 1933, (18 years after Hodgin’s recommendations).

Public support for chiropractic remained strong in Ontario (and in Canada) because it provided the most effective treatment for back pain. In 1925 the Ontario College of Physicians and Surgeons in an effort to limit the chiropractors’ role in health care, requested the government enact legislation to regulate the health practitioners out of their jurisdiction. As a result the “Drugless Practitioners Act” of 1925 was enacted to regulate chiropractors, optometrists and other new professions. Chiropractic was now legal but strictly limited.

During the next 30 years many chiropractic techniques were developed that are still used today. The success they had with their approach created countless loyal patients all across Canada and the US, in spite of medicine’s animosity.

Battle Heats Up In The Us

Unfortunately, over these 30 years the medical associations across the US started a program of having chiropractic practitioners arrested for “practicing medicine” without a license. For those in the field, it became an honour for a chiropractor to get arrested at least once in his career. The legal argument that no practice of medicine was going on, only the practice of chiropractic, stood up quite well in the courts but for 30 years there were countless chiropractors arrested and charged.

Advances In Ontario

It was during this era that a new chiropractic college, the Canadian Memorial Chiropractic College (CMCC) in Toronto, was founded in 1945, catering to men returning from the war with government subsidies for education in their pockets. It was instantly successful and has over its first 60 years out-grown two new campuses.

In 1959 the Ontario the College of Physicians and Surgeons published a report on “Osteopathy and Chiropractic” outlining a powerful offensive policy to give chiropractic in Ontario a knock back. This triggered several Royal Commissions throughout the 1960’s looking at the state of health care in Canada and chiropractic care in particular. Chiropractic was determined to be “a valid health service” by the Quebec Commission, which was accepted by the federal government’s Hall Royal Commission on Health Services in 1961. It wasn't until 1970 that chiropractic services were added to OHIP in Ontario with the government picking up 80 percent of the treatment fees. This OHIP legislation stated, “the potential therapeutic benefits of manipulation have been neglected by the medical profession.” This was a long overdue reprimand for the medical associations.

Since 1989 the chiropractic profession has made great strides towards widespread support within society and within the mainstream health science community. Nowadays there are chiropractic research positions at universities all across Canada getting government grants to support their work. It was an uphill battle but great advances have been made in getting mainstream medicine to accept chiropractic care. Interestingly, Worker’s Compensation Boards became incredible supporters of chiropractic care. They conducted their own research into the cost effectiveness of the chiropractic approach to the treatment of back and neck injuries.

The final piece of legislation affecting the chiropractic profession was passed in Ontario in 1991 as the “Regulated Health Professions Act”. This act replaced the Drugless Practitioners Act of 1925 in regulating chiropractors. This new statute authorized the use of the title “doctor” and granted the right to diagnose, which only four other professions had: optometry, dentistry, medicine and psychology (podiatry was later added). The College of Chiropractors of Ontario was established giving the profession the right of self-regulation under the same legal parameters as the College of Physicians and Surgeons.

Even though the chiropractic care field has fought and won many battles in order to survive, there was one loss here in Ontario. OHIP revamped the schedule of allowable treatments and chiropractic was removed.  No matter, given the powerful forces at play behind the scenes, we can all be grateful that chiropractic care has survived the many battles it has had to fight.

For a more in depth look at what was truly going on behind the scenes there is the highly-acclaimed documentary “Doctored”. Doctored is thoroughly-researched and we at Chiro Med Rehab recommend that everyone watch this incredible documentary.

Chiro Med Rehab Centre is 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.

Meidal epicondylitis, or more commonly referred to as golfer's elbow, is actually a similar injury to tennis elbow only it affects the inside area of the elbow. Golfer's elbow is commonly experienced by those who 'throw' and with golfers hence the nickname. Sometimes golfer's elbow is also referred to as flexor pronator tendinopathy; this elbow pain is seen in tennis players who use a lot of top spin on their forehand shots.

Overuse injuries of the elbow are especially common among athletes. Any sport that subjects an athlete to repetitive elbow flexion-extension or wrist motion can cause these syndromes. This is a condition that can occur at any age; interestingly it is commonly seen in patients between 40 and 60 years of age.

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.

A concussion is a mild traumatic brain injury. Concussions can occur as a result of a blow to the head or after a whiplash-type injury. Some concussions may appear mild in their initial presenting symptoms but medical attention and evaluation is always recommended. Concussions can happen to anyone but for those who participate in sports, are at increased risk.

Concussion Symptoms

Symptoms typically vary depending on the injured person. It is a misnomer that all people will experience a loss of consciousness, only some do. Concussions affect everyone differently. Some experience symptoms right away, others may not develop symptoms for hours, days and in some cases, months following the injury.

Some signs of a concussion include:

• loss of memory
• slight to severe confusion
• drowsiness
• dizziness
• blurred vision
• headaches
• nausea (vomiting)
• sensitivity to light
• sensitivity to noise
• inability to balance properly
• slow reaction times

Baseline Testing

This is specialized testing that is conducted on athletes by a trained health care professional prior to the start of the sports season. Baseline tests are structured to assess an athlete's:

• cognitive abilities (memory, concentration, problem solving)
• strength
• proprioception (balance & co-ordination)
• reaction time skills

The results of this baseline testing are put in the athlete's file and during the sports season should there be a suspected concussion then the pre-season results are compared with the athlete's current state. Baseline testing generally takes place during the pre-season before the first practice.

How is Baseline Testing Information Used?

Should an athlete sustain an injury no matter how mild and a concussion is suspected, results from the baseline test can be referred to in order to better identify the effects of the injury. Comparing post-injury test results to baseline test results not only better assists qualified health care professionals in identifying the effects of the injury but it helps them immensely in making a confident and informed decision as to whether or not the athlete can resume playing. This is critical information to have so that the athlete does not resume play while suffering with concussion symptoms.

Frequency of Baseline Testing

When baseline testing is used, research states that this is a procedure that should be repeated once a year to establish valid test results for comparison. However, if an athlete has sustained a concussion there may be the need to have frequent neuropsychological testing to be on the safe side.

Components of Baseline Testing

A thorough baseline test must include a check for concussion symptoms, as well as cognitive, balance and strength assessments. Neuropsychological tests may also be included to better assess an athlete’s concentration, memory, and reaction time.

During the baseline pre-season test qualified health care professionals should be asking about any prior history of concussions. What is also very important is asking the athlete if there are any medical conditions that may affect recovery from a concussion such as mood disorders, anxiety, depression, history of headaches or migraines, learning disabilities or ADHD.

Chiro-Med Rehab Centre provides reliable baseline concussion testing with staff who are experts in interpreting test scores and analyzing data.

Baseline testing is a critical tool for anyone who likes to engage in sports on a regular basis. Not only does this test help in diagnosing a concussion but in the person's ability to safely resume playing their sport.

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 assess you if there is a suspected concussion and complete pre-season baseline tests. We have clinics located in Richmond Hill and Newmarket, visit Chiro-Med online or call 905-918-0419 or 905-235-2620 for more information.

Winter weather can bring potentially serious injuries if we are not careful. We should always be aware of our surroundings no matter the weather, but in winter it is more important to be aware and take precautions. Needless to say, avoiding winter injuries can save you from lost time at work or from recreational pleasures.

Slip-and-Fall Injuries

Winter can be a beautiful time of year but it presents challenges, especially for those over 40 years of age. Most individuals reach their peak bone mass between the ages of 25 and 30. By the time we reach 40, many of us slowly begin to lose bone mass; weakened bones are in danger of breaking if a fall occurs.

Fresh air and spectacular snowscapes can make it tempting for many to enjoy a winter walk. For many individuals walk their dog once or twice a day, regardless of conditions, because it is not an option. Freezing temperatures and hidden icy patches present hazards. Hip fractures, head injuries, and wrist fractures often occur during winter storms. When trying to force the body to stop from an imminent fall, smaller injuries can occur such as bruising, sprained ankles, and pulled muscles.

Across Ontario, every day, dozens of people visit an emergency department for injuries from a fall involving ice and snow, especially older adults.

Tips to Avoid Falls:

• Do not be in a rush; take slower and shorter steps.
• Be sure you are wearing proper winter footwear with excellent quality rubber tread for traction.
• Always be aware of the conditions of what you are walking on, even ice can form on fields.
• Be especially careful walking on the side of the road during and after a storm. Sidewalks covered with plowed snow, and if conditions include poor visibility, can potentially create an accident scenario in which you get hit. If moving vehicles are close by and you are walking on a slippery surface then stop. This will eliminate the potential of you falling into harms way.

Snow Shoveling

Shoveling snow poses another serious injury risk throughout the winter season. Soft tissue injuries of ligaments and muscles, especially in the lower back, are common from the heavy lifting, bending and twisting.

Those with heart trouble know that the mere act of walking in heavy snow can put a significant strain on the heart, let alone shoveling it. In fact, those over the age of 55 are four times more likely to experience a heart problem while snow shoveling.

Do not think that a snow blower is the answer to snow shoveling safely. Snow blower injuries are more common than many realize because people reach in to un-jam snow blowers resulting in the loss of fingers and in some cases, a hand. Always turn the machine off and use a broom handle or another tool to clear a stuck snow blower.

As for snow shoveling, lessen your chances of getting hurt while shoveling snow. Be sure to:

• Pace yourself and if need be take frequent breaks.
• Wear proper winter boots.
• Push snow as opposed to lifting. Avoid twisting and tossing snow over the shoulders.
• Listen to your body and stop if you get short of breath, start sweating profusely, or experience chest pain.

There is more information on our website: Snow Shoveling Safely; be sure to give it a read.

Be Aware of Your Surroundings

It happens, someone is standing at a corner waiting to cross the street, a car hits a patch of ice causing it to swerve into the innocent bystander. Don`t be that person. When walking outside, even waiting at a bus stop, always be aware of your surroundings. Those who keep their head down, and are wearing ear buds focusing on their cell phone will have a greater chance at being that person who gets hit as opposed to the person who is paying attention and can jump to safety.

Frost Bite and Hypothermia

Hypothermia is defined as a core body temperature less than 35 degrees C and results from prolonged exposure to cold environment, drugs, and underlying pathological conditions. In Canada, there are 8,000 deaths a year due to hypothermia. In fact, cold temperatures kill about 20 times as many people worldwide as hot temperatures do. This was an issue addressed by CBC in a May 2015 article titled: Cold deemed deadlier than heat when it comes to weather deaths.

Frostbite is an injury caused by freezing of the skin and underlying tissues. It is most common on the fingers, toes, nose, ears, cheeks and chin. Skin that is exposed in cold, windy weather is most vulnerable; however, it can occur on parts of our body that is covered, but not sufficiently.

Generally, when you start shivering, it’s your body telling you it’s time to seek warmth. Being proactive by dressing in warm, dry layers, and wearing a hat and gloves is advisable.

If you are driving, always keep extra warm clothes in your vehicle. If you wear shoes, be sure to have boots in the car. Accidents happen and you could literally be left out in the cold for a long period of time. If you are not prepared then you may end up with more troubles than just the accident itself.

CHIRO-MED REHAB CENTRE: REMINDERS

While shoveling, in the event you start to feel heaviness or discomfort in the arms, neck or chest areas, stop shoveling immediately. If it does not subside right away, call 911. Other signs of heart attack to be aware of include a prolonged shortness of breath, dizziness, faintness, excessive sweating, or if you begin to vomit.

Do not work yourself to the point of exhaustion because this contributes to injury, hypothermia and to possible frostbite.

Should you sustain any soft tissue injury while shoveling – stop shoveling right away! If you cannot move or are in serious pain, call 911. If the injury isn’t as severe, then see a health professional as soon as possible. Should there be any inflammation, apply ice right away.

Established in 2007 by Dr. Behfar Sanjari, Chiro-Med Rehab Centre has a proven record of commitment providing quality health care services in the Greater Toronto Area. Chiro-Med Rehab Centre has qualified professionals who can provide chiropractic and physiotherapy to help with winter injuries. We have clinics located in Richmond Hill and Newmarket, visit Chiro-Med online or call 905-918-0419 or 905-235-2620 for more information.

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.

Vitamin B12, also known as cobalamin is one of the eight B vitamins we need. Our body needs B12 as it is necessary in the production of red blood cells as well as the proper functioning of nerve tissues and healthy brain functioning. It also helps in the regulation and synthesizing of DNA.

B12, and all B vitamins are water soluble and they travel through our bloodstream. Vitamin B12 is not stored in the body and any excess amounts are excreted through urine. Structurally this vitamin is the most complicated and the largest.

B12 Sources

Vitamin B12 occurs naturally in animal products such as fish, meat, eggs, and dairy products. Typically this vitamin is not found in fruits and vegetables making B12 intake a challenge for vegans and some vegetarians. It is critical that vegans take supplements as well as women while pregnant and during breastfeeding.

Foods that are good sources of vitamin B12 include:

• Beef, pork, ham, poultry, and lamb.
• Fish, especially haddock, sardines and tuna.
• Milk, cheese, and yogurt.
• Some nutritional yeast products.
• Eggs.

Some foods are fortified with B12 such as some types of soya milk and breakfast cereals.

According to Health Canada recommended daily intake of B12 should be 2.4 micrograms per day for men and women ages 19 to 70. Pregnant women should take 2.6 mcg per day and lactating women 2.8 mcg daily. Some health professionals claim that Health Canada provides a low estimate on what daily vitamin intake should be so if you are concerned that these daily values are not enough for you then be sure to visit a qualified health professional.

For those individuals over the age of 50 it is even more important to not only get the minimum daily recommended allowance but to have your B12 levels checked regularly. As we increase in age our bodies become less able to absorb this vitamin not only from the foods we eat but from supplements. It is critical in order to maintain good health to know that your body is actually absorbing B12.

B12 Facts

• This is the only vitamin that requires a specific substance for absorption.
• 30 % of vitamin B12 is lost during cooking.
• Vitamin B12 is destroyed by light.
• This vitamin was discovered in 1948.

B12 Deficiency & Symptoms

B12 deficiency is more common in those over 50 years of age. Malabsorption of this vitamin is the main cause of deficiency in those who are older. This is caused by atrophy of the gastric mucosa and the gradual loss of gastric acid.

Low levels of this vitamin can cause a reversible blood disorder called pernicious anemia. This causes fatigue, difficulty thinking and concentrating. Other symptoms of B12 deficiency include:

• Feeling light-headed, weak, and lethargic.
• Bleeding gums.
• Experiencing a sore, red tongue.
• Pale skin.
• Constipation or diarrhea.
• Weight loss.
• Feel sick to the stomach.

If the level of vitamin B12 has been very low for a long period of time it can damage nerve cells. If this has occurred some symptoms may include:

• Poor sense of balance.
• Numbness or tingling in fingers and toes.
• Depression
• Loss of mental abilities.

Vitamin B12 deficiency is not something to be ignored because there is a serious risk of permanent nerve and brain damage. Those who do not get enough vitamin B12 have a higher risk of developing psychosis, mania, and dementia.

Infants who lack vitamin B12 may have unusual movements which may include:

• Face tremors.
• Reflex problems.
• Feeding difficulties.
• Eventual growth problems if left untreated.

B12 Deficiency Treatments

Increasing the foods that have vitamin B12 is the first course of action; however, if your deficiency isn't caused by a lack of vitamin B12 in your diet, chances are you’ll need injections. Vitamin B12 is available in an injectable form to be given subcutaneously, intramuscularly, or intravenously.

People with Leber's disease or those who are allergic or sensitive to cobalt or cobalamin must consult their health care provider before taking vitamin B12 supplements.

For a person who is suffering with nerve damage there may be help through chiropractic care in conjunction with either diet and/or B12 supplements. Every person is unique and must be seen by a chiropractor to see if there is chiropractic treatment available for them.

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 a decade. Chiro-Med Rehab Centre has qualified professionals who can help assess your needs. We have clinics located in Richmond Hill and Newmarket, call 905-918-0419 or 905-235-2620 for more information.

Additional Information:

For a comprehensive list of foods that contain vitamin B12 please go to Dieticians of Canada.

http://www.dietitians.ca/Your-Health/Nutrition-A-Z/Vitamins/Food-Sources-of-Vitamin-B12.aspx