Chiropractic & Physiotherapy Clinic in Richmond Hill

Cervical disc herniation typically occurs as we age. Over time discs can lose elasticity and ligaments around the discs can get frail. Damaged discs can rupture or bulge and cause what is known as a slipped or herniated disc. The vast majority of herniated discs occur in the lumbar or the cervical area of the spine.

So where exactly are discs located? Discs act as shock absorbers and are comprised of strong connective tissue located between vertebrae. The cervical spine is located in the neck area and consists of seven vertebrae in total located between the skull and the chest area. Also in the cervical spine are two facet joints that assist in the bending and rotating of the neck and upper back.

A Closer Look At The Discs

A disc is comprised of the "annulus fibrosus," a tough outer layer and the "nucleus pulposus," an almost gel-like centre. Here's where age can affect the discs; the centre of a disc can begin to lose water content which results in the loss of the cushiony effect. As a disc deteriorates, tearing can occur in the outer layer. Displacement of the disc's centre can therefore occur therefore becoming a herniated or ruptured disc. A herniated disc can create pressure on the nerves resulting in tingling, numbness pain or weakness in the arms or shoulders. The first telltale sign that this has happened is usually neck pain.

Cervical Radiculopathy

Cervical radiculopathy basically means the pinching or inflammation of a cervical nerve. So this is cervical disc herniation. It can also be cervical spondylosis which means there are degenerative changes including: the contour of the disc bulging; narrowing of the disc space and; spurs that are the result of the calcification of the disc.

Diagnosis

A medical professional will conduct a thorough examination to determine the exact location of the pain as well as an examination of the neck and complete assessment to determine if there is a loss of sensation or reflex changes

The family physician can also provide a cervical disc herniation diagnosis by requisitioning an X-ray image, CT scan or an MRI. An X-ray will reveal narrowing of the disc space and bone spurs but it cannot show a disc herniation or nerves in the spine. The MRI and CT scans can provide a better picture of all the spinal elements and will usually determine if there is a cervical disc herniation.

Nonsurgical Treatment For Cervical Disc Herniation

Many patients will discover that there is a significant improvement with nonsurgical treatment. A qualified health professional can prescribe nonsurgical treatments including rest, a neck collar, heat treatment, cold packs, physical therapy, hands on therapy, as well as specific exercises. The main objective of nonsurgical treatment is to reduce the irritation of the nerve from the herniated disc material so that pain is relieved. So long as there is a specialized care program designed for your exact needs, and you adhere to the health professional's advice, pain management or elimination can be achieved.

Chiropractic and physiotherapy treatment options are very effective and for most patients. Treatment may involve several visits but the results are worth it.

Spinal decompression therapy is another effective method to manage and/or eliminate pain. It's crucial that patients follow the treatment plan as explained by their health professional in order to maximize the end result which is elimination of pain and increased quality of life.

The good news is that very few people suffering with a cervical disc herniation requires surgery. Most individuals are satisfied with the outcome of nonsurgical treatment.

Massage therapy has been practiced throughout the ages, although during the 20th century massage gained a rather unsavoury reputation when it became associated with brothels and prostitution.  True massage is a therapeutic procedure performed by a licensed professional who is trained in the art of relaxation, and it takes place in an establishment that is dedicated to the health and wellness of its clients.  A Richmond Hill massage therapy clinic offers professional service specific to the needs of each and every client.

Massage therapy can benefit every part of the body, from head to toe, and it also affects the mind.  It improves blood circulation, and can increase the oxygen capacity of the blood by as much as 15%.  This improves cognitive function as well as function of all of the other systems in the body.  It influences the nerves that are connected to the internal organs, dilating the blood vessels to provide the organs with a greater supply of blood.  Better blood supply makes the organs function better, allowing them to ward off disease.

Richmond Hill massage therapy specialists will provide professional, healing massage to all parts of the body, including the largest organ in the body, the skin.  Massage therapy helps the skin retain its elasticity and reduces the appearance of wrinkles, making you look and feel years younger.  It also stimulates the sebaceous glands and sweat glands, which secrete oil and sweat, keeping the skin cool and moist.

Richmond Hill massage therapy can ease tension and combat fatigue, whichever is needed, because of its effect on the central nervous system.  Massage also stimulates the production of all types of secretions and excretions in the body such as gastric juices and urine.  It also increases the excretion of substances such as nitrogen and salt, increasing the body’s metabolic rate.

Back and neck pain are the most common reasons why patients seek out chiropractic services. When a person feels fine they tend not to visit a chiropractor because nothing is wrong – right? There is ample evidence out there that clearly proves prevention in health care is what can keep people healthy and maintaining chiropractic care is no different.

Chiropractic care is a method of natural healing and this is because it helps to trigger the body's ability to heal. What mainstream physicians don't recognize is that in the human body is complex and when an ailment strikes complete healing involves looking at the body as a whole.

So how is it that if you feel totally fine you should consider an adjustment? Life has a way of taking all the daily stress factors and builds them up in ways we cannot notice. They impact our body in ways by far greater than we realize. Stress causes muscles to tense up and sometimes we don’t notice just how tense  we are because it becomes ‘the norm’. A natural approach to dealing with life's stresses should include regular chiropractic adjustments.

Our brain communicates through our body's nervous system by sending messages through the spinal column. Our spinal column often takes a beating by sleeping in awkward positions, slouching, and sitting incorrectly. You may not know it at the time but the body feels the pressure of incorrect posture and over time will cause some level of discomfort.  In some cases, people who one day wake up feeling a sore back put it to just that one night of not sleeping right, it could be a build-up of having bad posture.

Routine chiropractic care is a vital component of overall good health. Many people believe if you eat healthy you’ll be fine, yes and no; this is only one component of having good health. To maintain great health, imagine your body is a puzzle. The pieces are what are needed to be “whole”; this includes eating well, laughing, exercise, love, avoiding certain lifestyle choices, regular doctor check-ups, dental check-ups and chiropractic check-ups.

What exactly is an Adjustment

Another term used for an adjustment is a spinal manipulation. This is a primary chiropractic application that involves applying a certain amount of force in order to facilitate normal range of motions and to reduce joint restriction.

This is a procedure done only by chiropractors. They use their hands or a small instrument to apply a controlled, rapid force to a spinal joint. An adjustment corrects structural alignment and it improves the body’s overall physical function.

Benefits of an Adjustment

Having regular adjustments can reward you with many significant health benefits.   Some of the benefits include the relief of or management of:

• Migraine and tension headaches
• Stress and tension disorders
• Arthritis
• Bursitis
• Chronic injuries
• Carpal tunnel syndrome
• Arm or wrist pain
• Back and neck problems
• Sciatica
• High blood pressure
• Fibromyalgia
• Knee, foot and ankle pain
• Shoulder or elbow pain
• Sleep disorders

There are many other health ailments that can be treated using chiropractic care. Some of the ailments listed above may need more than just an adjustment as they can be complex.

Actor and former California governor Arnold Schwarzenegger is a firm believer in regular chiropractic check-ups. About three years ago he said: “We’ve got to let the people know that there is a necessity, not even an option, it’s a necessity to have a chiropractor.  As much as it is a necessity to have a dentist, you should have a chiropractor for the family.” (You can hear him say this at YouTube.)

If you want more information on how chiropractic methods can benefit you and your family be sure to contact Chiro Med Rehab Centre in Richmond Hill. Our walk-in clinic is conveniently located at 10144 Yonge Street, just north of Major MacKenzie Drive in the heart of Richmond Hill. Visit Chiro-Med online or call 905-918-0419 for more information about our services.

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

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

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

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

Chiropractic manipulation is sometimes also referred to as chiropractic adjustment. This is a specialized procedure that applies manipulation to the vertebrae that have abnormal movement patterns or are not functioning as it should.
The College of Chiropractors of Ontario (CCO) assists members of the CCO in maintaining standards of care that must be adhered to before a chiropractor performs a chiropractic manipulation.

The College ensures that any chiropractor who wants to perform a manipulation (or adjustment) must be thoroughly trained and have practice in order to provide this health care service with competence and skill. Here is a brief overview of what this specialized training includes:

• Learning the principles of chiropractic manipulation, biomechanics, radiology, neuro-physiology and applied anatomy
• Patient examination and diagnosis
• Various treatment techniques

The CCO states, “Chiropractic adjustment or manipulation is an authorized Act requiring a high degree of skill.” The College has outlined specific elements to maintain a high level of skill among their members. This includes:

• Knowing indications and contraindications to application of a chiropractic adjustment or manipulation.
• Patient's health, proper assessment of the patient, the treatment goal and prognosis.
• Ongoing education in order to be current with knowledge and skills to enable safe and effective treatment.

Chiropractic manipulation is a procedure that must be thoroughly discussed with a patient; and the patient must provide written consent.

The Cracking Sound

When a patient receives chiropractic manipulation as part of their treatment he or she can expect to hear the cracking sounds. Many people think the sound is intriguing, others find it odd.

Between each joint in the spine there is fluid. When cavitation occurs the patient hears cracking sounds. This is gas being released from the fluid. This is the same sound that can be heard when opening a can of pop or popping the cork off a bottle of champagne. The same thing is happening to the pop or the champagne - gas is being released from within the fluid.

Not all chiropractic manipulations create this sound, so judging the effectiveness of this treatment cannot be based on sound. The goal is to restore mobility to the restricted joint, thereby alleviating pain and muscle tightness, allowing the underlying tissues and nervous system to heal.

For those who receive this treatment in the neck area, the cracking sound will seem much louder as it is because it is closer to the ears.

Health Benefits Of Chiropractic Manipulation

Chiropractic manipulation improves the nutrient supply throughout the body. Cartilage and other structures have no blood supply and manipulation reduces pressure on the nerves.

The nervous system is the control centre of the human body. Nerves and nerve bundles are soft tissue and when under physical pressure they do not function well. It has been shown that a bulging disc, inflammation, or a fragment of disc floating around can negatively interfere with nerve conduction. Chiropractic manipulation can create relief of this pressure though gentle movement of the joint.

Joint Fixation

The joints in our body are meant to move without effort.  The friction of our joints is believed to be eight times more slippery than ice sliding on ice.  If an injury occurs, or as we age the surfaces of the joints tend to become rough which increases the friction and the effort needed to move them.  Some joints may become so damaged that they get to the point that they lose mobility. Joints need free movement to transport nutrients and fluids in and out of the area around the joints in order to stay healthy.  This does not happen in a fixated joint.  The lack of joint movement can cause degeneration of the joints and the discs leaving an individual in a lot of pain.

Members of The College of Chiropractors of Ontario are fully trained to perform chiropractic manipulations. Their skill and expertise have helped countless patients regain independence from pain.

Dr. Sanjari is the Clinic Director of Chiro-Med Rehab Centre in Richmond Hill. 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. For more information on chiropractic manipulations, or any other chiropractic concern, please call 905-918-0419.

Never underestimate the power of having great posture. Far too many people walk and sit in positions that will cause them problems later in life. Sitting slumped over, the head drooping forward, and having the back hunched are all ways to cause some serious back issues as you age. The great news is that it’s pretty much safe to say it’s never too late to change; make no mistake though, if bad posture is all you have been accustomed to then changing to good posture will take a conscious effort over a period of time. Of course, if you are younger, maintaining great posture as you age makes life a whole lot easier.

Good posture helps you to breathe deeper. When we’re slouched over we tend to become shallow breathers and this is not healthy. The deeper we breathe, the better we feel. Taking a really deep breath every half hour or so helps to infuse oxygen into your body that helps you feel more alert.

What is a Good Sitting Posture?

When sitting at a desk the best position to have your legs in is making sure your knees are level with your hips. If necessary a footrest can be used to help. Adjust your chair so that you can use the keyboard with your wrists and forearms straight and level with the floor. This goes a long way to preventing repetitive strain injuries. Elbows are best positioned by the side of your body so that the arm forms a 90 degree angle at the elbow joint.
Feet are always best positioned flat on the floor. Crossing legs is bad for circulation and it can also cause posture-related problems.

The screen should be directly in front of you and the monitor is best positioned an arm’s length away with the middle of the monitor roughly at eye level. The mouse should be as close to you as possible.

If you are sitting in a social situation, at home, at the dinner table, it’s always important to try and remember not to cross the legs – although that is very hard to do for most of us. If you lean on a table be sure to keep your shoulders back and the back straight.

On the sofa watching a movie is when all tend to be in relax mode and good posture is the last thing on our mind. Often sofas are too deep or too low which encourages a slouch position. If you’re there for a long movie you may want to consider getting high-density foam or a good cushion to raise your elevation that will promote good posture.

If you’re reading and your head has to slouch down use pillows to prop up the level of the book.

Using cushions to help support your body not only can help with good posture, they can be really enhance your comfort level too!

What is a Good Standing Posture?

When standing the shoulders should be back, the chest slightly out, and the ears should be positioned over the shoulders (they should be this way as well when sitting). Try to stand with equal weight on both legs rather than on one leg.

If you’re in a kitchen sometimes slouching sets in because for those who are taller, kitchen countertops are low and slouching happens automatically – sitting on a bar stool can help.

Keeping Fit

Having a good level of fitness throughout your entire life, regardless of age is important in maintaining good posture. If you rarely walk or do any physical moving then you become at risk for injuries that can happen much easier such as sprains, strains, and much more. If your ankles, knees, or hips are compromised then this can affect your posture.

Entering the mature years with good posture along with a healthy diet, and regular exercise helps to keep your bones strong which are critical in our senior years because we all lose some bone density. The more you lose the more susceptible to injuries you become. Our genetics and lifestyle dictates just how much we lose so it only makes sense to maintain your posture as you age.

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 Chiro-Med online or call 905-918-0419 or 905-235-2620 for more information.

Lumbar sprains and lumbar strains are the most common cause of low back pain. When the muscle fibers in the lower back are stretched or torn in an abnormal manner then this is lumbar strain. A lumbar sprain is slightly different; this is the result of when ligaments are torn from where they attach.

Sometimes telling the difference between a sprain and a strain can be difficult because both injuries show similar symptoms. The medical profession refers to both injuries as a category called "musculoligamentous injuries" of the lumbar spine. As a rule, it doesn't really matter what you call this problem because the treatment for both back sprains and strains is the same.

Sprains And Strains Are Common

There is not a doubt that back sprains and strains are very common. To understand why this is let's look at the spine. The spine is supported by the paraspinal muscles, and these are quite large. They support both the spinal column as well as the weight of the upper body. Tough ligaments connect the five lumbar vertebrae and this greatly aids in maintaining the position of the spinal column.

The bones, ligaments and muscles all work together to provide strength and control for the body to be able to engage in all physical activities. The lumbar spine and all the muscles there are required for most of all the physical activities and movements therefore this makes this area prone to injury. Once injury occurs then a person is prevented from being able to freely move without pain or discomfort.

Lumbar Sprain Or Strain Symptoms

The vast majority of lumbar sprains and strains create symptoms isolated to the lower back. The most common symptoms people experience include:

• Lower back muscle spasms.
• Pain associated with movement and is often relieved when rested.
• Low back and upper buttock area experiences pain.

What causes these symptoms to occur is inflammation of the soft-tissues. The inflammation causes discomfort and pain and this can result in muscle spasms. Many people are surprised with just how painful and sometimes debilitating a lumbar sprain or strain can truly be. Some people are bed ridden for a day or two and experience intermittent symptoms for weeks on end. However, most people are completely recovered within a month if they receive proper treatment.

Why Do Some People Suffer More Than Others?

There are so many factors that come into play that determine the level of pain felt and for how long.

First, most injures occur when a person is putting strain on their back that they are not accustomed to. This can be a sudden 'wrong' movement, lifting a heavy object incorrectly, twisting the back in an odd way, or sometimes just the lack of movement or exercise – and then exerting oneself when the body is not used to it. Lifting incorrectly is one of the more common causes of lumbar sprain or strain injuries.

Other factors that can contribute to lumbar sprains or strains include obesity, smoking, poor conditioning and once again, to really emphasize – improper lifting of objects. If you have persistent problems in your lumbar area then you may have lumbar sprain or lumbar strain.

Treatment Of Lumbar Strain Or Lumbar Sprain

Massage therapy in Richmond Hill is one method of treatment. Proper conditioning is essential to recover from this ailment and to prevent this from happening. Stretching and strengthening the back muscles can greatly help control the inflammation and improve the overall condition of the lumbar back muscles. The exercises of course cannot be painful but it is really important that exercises that are suggested by your Richmond Hill Chiropractor are adhered to because if they are done incorrectly or not at all then deconditioning will set in. This is not good when wanting recovery.

If you consider yourself to be in good shape you may have weak lumbar muscles. When a lumbar injury occurs, you should perform specific exercises that stretch and strengthen the muscles of the low back, hips and abdomen as prescribed by your Richmond Hill Chiropractor.

Chiro-Med Rehab Centre in Richmond Hill has friendly and fully-qualified professionals who will put you onto the road of recovery.

Massage therapy is an ancient art dating back farther than Egyptian times, and even though it is one of the simplest forms of medicine, it is one of the most effective. Massage therapy benefits every part of the body, from the outer layers of the skin to the vital organs deep inside the body. Massage increases blood circulation, which helps bring oxygen to the cells to keep them healthy, neutralize dangerous free radicals and flush toxins from the body.

In today’s fast-paced society, more and more people are suffering from stress caused by heavy workloads and chaotic schedules. Richmond Hill massage therapy will help you relieve stress and find a much-needed escape from the rigorous demands of daily life. One hour of massage can leave you feeling refreshed and energized, ready to face another day. Your tired, tense muscles will thank you and all parts of your body will function a little better afterward.

Massage therapy can be used on every part of the body, and nothing compares to a professional full-body massage. You can also have your massage therapist focus on a specific area of the body. Head, neck and facial massage is effective for the relief of headaches, particularly tension headaches. Hand and foot massage is extremely beneficial, because the extremities contain pressure points that are linked to every part of the body. Deep tissue massage can release years of built-up tension that has accumulated over time, and triggers the release of endorphins that positively affect your moods, leaving you feeling happy and satisfied.

When you visit a Richmond Hill massage therapy clinic you will leave feeling youthful and limber, with a positive outlook on life. Once you have experienced the bliss of professional massage therapy, you will surely return again and again!