A bunion is a bony protrusion of the metatarsophalangeal (MTP) joint at the base of the big toe. Once fully developed there is redness, inflammation, and stiffness that restricts motion of the big toe. The Latin name for this deformity is hallux valgus (hallux means big toe, and valgus means turned away from the mid-line of the body).

Narrow shoes force toes into an unnatural position altering the normal structure of the MTP joint, the result is a bunion. This deformity gradually increases and can interfere in the ability to walk pain-free. Incorrect footwear places constant pressure on the bursa (a fluid-filled sac that cushions this joint) forcing it to become inflamed. Although anyone can get a bunion, they are more common in women.

Narrow shoes are not the only culprit to the causes of bunions. Wearing shoes with any of these features can cause a bunion to form:

• Tight fitting or pointy toe box.
• Higher heel than the ball of the foot.
• Backless shoes that do not hold the heel (flip flops, clogs, etc.).

In addition a weak foot tripod due to muscle weakness, joint alignment or flexibility issues can contribute to bunion growth.

Bunion Progression

Bunions start out small yet if the individual continues to wear the footwear that interferes with normal toe positioning, they will get worse. The MTP joint flexes with every step; therefore, the bigger the bunion gets, the more painful and difficult walking becomes.

An advanced bunion alters the appearance of the foot. In severe bunions, the big toe may angle all the way under or over the second toe. This pressure can force the second toe out of alignment, causing more problems. Calluses may develop where the toes rub against each other, causing additional discomfort and difficulty walking.

Foot Problems Related to Bunion Growth

In some cases, an enlarged MTP joint may lead to bursitis. It may also lead to chronic pain and arthritis if the smooth articular cartilage that covers the joint becomes damaged from the joint not gliding smoothly.

Bunions can cause hammertoes. Hammertoe is a contractual deformity of one or both joints of the second, third, fourth or fifth toes. This abnormal bending can put pressure on the toe when wearing shoes, causing problems to develop.

A bunion below the little toe or pain in the balls of the foot can also develop as a result of an MTP joint bunion.

Osteoarthritis may develop, and bone spurs can form. Osteoarthritis may cause joint scarring, limiting the foot’s range of motion. Occasionally, gout can cause sudden attacks in which the bunion becomes red, painful, and swollen.

Treatment Options

In most cases, bunions are treated without surgery. Chiropractic care along with the following suggestions can help reduce or eliminate pain caused by bunions. Severe bunions can alter how you walk creating further issues in which a chiropractor can evaluate and assist in correcting.

Changes in Footwear

In the vast majority of cases, bunion pain can be managed successfully by wearing shoes that fit properly, do not compress the toes, or shift body weight onto the ball of the foot.

Padding

Protective bunion-shield pads can help cushion the painful area over the bunion. Pads can be purchased at a pharmacy. Test the pads for a short period of time first; the size of the pad may increase the pressure which may worsen pain rather than reduce it.

Orthotics and Other Devices

To take pressure off a bunion, over-the-counter or custom-made shoe inserts (orthotics) are beneficial. Also, toe spacers can be placed between your toes. In severe cases, a splint worn at night may help to place the big toe in a straighter position possibly relieving pain. It is best to seek the advice of a qualified health professional for orthotics because the wrong product could make matters worse.

Icing

Applying ice several times a day for twenty minutes at a time can help reduce swelling. Never apply ice directly on the skin.

Medications

Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory (NSAIDS) medications such as ibuprofen and naproxen can help relieve pain and reduce swelling. Before taking any medication please consult your physician or pharmacist. It is not advisable to take these on a regular basis as they have side effects:

• increased risk of serious cardiovascular thrombotic events,
• heart attack,
• stroke,
• upset stomach,
• nausea,
• gastrointestinal problems, and more.

Exercises

Movement in the MTP joint area is important so exercises specific to the foot can help. It is best to have a qualified health professional help you develop an exercise program designed to your needs. Some individuals may have a multitude of foot issues which means some exercises can create further problems.

Chiropractic Care

Any individual who suffers with pain as a result of a bunion, or is developing a bunion, should seek out chiropractic care. There may be more issues than just the MTP joint; therefore, a proper examination is needed in order to successfully work on solutions.

If you have a bunion, regardless of whether it is causing you pain or not, then a qualified health professional at Chiro-Med can help.

Established in 2007 by Dr. Behfar Sanjari, Chiro-Med Rehab Centre has been committed to providing quality health care services to the Greater Toronto Area for over a decade. Chiro-Med Rehab Centre has qualified professionals who can help you seek relief from migraine pain. We have clinics located in Richmond Hill and Newmarket, call 905-918-0419 or 905-235-2620 for more information.

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.

Acupuncture has been practiced for thousands of years by Chinese healers, but today it is being used throughout the world for many more purposes than the ancient Chinese ever imagined.  Today, acupuncture is commonly used for the relief of pain and illness, but has also become a common treatment for all types of addictions.  A Richmond Hill acupuncture specialist can treat you for any type of addiction, whether it is alcoholism, smoking or even heroin addiction.  Overeating is sometimes considered to be a type of addiction that results in obesity, and acupuncture can successfully treat this problem too.

Addictions respond remarkably well to acupuncture treatments, although you should keep in mind that it will usually take more than one treatment to produce results.  The number of treatments you need and the frequency of treatments can vary depending on the type of addiction you are battling.  For chronic substance abuse, a schedule of ongoing treatment is usually recommended.  In the beginning, it is usually necessary to have acupuncture treatments on a daily basis until the withdrawal period is over.  A Richmond Hill acupuncture professional can assess your condition and determine how many treatments will be needed.

One particular type of acupuncture that is particularly effective in treating addictions is auricular, or ear acupuncture.  With this type of acupuncture, tiny needles are inserted into various points in the ears, particularly in the lobes, to target the meridians that influence cravings.  Auricular acupuncture is usually used in conjunction with body acupuncture to ease stress and control cravings.

When used as part of a substance abuse rehabilitation program, acupuncture can be a very effective tool.  People with severe addictions are advised not to undergo withdrawal without some assistance and counseling from an addiction specialist.  Whether you are battling a substance abuse problem or simply quitting smoking, Richmond Hill acupuncture treatments can help free you from your addictions once and for all!

If you’re like most people you take vitamin C supplements. This prominent vitamin is promoted for its antioxidant power and role in the support of maintaining a healthy immune system. Did you know that nutrition research into vitamin C has found that it has an important role in forming bone and in bone protection?

Vitamin C is active throughout our body. It strengthens the capillaries and cell walls, and it is crucial for the formation of collagen (a protein found in connective tissue and helps to keep the skin looking healthy). Vitamin C also helps to prevent bruising, promotes healing, and keeps ligaments, tendons and gums strong. It also aids in producing hemoglobin in red blood cells and vitamin C helps our body absorb iron from the foods we eat. This incredible vitamin has also been proven to minimize cold symptoms, has treated asthma, prevents cataracts and offers protection from degenerative diseases such as cancer and heart disease.

This vitamin is not made or stored in the body therefore it must be ingested daily. If you feel you’re not consuming enough of this essential vitamin through diet then taking supplements is very important. There are many factors that go into how much vitamin C needs to be ingested by an individual such as age, weight, gender and lifestyle choices.  There are disputes as to how much should be taken daily so it’s best to speak with a qualified health professional as to what is best for you. (If you have kidney stones, kidney disease or hemochromatosis then you must speak to your health professional before taking supplements.)

So where does this vitamin fit into chiropractic care? This vitamin has a protective role for bone health. I read in a journal a while back that 1,000mg of vitamin C along with 400 IU of alpha-tocopherol could be used in preventing or assisting in the treatment of bone loss and osteoporosis.

There was a study conducted a few years back (Vitamin C supplement use and bone mineral density in postmenopausal women, DJ Morton et al.) in which the findings were encouraging. Women who used vitamin C supplements for an average of 12 ½ years with calcium appeared to have a beneficial effect on levels of bone mineral density.

Vitamin C deficiency is a serious problem in the elderly and is an under-diagnosed contributor to degenerative disc disease. Once this problem starts, accompanying tissue degeneration occurs as well if left untreated.  This is where vitamin C treatments become necessary for collagen synthesis. Getting on a regimented vitamin supplement program and eating lots of fresh vegetables and fruits earlier in life can help avoid this disease.

Far too often the mineral aspect of bone health is what we read about yet the organic matrix is an essential aspect of bone quality. Collagen makes up 90 percent of the organic matrix of bone. Our bones are made up of a lot more than just calcium. (In fact, calcium alone cannot keep bones healthy; it needs magnesium and D3 as well in order for the calcium to be absorbed into the bones.)

Smoking is a huge factor in breaking down bone mineral density. Unhealthy lifestyle choices aren’t just factors in the breakdown of health, they also work against bone health.

Micronutrients such as phosphorus, fluoride, magnesium, sodium, and vitamin C have a critical role in maintaining bone health (as well as calcium and vitamin D3). Taking supplements without the advice of a qualified health professional means you may be causing some harm to your body without even realizing it. The professional staff at Chiro-Med Rehab Centre can help you.

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. They have clinics located in Richmond Hill and Newmarket, visit Chiro-Med online or call 905-918-0419 or 905-235.2620 for more information.

As the human body ages many change occur and this includes the spine. Spinal discs, facet joints, muscles, ligaments and other related tissues become weaker therefore less able to withstand normal stresses.

There is not a doubt that regular exercise throughout one's life is critical in order to help thwart off potential health issues.  This is something we all need to keep in mind as we age but for those who are reaching or in their mature years it is never too late to implement an exercise program. Seeking professional guidance on this is important.

Chiropractic procedures are always individualized taking in many factors and this includes the patient's age. For those who are in their mature years they too can benefit from regular chiropractic care that will provide them with many health benefits. Through the use of gentle mobilization and adjustive techniques, stretching, exercise, and if need be physical therapies, spinal stress is decreased which in turn minimizes degeneration. The patient also benefits from increased flexibility and mobility and this is really important for individuals in their mature years.

Studies Prove the Benefits of Chiropractic Care for the Mature.

The best study to refer to was actually done many years ago (in 1996) because the average age of over 400 individuals studied was 80. This study included chiropractic patients and those not under chiropractic care. Here are some of the findings:

• 87 percent of those in chiropractic care rated their health as good or excellent compared with only 68 percent in the non-chiropractic group.
• 13 percent of those in chiropractic care rated their health as fair or poor compared with 32 percent in the non-chiropractic group.
• 44 percent of those in chiropractic care reported having arthritis compared with 66 percent in the non-chiropractic group.
• Those in chiropractic care were more likely to do strenuous levels of exercise.
• At a 3 year follow-up, less than 5 percent of those who used chiropractic care required a nursing home while a whopping 48 percent of those who did not use chiropractic care needed a nursing home.
• At the 3 year follow-up, 26 percent of those who were in chiropractic care were hospitalized compared with 48 percent of those in the non-chiropractic group.

Coulter, PhD et al. Chiropractic and Care for the Elderly. Top Clin Chiro 1996;3(2):46-55.

Chiropractor care for even the elderly has a proven track record of benefits for the health and the overall enjoyment of mobility. At a glance, here are some benefits for those who have maintained good health:

• increased range of motion and mobility
• increased balance and coordination
• increased energy
• minimized risk of fall injuries
• minimized spinal stress
• minimized spinal degeneration
• increased joint health

For those who have had some health issues some benefits include:

• decreased stiffness and muscular spasms
• enhanced tissue healing
• decreased tissue inflammation
• decreased arthritis and arthritic joint pain

The best benefit that everyone gets from chiropractic care is balance and coordination. As all of us age our balance and coordination can increasingly be altered. Receptors in our upper cervical joints are mostly responsible for sending information to the brain about balance and coordination and it is these receptors that a large cause of balance and coordination issues in people.

Injuries from falling are very common in the elderly and it truly is one of the more detrimental events that can occur. According to the Public Health Agency of Canada:

“Falls account for more than half of all injuries among Canadians 65 years and over. One third of community-dwelling Canadian seniors experience one fall each year and half of those will fall more than once. The likelihood of dying from a fall-related injury increases with age; among seniors, 20% of deaths related to injury can be traced back to a falls.”

The statistics are rather bleak. Falls account for 34 percent of all injury-related hospital admissions and it is the leading cause of injury-related hospital admissions for seniors. There is great personal suffering and for many of these patients there is the loss of independence. The cost to the system is almost $2 billion every year and 40 percent of nursing home admissions are because of falls.

Chiropractic care can help avert these and other health issues. For more information or should you have any questions, please contact Chiro Med Rehab Centre. Chiro-Med Rehab Centre in Richmond Hill has professionals on staff that can help you maintain good health. 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.

Sources:

Seniors and Injury in Canada

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

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

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

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.

Sleep, we all need it; without proper sleep health ailments start to make their way into our life and they can cause havoc.

There have been a myriad of studies done over recent years and they all seem to echo the same results. Many people sleep less than six hours at night and about three quarters of us experience some difficulties getting a good night’s sleep more than twice a week. A short bout of insomnia may not be much to worry about but it can lead to chronic sleep loss which not only can weaken the immune system but it can cause very serious issues.

Let’s look at some of the risks to our health if we don’t sleep well:

• Safety reasons: If you do not get sufficient sleep then you place yourself at risk for work-related injuries and road accidents.
• Mood: Without a good night’s sleep a person can feel very irritable or impatient the next day. Being able to concentrate on tasks becomes a challenge deepening the negative emotional state.
• Learning and memory: Students and those in careers in which learning is part of the day then the more tired you are due to the lack of sleep the more you’ll struggle.
• Cardiovascular heath: Those with serious sleep disorders are at very high risk of hypertension, irregular heartbeat and increased stress hormones.
• Disease: The more sleep we lose the weaker the immune system therefore making us more vulnerable to developing diseases.
• Weight gain: Those with chronic sleep deprivation can gain weight because the body’s ability to process and store carbohydrates alter.

Now let’s examine some of the benefits to having regular sleep:

• Our body replenishes: Sleep is when our body goes into repair mode. Cells produce more protein which is used in repairing damage when we sleep. Muscle injuries and other trauma heals faster while we are asleep.
• Decreases depression: Without adequate sleep our body is not able to properly regulate serotonin levels. When our serotonin levels are where they should be we feel happy and we’re more productive.
• Reduces chronic inflammation: Some studies suggest that there is an association with chronic inflammation disorders and the increase of stress hormones caused by the lack of sleep. Some of these chronic inflammation disorders include atherosclerosis, rheumatoid arthritis, heart conditions and cancer.
• Reduces stress: When we lack sleep our body enters a state of stress. Blood pressure increases which increases the risk of heart attacks and strokes. Proper sleeping can break the cycle of stress and counteract the effects of stress.
• Keeps our heart healthy: If we get 7-9 hours of sleep a night this significantly reduces the risk for heart disease and strokes.

Causes of Sleeping Poorly; There truly are so many causes of poor sleep that they all can’t be listed here. Let’s look at some of the more common culprits. They include:

• Poor mattress and/or pillow
• Too much caffeine intake
• Snacking before bed
• Too much alcohol
• Too much stimulation (i.e. the television or computer)
• Smoking cigarettes (especially within 30 minutes of going to bed)
• Stress (relationships with loved ones, work problems, financial problems)
• An injury or health ailment

There may be other factors at play in which chiropractic care can help. Some studies indicate that there is an increase in levels of cortisol (stress hormone) when the body’s circadian rhythms are disturbed. When these levels remain high for a prolonged period of time, bone density reduces as well as the muscle mass. The immune system weakens, fat accumulates in the abdomen area and it impacts the functioning of the thyroid gland.

Yes, there are a variety of over-the-counter medications that make claims about helping you get a good sleep but in all honesty even if you find one that actually works, this is not the solution. Pills can cause side effects not to mention they do not treat the underlying problem. To have a proper sleep you need to treat the actual cause and this is where a chiropractor can help.

Chiropractic Care

Chiropractic care and wellness adjustments will help you get the sleep you need. This type of treatment improves the blood flow in the nervous system and it corrects any misalignments or subluxations in the spine.

Subluxations compress the nerves causing the lack of communication between the spine and the brain. This can lead to stress response which puts the body out of balance and sleeping well becomes challenging.  This can be easily treated with chiropractic care.

Regular chiropractic care can solve several problems that may be the cause of sleepless nights such as back pain, breathing problems, and restless leg syndrome. Many people are thrilled with how well their sleep has improved after getting regular wellness adjustments. Regular chiropractic care can improve the symptoms and conditions of insomnia patients and helps them sleep better thus improving the quality of their day to day life.

Chiropractic care isn’t just for adults suffering with sleep disorders; children can also greatly benefit from chiropractic treatment.

Established in 2007 by Dr. Behfar Sanjari, Chiro-Med Rehab Centre has been committed to providing quality health care services to the Greater Toronto Area for over half a decade. Chiro-Med Rehab Centre has qualified professionals who can help you come up with a personalized plan to ensure the long term health of your bones, skeletal system and over all well-being. We have clinics located in Richmond Hill and Newmarket, visit us for more information.