Repetitive stress injuries (RSIs) (or repetitive stress disorder) are injuries that occur when too much stress is frequently placed on a part of the body. The frequent stress compounds over time resulting in damage to muscles, tissue, tendons, and to nerves.

These injuries are particularly common for those whose occupation requires repetitive motion. In fact, repetitive stress disorders result in nearly 50 percent of work-related injuries. However, frequent high intensity activities such as sports or playing a musical instrument can also cause RSIs.

While repetitive stress injuries are most common in adults, these types of injuries are rapidly on the increase in teens. Many teens are spending a lot of time using computers and playing video games which can lead to repetitive stress injuries. In teens, these injuries most often occur at growth plates, especially at the shoulders, elbows, knees and heels.

Some common repetitive stress injuries include:

• Carpal tunnel syndrome
• Bursitis
• Rotator cuff tendonitis
• Tennis elbow

What Causes Repetitive Stress Disorder?

Any task, sport, or hobby that involves repetitive tasks can cause this. Wait staff carrying heavy trays, or cashiers in grocery stores scanning items can lead to these injuries. Bottom line, any repetitive movement done on a frequent basis can cause an injury - even text messaging.

In particular, teenagers may be susceptible to repetitive stress injuries because of the significant physical growth that occurs during this time in their life. Growth spurts can create extra tightness and tension in muscles and tendons.

Repetitive Stress Injuries most frequently affects:

• Wrists and hands
• Forearms and elbows
• Neck and shoulders

Some symptoms may include:

• Mild to severe pain
• Weakness
• Tenderness
• Swelling
• Tingling or numbness

Symptoms usually begin gradually and over time become frequent and more intense.

Treatment and Repetitive Stress Disorder

A qualified chiropractor or physiotherapist will ask you about your work environment and will perform a series of non-invasive tests such as range-of-motion, orthopedic and muscle testing. If need be, an MRI may be required. The first thing is to determine what exactly is the cause and specific condition (i.e., carpal tunnel, rotator cuff tendonitis, etc.) the patient has.

Chiropractors and physiotherapists can both provide safe and proven methods to manage and relieve swelling and pain caused by repetitive stress disorder. Regular care provides patients with a safe, non-invasive, non-addictive alternative to prescription medications or over-the-counter pain medications.

Chiropractic adjustments may be required to help reduce joint restrictions in an effort to reduce inflammation and improve function. Some patients may need a tailored exercise program to stretch and strengthen affected areas. In some cases a brace or splint may be necessary to immobilize the area as it heals.

Those with repetitive stress injuries under chiropractic and physiotherapy care will experience:

• Improved joint motion
• Relief from pain, discomfort, and inflammation
• Improved flexibility

Tips to Prevent Repetitive Stress Disorder

If your job requires you to sit at a desk then be sure to remember that good posture is key to avoiding unnecessary muscular stress. Be sure to check in with yourself every half hour or so to be sure that slouching hasn`t set in.

Adjust your work station to promote good posture and comfort.

Sit in a chair that provides you lower back support and keep your feet flat on the floor or on a foot rest. Thighs should be parallel to the ground, and your hands, wrists, and forearms should be aligned. Elbows should be in line with your keyboard to avoid strain.

Avoid sitting cross-legged.

If possible, get a stand-up desk with an anti-fatigue mat to stand on. Spending some computer time at a standing desk with a foot rest to alternate keeping one leg up every so often is a great alternative to traditional desks.

Your computer monitor should be about one arm’s length away from your body. Not only is this good for eye sight, looking at eye level helps with posture.

Taking frequent breaks from your desk throughout the day is as important as having an ergonomic workstation.

• Make circles with your arms
• Twist
• Stretch or walk around
• Stretch your shoulders
• March in place
• Frequently exercise your fingers and flex your wrists

The same principles apply if you are not at a desk. Maintain good posture, figure out the least stressful positions for the repetitive tasks required, and take frequent mini-breaks. If you have to stand a lot, use an anti-fatigue mat. Be sure to frequently stretch and flex your fingers and wrists.

Established in 2007 by Dr. Behalf Sanjari, Chiro-Med Rehab Centre has a proven record of commitment providing quality health care services in the Greater Toronto Area. Chiro-Med Rehab Centre has qualified professionals who can provide chiropractic and physiotherapy to help with Repetitive Stress Disorder. 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.

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.

It’s no surprise that far too many of us are spending an inordinate amount of time sitting. We sit as we drive to work, sit at a desk, sit in front of our television, and we sit in front of our computers at home. If you add it all up it really is alarming just how many hours we spend sitting every day. There is a serious problem nowadays with our health because of sitting too much.

The more a person sits all day their risk of dying from all causes, especially cardiovascular diseases dramatically increases. Even if you work out, go for walks, or a swim on a daily basis, if you spend large swathes of the day sitting then you are elevating your risk of death from many diseases. Also keep in mind that sitting increases blood pressure in most people.

Let’s look at this another way – sitting for the bulk of your waking hours is not healthy for your back. There is an increased awareness that ergonomic chairs can help, which yes, can be good; however the bottom line it does not negate the fact that countless hours every day are spent sitting.

If you sit at a desk all day then there are some things you can do to help alleviate the ill-effects.

Move When You Can

Sitting on a stability ball really helps so long as you can stay focused. If you are reading then twist, move your legs up and down, swing your arms in circles or in any movement, twist your head back and forth, or move in any way imaginable that allows you to still focus on the task at hand.

Sit Upright

We know that sitting upright promotes great posture but as you sit upright lean forward and slowly move back; heck you can even move side-to-side somewhat. Hold in the stomach and be sure to be doing some deep breathing.

Stretching

Sitting is a flex posture so stretching is essential every half hour or so to help you feel better. Stretch out your arms, legs and be sure to stand up every so often and stretch. This is vital for infusing oxygen into the blood stream that helps us get through the day.

Standing Desks

Solutions to sitting all day do not include going to the gym or going out for a walk. There is evidence to suggest that the negative effects can’t be countered by a short period of time of strenuous exercise. The answer is to incorporate standing, pacing and other activities into your day.

Now here is a solution that many thought that only eccentrics used – a standing desk. These are gaining in popularity and for good reasons. Some studies have found that the overall mood of a person using a standing desk is better than those who sit. There is even evidence that some people actually lose weight when they use a standing desk.

Naturally this is not a desk for everyone. Those who are not certain if they can stand all day can find relief by having a bar stool-type chair to sit upon when they need to rest. Good standing desks have an elevated foot piece so one foot can be supported off the ground at a time.

Using a gel mat to stand on is really important because too much of a good thing can be a bad thing too and spending several hours on your feet can have bad effects – especially if standing on a hard surface. Keeping your posture straight is just as important standing as it is sitting and moving around a little and stretching is also a must.

Before investing in a standing desk try it out at home first by creating a standing desk out of various items in the home such as strong boxes. Standing desks are not for everyone. When creating a standing desk or purchasing one, keep in mind there are some measurements that you should adhere to. The monitor needs to be at eye level. Viewing distance should be 10 to 30 inches, wrists need to be straight and the elbow angle needs to be at 90 degrees and close to the body.

Standing allows for more movement possibilities such as squats and toe touching.

No matter what desk is for you the most important thing of all is to be sure you are moving as frequently as you can all day. Instead of sending an email to your colleague in the cubicle down the aisle – go deliver the message in person; take stairs not elevators; park a good distance from the front door and walk; these are some suggestions to help you to move as much as you can in the day.

If you want to research more about sitting and standing desks Smithsonian has a great article about this topic. Or you can give us call and one of our qualified health professionals can speak with you to help you determine if a standing desk is a good choice for 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 evaluate if a standing desk is right for you. We have clinics located in Richmond Hill and Newmarket, visit Chiro-Med online or call 905-918-0419 or 905-235-0419 for more information.

Osteoarthritis of the knee is one of the leading causes of disability among the elderly, therefore it is important to have this diagnosed and treated as soon as possible. Going into the senior years with osteoarthritis of the knee can be averted.

Causes Of Osteoarthritis Of The Knee

Osteoarthritis can be caused if trauma has been experienced, injury or an infection. The articular cartilage is a smooth, fibrous connective tissue that acts as a protective cushion between bones. When this cartilage deteriorates then arthritis sets in. Joint space narrows between the bones creating a loss of the articular cartilage. This is an early indicator that osteoarthritis of the knee is imminent and it is detectable on x-rays.

Risk Factors In Getting Osteoarthritis Of The Knee

There are some risk factors associated with Osteoarthritis of the knee. The following is a brief look at some of the risks:

• Weight: Weight creates pressure on the joints.
• Age and Gender: Those who are aging and in particular women over 50.
• Trauma: Previous sports injuries.
• High Impact Sports: Tennis players, runners and elite soccer players are at increased risk.
• Diet: Lack of proper nutrition.
• Heredity: Some evidence indicates that genetic mutations may be a factor.

Osteoarthritis of the knee is diagnosed by the patient reporting the symptoms, physical signs and an x-ray. There are many therapies available to those who suffer including physical therapy, exercise and bracing.

Theralase Laser Therapy

Chiro-Med Rehab Centre in Richmond Hill uses another form of therapy to help some patients who suffer with osteoarthritis of the knees, Theralase  Laser Therapy.

Theralase Laser Therapy is a super-pulsed, cold laser technology that’s used for a wide spectrum of health ailments including osteoarthritis. This therapy heals neural muscular skeletal conditions through inflammation reduction, increased tissue regeneration and pain elimination.

The Theralase Super-Pulsed Laser System is effective because it can penetrate almost four inches into tissue. This in turn promotes cellular regeneration at the source of injury. Laser energy accelerates the body's natural healing mechanisms energy so reparation to damaged cells is possible. Depending on the severity of the osteoarthritis, returning to an active lifestyle pain-free within a few weeks is possible.

Some other Theralase Laser benefits include:

• Anti-inflammatory – Laser light reduces swelling or inflammation of the joints.
• Increased Metabolic Activity – Higher outputs of specific enzymes, increased oxygen for healthy cells.
• Rapid Cell Growth – Laser light accelerates cellular growth and reproduction.

Patients with osteoarthritis of the knee will find that the length of treatment depends of the severity. Treatments required can range depending on the person’s natural healing rate and the severity of the osteoarthritis. Each individual treatment can be completed in as little as 2 minutes or as long as 20 minutes.

Theralase Laser is state-of-the-art technology and osteoarthritis of the knee is only one health ailment that this therapy has a success rate with. Chiro-Med Rehab Centre helps their patients using this revolutionary laser treatment who have carpal tunnel syndrome, plantar fasciitis, tendinitis, tennis elbow, and much more.

This is a proven method to help you that is perfectly safe and effective. 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.

Crepitus, sometimes referred to as crepitation, is the grinding, creaking, cracking, grating, crunching, or popping sounds that often takes place when moving a joint. The sound may be loud or soft but this is not indicative of the degree of pathology. Most people have experienced crepitation as this can happen at any age, however it becomes more common as people get older. For something that's obviously quite common, what exactly is happening to make these sounds?

Gas can build up in areas of the body in which it surrounds a joint and this allows tiny bubbles to form in the synovial fluid. The knee is the most common area in which this occurs. Most of us have experienced a knee making a popping, cracking or snapping sound and when this happens some of those tiny bubbles burst and ligaments make those sounds. In fact, the cracking is the sound of gas being released from the joint, an action called cavitation.
Crepitus can also occur as a result of damaged cartilage and bone caused by arthritis. Injuries can also be the antecedent to crepitus developing.

Crepitus in the Knee

As mentioned above, crepitus in the knee is quite common and for the most part, painless; it is very much a part of who we are. However, when pain accompanies this popping sound then it may indicate there could be a problem.
Knee crepitus is a common symptom of osteoarthritis. It may also be a symptom of rheumatoid arthritis. However, if you have ever experienced a knee injury this may be the antecedent of painful crepitus.

Cracking sounds may also occur when cartilage rubs on the joint surface when the knee joint is in motion. This usually occurs when the cartilage is thin and worn out.

Knee injuries such as meniscus tears are somewhat common among those who run, jog or play sports that require a lot of knee use. A meniscus tear can cause crepitus.

If an individual has scar tissue or a tendon passing over a protuberant bony fragment this many also cause the knee to make cracking sounds. In these and all scenarios listed above, crepitus may be more frequently experienced while climbing staircase, or after sitting for a prolonged time with the knees crossed.

Sometimes a person may hear a grating sound accompanied with pain when their knee is moved. This is not crepitus, in more cases than not this is when an individual has a condition known as patellofemoral pain syndrome; this is also referred to as “runner's knee”.

Crepitus and Arthritis

Osteoarthritis is quite common in Canada and this type of arthritis is often referred to as “wear and tear” arthritis. Although the knees are commonly affected, this type of arthritis also affects weight-bearing joints such as the ankles and hips.

Mechanical stress slowly breaks down the cartilage that cushions the knee which in turn causes inflammation and pain. When crepitus is accompanied by pain, it’s usually caused by osteoarthritis.

Knowing that osteoarthritis and other inflammation conditions are so common it is really important that we all focus on prevention. If you are an individual who has crepitus, even though it does not cause pain, then trying to avert this normal condition transforming into a problem later in life is important.

Some people are not sure if they have arthritis in the knee. If crepitus is causing you a lot of pain this is one possible symptom. If there is pain while walking, occasional swelling of the knee, or stiffness then this is another warning.

The most common initial location of arthritis in the knee is on the inside of the knee. Seeking chiropractic assistance can help you with a proper diagnosis.

If crepitus is not causing you pain then prevention is important. To help prevent this (or lessen it) here are some helpful tips:

• Exercise,
• Lose excess weight,
• Eat healthy avoiding as much sugar as possible,
• Massage,
• Safe topical pain remedies,
• Chiropractic care.

Treatment of Painful Knee Crepitus

As mentioned earlier, cracking and popping sounds with no associated pain should not cause you to worry. Be sure to engage in conditioning exercises to help strengthen the muscles and joint. If there is associated pain with these sounds then be sure to seek help from a qualified health professional.

For more information about crepitus and how chiropractic care can help if it is causing you pain please give Chiro-Med a call. 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. We have clinics located in Richmond Hill and Newmarket, call 905-918-0419 or 905-235-2620 for more information.

DonJoy is a pioneer in innovative functional knee braces. They have over a thirty year track record of producing quality knee braces that athletes have come to know and trust.  As their website says, “Know pain? Know gain” and it is this mindset that has DonJoy positioned as a world leader in knee brace designs.

The DonJoy researchers have made a profession out of performance by studying the body, consulting with health professionals, and by listening to athletes. Their passion to help athletes and other individuals with injuries has made its way into an impressive forty-four countries. DonJoy produces world-class products for the health care professionals who prescribe them and for those who wear them.

This brand of custom knee braces provides people with a huge range of options with guaranteed comfort and a great fit. Each knee brace is fabricated within a day or two using anatomical measurements so that the fit is right the first time.

DonJoy knee braces are not just for use after an injury occurs; they are also prescribed to many athletes as a preventative method to possible injury!

The original DonJoy brace was developed by an orthopedic surgeon for patients who suffered with anterior knee pain relating to conditions such as:

• Mild osteoarthritis
• Patellofemoral syndrome
• Chondromalacia patella
• Osgood-Schlatter disease
• Quadriceps and patella tendonitis/tendinosis

How Can a DonJoy Knee Brace Help You?

DonJoy knee braces can help relieve anterior knee pain during all sports activities or during your daily routines. If you have experienced cartilage injury or if you have mild arthritis in the knee a brace can help you maintain mobility.

Countless adults suffer with knee osteoarthritis and in many of these cases; this chronic condition impedes their ability to enjoy their day-to-day routines, work, and to enjoy their recreation.

A knee brace can serve many functions depending on the specific issue that plagues you. Knee braces can not only be used as a means of therapy but they can help stabilize in the event of a fracture and they can help facilitate the healing process after surgery.

A great feature of the DonJoy knee braces is that they have a removable breathable sleeve that prevents sweat from occuring. This is worn beneath the brace to help mobilize the area, and it helps to protect the skin from irritation and chafing as well.

Best of all, those who wear a knee brace find that their overall confidence levels are increased and this is really important especially for those who are healing from surgery or injury.

There are many knee brace options that can help to relieve pain. Only a qualified health professional can help you find the right one for your specific condition.

Contact Chiro Med Rehab Centre if you want more information on whether or not you may be a candidate for a DonJoy knee brace. Chiro-Med Rehab Centre in Richmond Hill has professionals on staff that can help you with many of your health needs. 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.

Concussions are a form of mild traumatic brain injuries that are caused as a result of a blow to the head, neck, body or face that disrupts normal functions of the brain. Many people are of the belief that the loss of consciousness is a common element of concussions of which it is not; it can happen but it is not that common. A mild traumatic brain injury can leave psychological and physical effects that may not be apparent right away; sometimes symptoms may not appear until days or weeks later.

Concussion Symptoms

There are several indicators and symptoms that a person may experience if they have a concussion. Keep in mind though that these signs may immediately develop or they may not surface for hours, days and possibly weeks. Age is something to consider because in children the signs may be more subtle.

Symptoms may include:

• Pressure in the head or a headache.
• Feeling confused or in a daze.
• Ringing sounds in the ear.
• Amnesia.
• Dizziness, nausea or vomiting for no other apparent reason.
• Speech is slurred.
• Unable to answer a simple question quickly.
• Fatigue.
• Temporary loss of consciousness.
• Loss of concentration and memory.
• Irritability.
• Heightened sensitivity to noise and/or light.
• Inability to get a good sleep at night.
• Depression.
• Taste and smell may be altered.

Should any of these symptoms appear after a head injury (child, youth or adult) then be sure to seek emergency care:

• Continuous vomiting.
• Loss of consciousness lasting more than 30 seconds.
• Headaches that persist and get worse.
• Changes in behaviour such as physical coordination, stumbling or clumsiness.
• Seizures.
• Confused or disoriented as well as having difficulty recognizing people or places
• Slurred speech or other changes in speech
• Vision disturbances including dilated pupils or pupils that are unequal in size.
• Dizziness does not go away.
• Large bumps on the head or bruises on other areas of the head in young children, especially in infants.

Canadian Government

The Government of Canada recognizes that concussions are a serious concern among those participating in sports and recreation activities, especially youth. Concussions in sport are a recognized public health issue because of their frequency and their potential short and long-term consequences. For example:

• 64% of emergency hospital visits among 10-18 year-olds are related to participation in sports and other recreational activities.
• Among children and youth (10-18 years) who visit an emergency department for a sports-related head injury, 39 percent were diagnosed with concussions; another 24 percent were possible concussions.
• Between 2004 and 2014 football, soccer and hockey have all shown a greater than 40% increase in rates of reported head injury for children and youth.

Chiropractic & Physiotherapy Care

Our Chiropractors and Physiotherapists can be an integral part of your recovery as they are trained and certified via Complete Concussion Management protocols and receive ongoing evidence based continuing education in order to provide our patients' with the most relevant treatment approaches.

In many cases concussions occur  along with some type of musculoskeletal injury such as; whiplash, muscle spasms, joint fixations, and facet syndrome. Our Chiropractors and physiotherapists are the best-trained professionals to help resolve the injuries sustained.  A treatment plan will be implemented to help resolve both the musculoskeletal diagnosis and concussion.

For more information about concussions and how we can help you, feel free to call our office during regular business hours and one of our associates will be please to speak with 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 a decade. We have clinics located in Richmond Hill and Newmarket, call 905-918-0419 or 905-235-2620 for more information.

Sources:

http://canada.pch.gc.ca/eng/1465244566173
http://www.brainline.org/content/2012/06/what-you-need-to-know-symptoms-of-concussion.html

Many people may be well on their way to suffering with upper cross syndrome and are totally unaware that they can prevent this health issue by improving their posture. Upper cross syndrome is the weakening and lengthening of the neck (rear) muscles and the posterior upper back. Often there is a simultaneous tightening and shortening of the neck (throat area) and anterior pectoral muscles.

Bad posture is the source of many back pains, and in addition, poor digestion. If the body is slumped over, food cannot make its way through the digestion track the way it is intended.

Causes Of Upper Cross Syndrome

Unhealthy posture is the most common cause of upper cross syndrome. Although it is common among the elderly, it is increasingly becoming a problem with all ages because people are slumping at their desks and do not realize they are sitting wrong. Even occupations that require standing for any length of time can cause an individual to not be aware therefore they slouch. Women who have a very large chest size often find themselves humped over due to the excess weight.

Those with chronic bad posture generally have rounded shoulders, their head is somewhat in front of their body and there is an apparent curve in the upper back and neck.

How To Avoid Upper Cross Syndrome

Maintaining correct posture is essential to overall good health and for those who are susceptible; a conscious effort must be made to keep the back straight. Individuals who are at a computer all day tend to sit slouching forward with their head leaning toward the monitor.

Avoiding upper cross syndrome is easy so long as you are always aware of your posture. To help maintain good posture while sitting at a desk for many hours, make sure the monitor is at eye level and the keyboard should not be too far in front of the body. Shoulders need to be kept back (chest out) and it is recommended that both feet be flat on the floor with a 90 degree bend at the knees.

Choosing the right chair is important, one that facilitates good posture. Many health experts in Switzerland back in the 1980’s recommended that their patients use stability balls as their office chair. Stability balls ensure the user has good posture and core muscles get a workout at the same time.

If you are in a job situation in which you have to stand all day, try to find something to keep one leg elevated, and switch legs frequently.

Prevention Of Metatarsalgia

Preventing metatarsalgia is easy so long as you are aware of the causes. Anyone who engages in running, jumping, or aerobic exercises must have proper footwear. Everyday proper footwear is essential in order to keep your feet in good shape. salgia if they are physically active and participate in activities that involve running and or jumping.

Suggested Therapies

Stretching is important. Getting into a good routine of regular stretching throughout the day will not only help prevent, it can help correct upper cross syndrome. The pectoral and anterior shoulder muscles must be stretched often. The importance of stretching can never be stressed enough, but if you suffer from upper cross syndrome, be sure you follow your health professional’s advice.

Exercises are also recommended to help alleviate the pain and discomfort from upper cross syndrome. Many of these are simple, and taking a few moments out of the day to do these will help. As with stretching, be sure to follow the treatment plan your health professional designs specifically for you.

In more serious cases, chiropractic care may be required.

Chiro-Med Rehab Centre in Richmond Hill can help you get a plan together and will help you implement it. If chiropractic services are required, rest assured, the professionals at Chiro-Med Rehab Centre will put you at ease.

Our walk-in clinic is conveniently located at 10144 Yonge Street, just north of Major MacKenzie Drive in the heart of Richmond Hill. Call 905-918-0419 for your free consultation.