Chiropractic & Physiotherapy Clinic in Richmond Hill

Food choices many people make are done so based on urges, desires and finances. As a result, Canada has over 4 million people who are failing to get the nutrition levels their bodies need.   According to Stats Canada in 2014, just over 20 percent of adults in Canada (approximately 5.3 million), classified themselves as being obese. This does not include those who are obese and do not acknowledge it.

A study from the University of British Columbia released in February 2013 discovered that obesity rates are continuing to rise in Canada. More than 30 percent of those in the Maritimes and territories are estimated to be obese. Here in Ontario obesity rates are just above the national average. This translates to a massive strain on the federal and provincial health care systems in coming years.  Being overweight and having poor nutrition means degenerative diseases will increase exponentially.

For many, this topic brings a sense of shame and this should not be the case. We all make mistakes in life and many of us become addicted to various vices throughout our lifetime. In fact, a 2012 study conducted by Memorial University in Newfoundland found that 1 in 20 Canadians are categorically addicted to food. Unfortunately the food choices they turn to are generally unhealthy foods or foods that may appear to be healthy but are loaded with glucose/fructose and other forms of sugars. Even beverage choices such as pop, slushies or ice cappuccinos may satisfy an emotional need but if these are regular choices these beverages are laced with sugars and other questionable ingredients. Having a registered dietician help to get you back on track may be just what you’re looking for.

A Registered Dietitian’s Role

A good registered dietitian takes sound scientific research about food and nutrition and puts it into layman’s terms to help their clients fully understand what their diet is doing for them – good or bad. They find practical solutions that fit into their client’s budgets to help them improve the quality of food they are eating.

Dietitians don’t have pre-packaged meals or try to sell you specific products to help you; they simply provide solid advice that is specifically-tailored to each individual.

Registered dietitians have university degrees in food and nutrition from an accredited university program. They also have hundreds of hours of supervised hands-on training. Once they are practising on their own or in a clinic setting, registered dieticians must maintain a high level of ethics and complete annual professional development to ensure they are kept up-to-date.

Why Visit a Registered Dietitian?

There can be a multitude of reasons why a person may choose to visit a registered dietitian. Some of these include:

• Weight loss or weight gain is needed.
• Digestive system problems.
• Food allergies.
• Menu planning when changing over to a specific diet such as gluten-free, vegetarian or vegan.
• Sports nutrition.
• Wanting dietary help to aid in the prevention of degenerative diseases such as cancer, heart disease, liver disease, etc.
• Changing a diet to ensure as many nutrients as possible are being consumed to help limit supplements.

When an individual visits a Registered Dietitian, he or she can be rest assured that they get accurate information from an educated professional who is help accountable for his or her expertise. Registered dietitians have a wealth of knowledge and can provide better advice about diet than most weight loss clinics.

For more information about food choices and how we can help you attain your goals, 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://www.statcan.gc.ca/pub/82-625-x/2015001/article/14185-eng.htm

https://www.thestar.com/news/canada/2013/02/28/adult_obesity_rates_in_canada_reaching_historic_highs_ubc_study_warns.html

http://www.torontosun.com/2013/09/16/1-in-20-canadians-are-food-addicts-study

Many of us have heard the term shin splints but are unsure as to what it really means. Often, the term shin splints is used to describe pain that is experienced at the front of the lower leg; yet the pain originates from inside of the shin bone located at the front of the leg. Individuals who enjoy running, whether professionally or for leisure, tend to experience the pain of shin splints sooner or later more so than other people.

Causes Of Shin Splints

Shin splints are an overuse injury that is also known as Medial Tibial Stress Syndrome, or MTSS. Many athletes who experience shins splints tend to describe an exercise history that includes rapid increases in intensity or duration of impact activities. The most common cause of shin splints is actually repeated trauma to the muscles or bones.

Other causes of shin splints include:

• Overuse of the legs, resulting in irritated, swollen muscles.
• Muscle imbalance that can result from an injury.
• Stress fractures of bones in the lower leg.
• The condition called ''flat feet", where the arches of the feet have collapsed (upon impact with) the ground there is a major stretching of muscles and tendons).
• Abnormal tightness of the soleus and gastrocnemius muscles.

Symptoms Of Shin Splints

The following are symptoms of shin splints:

• Pain around the shinbone (tibia), just below the knee.
• This pain is often 10 to 15 cm in length.
• Shin splints are often experienced early on during a workout. It commonly decreases well into the session, only to be felt more intensely at the end and after the workout.
• The discomfort is often characterized as a dull, aching sort of pain.
• With extreme cases the swollen muscles can result in irritation of the feet, leading to weakness and even numbness.

Treatment Of Shin Splints

One thing to keep in mind with shin splints is that it is very important to be in the care of a qualified health professional to ensure proper healing. There are two main types of treatment: complete rest and relative rest. Complete rest is completely resting the affected leg so that your body can heal itself, without any physical activities. While effective, this option may not be palatable to some people (e.g. athletes in training). As a result some therapies involve both rest and light physical activities.

The following are treatments commonly used to treat shin splints:

• Rest of the affected leg.
• Icing of the affected shin to reduce any swelling and pain.
• Use of custom orthotics to correct for any gait irregularities.
• Wrapping a tensor bandage around the affected area.
• Gentle stretching of the calf and front leg (tibialis) muscles.
• Anti-inflammatory painkillers (e.g. ibuprofen or aspirin) to reduce swelling and pain. Note that these anti-inflammatory medications can have serious side affects, and should only be prescribed by a doctor.
• Very occasionally surgery may be required to address an issue that constantly results in shin splints.

Shin splints can result in discomfort and in severe cases debilitating pain, disrupting your routine and enjoyment of life.

Chiro-Med Rehab Centre has the necessary knowledge and expertise to help you recover from shin splints. Our professionals can recommend the type of treatment needed and effectively implement that treatment, getting you back on to your normal routines as fast as possible!

Studies have shown that acupuncture offers some benefits to those who are trying to lose weight. The body has energy meridians and the ancient practise of acupuncture helps individuals in a myriad of ways including weight loss.

Weight gain isn’t the result of just a bad diet; there are other factors that contribute to gaining weight. Bad diet habits combined with little or no exercise is perhaps the main reason people gain weight but for some, there are other factors. Hormone imbalances and a slow metabolism (usually linked to lack of exercise) are other reasons.

Often people will blame diabetes for their weight, but most individuals with diabetes get this as a result of eating too much food, including sugar. Results of a large epidemiological study conducted at University of California San Francisco, suggest that sugar may have a direct, independent link to diabetes. An article on the university’s website says:

Researchers examined data on global sugar availability and diabetes rates from 175 countries over the past decade. After accounting for obesity and a large array of other factors, the researchers found that increased sugar in a population’s food supply was linked to higher Type 2 diabetes rates, independent of obesity rates. Their study was published Feb. 27 in PLOS ONE.

Losing weight is a major money-making industry with all sorts of gimmicks, products, and pills offering results. Americans spend over $33 billion every year on weight loss programs. Sadly, over 90 percent fail in their attempt to lose the weight they need to maintain good health. The reality is that changing the diet and regular exercise is critical in achieving results. This is much easier said than done and this is why people tend to seek out “quick fixes” when wanting to lose weight. There are additional ways that can help, but again, diet and exercise must be part of the goal to achieve and maintain results.

Acupuncture

Using acupuncture to help with weight loss is a multi-pronged approach. According to the Pacific College of Oriental Medicine, recent studies have shown that when acupuncture is combined with traditional methods of weight loss, patients lose more weight.

A study published at the National Institutes of Health showed that acupuncture in combination with diet restriction was found to be effective for weight loss. Acupuncture can be used as a synergistic treatment option for obesity control (and weight loss in general).

Of particular interest is acupuncture’s ability to influence obesity hormones. Research measuring the effectiveness of acupuncture for weight loss found that acupuncture treatments increased ghrelin, a hormone that regulates fat storage and metabolism. Acupuncture can also strengthen the function of the liver. The liver is the organ that produces chemicals critical for digestion, the processing of nutrients and breaking fat down. It is suspected that acupuncture may increase tone in the smooth muscle of the stomach to help individuals obtain the “full” feeling.

According to Dr. Oz, acupuncturists focus on the four acupuncture points that target hunger points on the ear. Tiny sterilized needles are inserted along these inner channels to decrease the "heat" generated along these meridians and to stimulate centres that trigger the release of neurochemicals and hormones that help in weight loss.

As with any changes to the body, there may be minor side effects to acupuncture treatment that include fatigue, soreness, and possible muscle spasms. In the weight loss process, the body will experience changes including hormone levels (for the better).

It is very important to seek the services of a qualified acupuncturist in order to obtain best results. Be sure to follow through with diet suggestions and exercise regularly.

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 help you develop a personalized plan to help you safely lose weight. 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.

Sources:

https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4877795/

https://www.ucsf.edu/news/2013/02/13591/quantity-sugar-food-supply-linked-diabetes-rates

https://www.pacificcollege.edu/news/blog/2014/11/05/acupuncture-can-help-weight-loss

http://www.doctoroz.com/article/acupuncture-and-weight-loss

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

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

Chiropractic methods have proven to be a highly effective way to treat various conditions as well as being preventative. Regardless of the incredible track record of success there are still myths and rumors circulating that have no foundation.  Before we look at a couple of myth and fact scenarios, take a look at what the “Chiropractic for the World Foundation” (based in Calgary) has shown.

They posted on their website averages of malpractice insurance rates therefore providing us with some great insight into the amount of claims against health care practitioners.

• OB-GYN in Canada – $12,000 per year
• OB-GYN in Florida – $237,000 per year
• Dentist – $1500-2000 per year
• Chiropractor – $681 per year

What is very interesting is that in 2008, Ontario taxpayers spent $112 million to subsidize the medical malpractice fees paid by doctors and doctors themselves paid only $24 million. This means that the Ontario taxpayers paid 83 percent of the cost of malpractice fees.

Myth Vs. Fact

Chiropractic Care Makes People Feel Worse

Those individuals who have just started care may feel worse before feeling better and this is totally normal. However, what is critical is that the full treatment be provided and for the patient not to abandon care. When a person (for example) has had to live for years with a misaligned spine then it is totally natural for the body to adapt to the changes happening. This is no different than starting to exercise after years of inactivity, there will be aches and pains as the body adjusts. There is a transition period and depending on each individual the time frame will vary. The chiropractor who is treating the patient will explain this and let the patient know what to expect.
Being patient is important, but the results are well worth the wait. Chiropractic care does not just relieve symptoms; it helps the body heal the underlying problem so that the patient’s body will function at its optimum level.

Can Chiropractic Care Cause Strokes?

Some people are terrified of seeing a chiropractor because they believe they will have a stroke. Science has shown us that there is no need for concern.

First of all, according to the July 2000 issue of the Chiropractic Journal, the risk of having a stroke in a medical doctor’s office is equal to that of a chiropractor’s office. Strokes can happen anytime, anywhere.

Make no mistake, there have been extensive studies completed that have analyzed the risk of stroke following a chiropractic adjustment. The best estimates show that the likelihood of stroke following an adjustment range lies somewhere between 1 in 15 million people to 1 in 2 million people. This is in the same likelihood as being struck by lightning. What this study also shows is that yes, some people may have a stroke, the chiropractic treatment they received is NOT the cause.

Let’s take these numbers and put them into perspective.

• The risk of hospitalization (and death) from taking NSAIDs (non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs such as Advil, or Motrin) is about 1 in 1000.
• The risk of death from cervical spine surgery (neck surgery) is about 1 in 200.
• The risk of irreversible neurological damage, from the same surgery is 1 in 65.

I Feel Fine. I Don’t Have To Go To A Chiropractor

Health is only a very small portion of how you feel; however, it is mostly about how your body is functioning.  People may feel fine for years yet do not feel cancer, heart disease or diabetes starting. These manifest over a period of many years, meanwhile the person “feels fine.”  Check out this fact: in 60% of cases of cardiovascular disease, the first symptom is either a heart attack or death.

So, you may feel fine however something may be happening with your spine or nervous system. Chiropractic care can assess how the body in functioning, primarily the nervous system. The nervous system controls, regulates, heals , and coordinates the function of your entire body. It only makes sense that is works properly.

Even if you truly feel fine, a chiropractic assessment can identify areas of subluxation (when one or more of the bones of your spine move out of position and create pressure on, or irritate spinal nerves), or decreased brain/body connection. This way, treatment will allow these areas to function properly.

Cracking Knuckles Will Cause Arthritis

There is no research that shows cracking knuckles cause arthritis. Joints need to move in order to function properly and often it is the opposite that causes arthritis, lack of movement.
Arthritis being the end result of knuckle cracking is a myth that inevitably started decades ago by parents who wanted to stop listening to children cracking their knuckles.

If a knuckle “feels” like it must be cracked then there is stiffness that needs to be alleviated. The same can be said for those who crack their backs. There is stiffness or a tight feeling in the spine therefore twisting alleviates that tightness.  (However, if this tight feeling happens frequently, there may be an underlying problem that needs to be attended to.)

If there are any other myths you have heard about chiropractic care please give Chiro-Med Rehab Clinic in Richmond Hill a call. They have a team of professionals that can help you get straight answers to your questions. Chiro-Med has a convenient location and highly qualified health professionals to help you with all your chiropractic needs. Call 905-918-0419 or contact Chiro Med online!

Sources:
http://www.chiropracticfortheworld.org/
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Canadian_Medical_Protective_Association

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.

Optimum joint mobility is the result of supple, healthy joint tissue and joint elasticity. Collagen is a vital component of tissue, bones and cartilage required for healthy joints. Research suggests that boosting collagen intake can contribute to joint health, but can it actually repair? There is no shortage of articles on the Internet that make claims one way or the other, but rarely do they mention what types of collagen there are and what their specific functions are. Yes, collagen can assist in joint repair; but knowing what specific collagen, how it is produced, and other therapies you must do is the key in achieving results.

What is Collagen?

Collagen is the fundamental structural protein that forms connective tissue; it is a vital component of the joints, bones, muscles, tendons and skin. Essential to the formation of connective tissue, it is the highest source of protein found in the body. Collagen contains specific vital amino acids including arginine, proline, glycine and hydroxproline.

The human anatomy contains and utilises over 20 variants of collagen amino acids, however there are three main types of collagen that comprise 80 to 90% of the body.

Different Types of Collagen Explained

First, all three types of collagen decrease with age. The knees generally take the brunt of this loss earlier in life in those who are regularly engaged in vigorous physical active and are not keeping up with the levels of collagen regeneration required for recovery.

There are actually 28 different types of collagen with three being the main types. These three types of collagen are simply named I, II, and III. Collagen type II is the most significant for joint health. Of the three, collagen type II is believed to be most effective in targeting and enhancing joint cell health.

Collagen Type I

This collagen is in our skin, artery walls, bones, tendons and in scar tissue. Type I is the most abundantly found in the body. It is a fibrillar type collagen, and inevitably has been the best investigated collagen.

Collagen Type II

This collagen is found in our cartilage and respiratory tubes. Type II is a fibrillar collagen, and the main component of cartilage. This collagen constitutes 95% of the collagens and approximately 60% of dry weight. Mutations in type II collagen result in several types of chondrodysplasia, leading to premature osteoarthritis.

Collagen Type III

This collagen is predominantly found in blood vessels. Type III collagen is a fibrillar collagen which is secreted by fibroblasts and other mesenchymal cell types. This makes it a huge factor in various inflammation-associated pathologies such as viral and non-viral liver diseases, kidney fibrosis, lung injury, and vascular disorders.

In order for collagen to help repair joints Type II is the collagen people need to have the most of in order to attain any level of relief. Having supplements will help but the body also needs to be able to produce collagen as well. Eating foods high in lysine and arginine will help collagen production. Getting both of these amino acids from food is important.

Collagen and Vegetarian Diets

A vegetarian diet is known to prevent some diseases but it may influence the balance of carbohydrate and fat metabolism as well as collagen synthesis. Research published at Karger Journals in Switzerland, (Vegetarian diet affects genes of oxidative metabolism and collagen synthesis), indicates that there is reduced collagen synthesis in vegetarians, and this could also play a role in the aging process.

However, all is not lost for those adhering to a vegetarian diet. There are some foods that can help but seeking the advice from a qualified health practitioner is strongly advised.

Without Vitamin C There Is No Collagen

Vitamin C intake is critical to collagen production. There is a plethora of research that indicates many people are not getting enough vitamin C to maintain proper health; further to that, it has been argued that the recommended daily values fall short of what we really need.

Vitamin C deficiency, although uncommon in North America, results in our bones being unable to properly manufacture collagen and its connective tissues. The body literally deteriorates as collagen is broken down and not replaced. This results in joints wearing down as tendons weaken.

Denatured vs Undenatured Collagen

Denatured collagen is hydrolyzed. Most of the type II collagen that is derived from the sternum of chickens is denatured or hydrolyzed. This means that high heat and possibly even chemicals have been used to process it. These processes fundamentally alter the molecular structure of the protein, rendering the collagen ineffective as an immunomodulator. There seems to be no peer-reviewed scientific studies showing that denatured type II collagen provides joint health benefits.

Undenatured type II collagen is produced using little or no heat and processing is bare minimum. The processing required is just enough to concentrate the collagen and make it soluble. This type of collagen supplement is the only form that the body can use effectively.

Collagen Helps to Repair Joints

Collagen can help repair joints but under the proper conditions. Not only are foods rich in vitamin C needed (possibly supplementation as well), but also foods high in lysine and arginine ( i.e., fish, chicken, beef, lamb, milk, cheese, beans, and mung bean sprouts). Avoiding foods that cause inflammation is really important and this means reducing or eliminating gluten and anything that contains processed sugar. In addition to diet, exercise is important, but knowing what exercises can be done safely should be approved by a qualified health professional.

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 help you develop a personalized plan to ensure your joint health is as good as it possible can be. 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.

Resources:
https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/B9780128098479000015
https://www.omicsonline.org/open-access/efficacy-of-oral-collagen-in-joint-pain--osteoarthritis-and-rheumatoid-arthritis-2167-7921-1000233.php?aid=87350
https://www.sciencedirect.com/topics/biochemistry-genetics-and-molecular-biology/collagen-type-iii-alpha-1
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/18772587

Arthritis is a health condition in which its name is derived from Greek: “arthron”, meaning a joint, and “itis”, meaning inflammation. According to The Arthritis Society there are over one hundred types of arthritis but for simplicity sake, there are basically two categories of arthritis, inflammatory and degenerative.

Inflammatory Arthritis

Almost any joint in the body can be affected by inflammatory arthritis. Inflammatory arthritis can start in many ways but the most common is a slow onset of stiffness and joint pain (in one joint) that spreads over a period of weeks or months affecting other joints. In some cases, it can even start rapidly.

Synovium is a thin layer of tissue that lines every joint in the body and it is responsible for creating small amounts of fluid to maintain normal joint lubrication. For reasons yet to be conclusively determined when inflammatory arthritis starts the body’s immune system turns against the synovium and attacks it. The immune system then releases chemicals that cause stiffness, pain and eventually can damage or destroy the bone and cartilage.
For some individuals it doesn’t seem to take that long to become a chronic problem that has a lifelong impact. Each person is different and what pain remedies work for one may not work for another.

Rheumatoid arthritis falls under this category of arthritis and it tends to mostly affect the smaller joints in the feet and hands. Other forms of inflammatory arthritis include:

• Psoriatic arthritis
• Ankylosing spondylitis
• Systemic lupus erythematous

Those between the ages of 30 and 60 tend to get these types of arthritis the most although any one of these can start at any age. The common morning stiffness symptom can last over one hour.

Degenerative Arthritis

Some people are afflicted with degenerative arthritis and this occurs when (over time) the cartilage becomes rough and wears away. As a result of this, the bone thickens and the affected joint becomes inflamed causing pain, swelling and even a feeling of warmth.

Cartilage plays an important role in the body as it is the tough elastic-like material that covers the ends of our bones creating a protective shield. In a healthy person, the cartilage is somewhat like a shock absorber when weight is applied; it also creates a lubricated surface so that the joints can move with ease.

Osteoarthritis (OA) is a type of degenerative arthritis and generally affects the joints at the base of the big toe, knees, hips, fingers and at the base of the thumb. A person with OA may notice some stiffness in the affected area and it tends to last up to twenty minutes. As the joints get used throughout the day the discomfort level increases.

Another form of degenerative arthritis is degenerative disc disease. This or OA starts slow in the body and within a period of months or even years, gets worse.

Treating Arthritis

After a diagnosis by a health professional, he or she can then best suggest what treatment options are best depending on several factors. If discovered in the early stages the good news is that treatment options more than likely include non-medication therapies that include:

• Turmeric
• Physiotherapy
• Chiropractic
• Education
• Exercise
• Nutrition
• Glucosamine Sulphate
• Relaxation techniques

Prescription medications or over-the-counter medications tend to only cover the symptoms and the pain as opposed to strategies to effectively minimize (and in some cases eliminate) symptoms.

Implementing a holistic approach to help manage symptoms and pain is important when looking for treatment options. There are many options to consider in order to tailor a treatment plan specific to each individual. Diet is very important when managing pain and therefore must be part of a successful treatment program. There are also other rehabilitation solutions that are available at a chiropractic and physiotherapy office such as Chiro-Med Rehab Centre in Richmond Hill.

For some people there are several pain management techniques that can be explored in order to minimize or even eliminate the need for medications. Often medications come with a long list of side effects that can do more harm than good and this must be taken into consideration in any treatment plan.

If you suffer with any form of arthritis, Chiro-Med Rehab Clinic in Richmond Hill has a walk-in clinic conveniently located at 10144 Yonge Street, just north of Major MacKenzie Drive in the heart of Richmond Hill. The health professionals at Chiro-Med can help you examine what options are available in order for you to live as pain-free as possible. Drop on by or call 905-918-0419 for more information or to book a consultation.