Chiropractic & Physiotherapy Clinic in Richmond Hill

Healthy aging happens only through a healthy lifestyle. Many people are on a quest through life trying to discover the latest lotions, supplement pills, and other methods to thwart off life’s aging process. Make no mistake, we all are going to age, there is no fighting it; however, there is a way to ensure you age well and stay relatively healthy. It’s somewhat simple; you just need to take good care of yourself.

Health Canada defines healthy aging as “a lifelong process of optimizing opportunities for improving and preserving health and physical, social and mental wellness, independence, quality of life and enhancing successful life-course transitions” (Health Canada, 2002). This definition, although lengthy, is vague; however this is something that cannot be adequately defined in one or two sentences.

The importance of a proactive and preventative approach to our health in unequivocal. Being proactive can begin at pretty much any age but the earlier in life you take care of your body, mind and soul, the easier healthy aging will be. Far too many young adults feel they are invincible (and let’s face it even us more mature individuals still feel that way at times). Our food choices, how we choose to dress outdoors, our career choices, and our lifestyle choices all add up in a way that can add or take away years from us.

Prevention By Building Your Immune System

Preventing illness, disease and injury tops the list when we think about how to age healthy. There is continuous debate on vaccinations and yet nowhere in this debate is the immune system mentioned. It is mission critical to do everything in our power to build and maintain a great immune system. Avoiding sugars, high fructose corn syrup, and other additives that have detrimental effects on us is really important. Sugar can suppress the immune system and impair your defenses against infectious disease. It can also upset how minerals are absorbed into our system causing deficiencies; and sugar interferes with absorption of calcium and magnesium. Sugar can cause tooth decay, periodontal disease and premature aging.

If you think switching to aspartame or any other synthetically-produced sweetener is better, please do your research on these. Many studies show these can be equally as bad or worse for our health.
Avoiding (or limiting) lifestyle choices that can have detrimental effects on your body is essential. These include smoking cigarettes, drinking too much alcohol, illegal drug use and abusing pharmaceutical drugs. Abusing pharmaceutical drugs has become a huge problem in society, one that some studies seem to indicate is worse than illegal drugs and alcohol combined.

A great immune system includes lots of vegetables (especially cruciferous choices), drinking lots of water daily, drinking healthy tea choices, limiting coffee, fresh air, maintaining a healthy pH balanced body, and making sure your body gets all the vitamins, minerals, fats, protein, and other nutrients it needs.

Your immune system also benefits when you get adequate sleep. Too many of us are running on empty because we’re not getting proper sleep and there is not a doubt that healthy aging includes sleeping at regular times.
The Internet has some amazing resources out there on how to boost your immune system but it also can be quite overwhelming. Getting help from a professional may be your best choice.

Exercise

Yes, we have heard this one at least a thousand times; exercising is mission critical to maintaining good health. There is an old saying, “use it or lose it” and this is applicable to our body. If you do not exercise on a regular basis then over time your muscles will become weak and flabby; your heart and lungs will develop some struggles to the point walking up a flight of stairs becomes a challenge; and your joints will become stiff and more susceptible to injury.

Exercising helps us to age healthy. Our bodies are meant to move, and sadly far too many of us are not nearly as active as we should be. Getting regular exercise helps reduce the risks of high blood pressure, diabetes, heart disease and cancer. With increased blood flow comes better looking skin and it slows the aging process.

Optimizing Mental Health

Sadly, there are so many individuals who have suffered a horrific event in their life that has caused them severe emotional harm. Keeping your mind healthy is just as important as keeping your body healthy. Our minds are very powerful and they make or break how we handle various situations throughout the day. Anyone who has unresolved issues will struggle in interactions with others and it will interfere with healthy aging. It is really important to resolve pain and move forward. Letting go of the small stuff is just as important too.

Keeping your brain healthy by doing ‘exercises’ is really important to healthy aging. There is not a doubt that reading, doing crossword puzzles, learning something new on a regular basis all helps to maintain memory ability and happiness. Oh sure you can drink all the rosemary or gingko biloba teas you want to help improve memory but, like our muscles and joints, you need to use the brain or you may lose it.

Love Life

Negativity brings us down; always try to find the positive even in a bad situation. This is not easy but we really need to fill each day with positivity and love. Any negative emotions will drain us and age us. Have healthy relationships with others and get involved in activities that give meaning and excitement to your life. Visit friends, volunteer and surround yourself with people who make you feel happy and you’ll notice a difference in how you look and feel.

Laugh – lots! Laughing releases all those feel good endorphins and makes you look and feel fabulous.

Re-prioritize things in your life so that you can go to sleep at night feeling at peace with yourself. This is easier said than done, but the more at peace with life you are, the healthier you’ll age.

Regular Check Ups

Eating a very healthy diet is critical to not just your overall health but to the health of your teeth as well. We are very complex and having healthy teeth and eyesight is also critical in order to age healthy. Having regular eye and dental check ups are just as important as a seeing your doctor for a regular examination.

Last but not least by any means, having regular check ups with your chiropractor is something to seriously consider in your plan for healthy aging. Many people never think of a chiropractor until a problem arises yet there are many things that a chiropractor can do to help you prevent unhealthy aging.

To find out how a chiropractic check up can help you on your journey to healthy aging give Chiro-Med Rehab Centre 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 over half a decade. Chiro-Med Rehab Centre has qualified professionals who can help you come up with a personalized plan to ensure the stretches and exercises will benefit the health of your spine. 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.

TENS (transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation), is the most widely used type of electrotherapy and when done correctly, the success rate is impressive. This therapy uses electrodes on small pads that adhere to the affected area and are attached via wires to a battery-operated device. Controlled current is sent through the electrodes which stimulate the sensory nerves creating a tingling sensation that reduces pain. A qualified practitioner ensures that the patient is comfortable while receiving the proper frequency and patterns of stimulation to effectively and safely reduce or eliminate pain.

In recent years, a number of TENS products have been marketed, some as wearable devices. Although some of these products may work, one must be cautioned that if done incorrectly or under the wrong conditions not only will it not work, it can produce detrimental effects.

TENS machines tend mainly to be used to help reduce musculoskeletal pain. People must not use a TENS machine unless under the care of a qualified professional if:

• The cause of the pain is not known or is not diagnosed.
• Pregnant (unless specifically medically advised - or in labour).
• The individual has a pacemaker.
• The individual has epilepsy or certain types of heart disease.
• The individual has skin conditions that can be negatively affected by TENS.

It is important to seek the advice from a qualified health professional.

Brief History of Electrical Pain Management

Electrical stimuli were used in pain management strategies for centuries. Hippocrates and Ancient Egyptians knew that electric eels were potentially useful for producing an electrical shock to control pain yet it wasn’t fully recognized until 46AD.  Scribonius Largus recorded in 46AD that the electric ray torpedo fish was used to treat gout and headaches.

In the 18th and 19th centuries these natural producers of electricity were replaced by man-made electrical devices. This happened in phases; the first was the application of static electrical currents called Franklinism. Christian Kratzenstein was the first to apply it medically, followed shortly by Benjamin Franklin. The 19th century was coined the golden age of electrotherapy. It was used for countless dental, neurological, psychiatric and gynecological problems. However, at beginning of the 20th century electrotherapy fell into the background. Mainstream medicine dismissed this therapy as lacking a scientific basis and claimed it was used by quacks. The development of analgesic drugs helped to decrease interest in this therapy. In the second half of the 20th century electrotherapy underwent a revival and has greatly advanced.

Fast forward to 2016, from the News Centre at the University of Texas Arlington, researchers are encouraged with a possible new application of electrical stimulation. Yuan Bo Peng, UTA psychology professor said in a news release:

“This is the first study to use a wireless electrical device to alleviate pain by directly stimulating the ventral tegmental area of the brain. While still under laboratory testing, this new method does provide hope that in the future we will be able to alleviate chronic pain without the side effects of medications.”

Conditions Treated with TENS

There are many conditions that respond well to TENS. Although not an inclusive list, there are some conditions in which there are proven results in pain reduction or elimination. These include:

• Neck pain and stiffness.
• Low back pain.
• Diabetic nerve pain.
• Fibromyalgia pain.
• Arthritis
• Sports Injuries.

Is TENS Therapy for You?

TENS is typically applied at the site of the pain, but is sometimes more effective when used in other areas as well. A health professional is your best ally in determining if this is a preferred method in effectively treating your pain.

Sometimes results are instant, but in some cases there may be repeated treatments required. Through the release of endorphins and the control of nerves, TENS sends relief directly to the site of pain. Some people experience permanent pain relief after repeated sessions with TENS therapy.

Established in 2007 by Dr. Behfar Sanjari, Chiro-Med Rehab Centre has proved their commitment in 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 manage and possibly treat underlying conditions that are causing you pain. We have clinics located in Richmond Hill and Newmarket, call 905-918-0419 or 905-235-2620 for more information.

References:

Weiner, R. S. (2001). Pain Management: a Practical Guide for Clinicians. Hoboken: Taylor & Francis Ltd. (Page 15.)

University of Texas Arlington

U.S. National Library of Medicine

There is not a doubt that we have become a society riddled with arthritis and joint pain. Conventional medicine offers prescription drugs that come with a massive list of possible side effects; and still these do not solve the underlining problem. Natural wisdom teaches us that there is always hope beyond pharmaceutical drugs. There is a plethora of studies out there that clearly proves to us that lifestyle changes and dietary habits have a profound effect on our health and this includes arthritis and joint pain. The simplest of remedies like a daily intake of apple cider vinegar can effectively work for many people to naturally ease pain in the joints (and to simply support good health).

The Science Behind The Remedy

With a history rooted in folk medicine, apple cider vinegar is tossed aside by many members of the medical field. Naturopathic doctors and other natural health professionals praise traditional remedies. Apple cider vinegar offers our body a multitude of health benefits, not just relief from arthritis or joint pain.

Apple cider vinegar is rich in minerals that our body needs including magnesium, phosphorus, calcium and potassium. Mineral (as well as vitamin) deficiencies are the root causes of many health problems, and if not detected, deficiencies can worsen health problems including arthritis and joint pain. A diet rich in essential minerals is a critical step to relieving arthritic pain. The potassium in apple cider vinegar may be especially beneficial because it works to prevent calcium build-up in the joints, which is linked to joint stiffness.

Not All Apple Cider Vinegar Is Beneficial

Going to a grocery store may not be the place to find the apple cider vinegar that is beneficial. Most vinegar sold in grocery stores is processed and these are not beneficial to us.  Raw, unprocessed, organic apple cider vinegar is the beneficial vinegar. This type of apple cider vinegar is rich in beneficial enzymes and acids that have a multitude of health benefits. It is encouraging however, to see some grocery stores carrying organic, raw apple cider vinegar. Health food stores carry this also and it is inexpensive.

All of the benefits of apple cider vinegar can only be attained with vinegar that is organic, raw, unfiltered and unprocessed. This type of apple cider vinegar will have a noticeable amount of residue floating around in the bottle. This is called the "mother," the natural accumulation of beneficial enzymes and nutrients. In any other form, including pills, apple cider vinegar is inferior and much less effective.

Joint Health

Nutrients are essential for joint health, so it is imperative that the body absorb the nutrients it gets and use them. Apple cider vinegar makes this possible even for those with arthritis.

There are many experts who suggest that joint pain and arthritis may be linked to toxins that have accumulated in the joints because metabolic waste is often stored in connective tissues. Often, people with joint pain will shun activities that tend to trigger more pain, yet the lack of movement may cause toxins to build-up even more. Apple cider vinegar has pectin and this helps to absorb toxins and get them out of the system, meanwhile the acids in cider vinegar work to purify and detoxify the entire body.

How To Use Apple Cider To Relieve Joint Pain

The simplest way to incorporate apple cider vinegar into your daily routines is to mix 1-3 teaspoons in one cup of water three times daily, preferably just before meals. If you find this still too strong to drink, dilute it in more water.

Some people with joint pain state that having a bath with apple cider vinegar in the water helps. Other people report that when mixing two tablespoons of apple cider vinegar with one tablespoon of coconut oil (or olive oil) makes a soothing ointment to rub on affected joints.

How To Use Apple Cider To Relieve Arthritis

Apple cider vinegar has all the necessary acid content to give the needed balance in the digestive system, and this helps to avoid calcium build-up. Some naturopathic doctors say that apple cider vinegar is to be taken three times a daily with honey and water but only once a day for the first couple of days. (If you are diabetic then omit the honey.)

Apple Cider Vinegar Folk Remedy For Osteoarthritis

Excruciating pain can be caused when acid crystals build up in the joints. Sometimes, this leads to decreased mobility and deformity. It is the acid crystal build-up that causes osteoarthritis and eventually, a daily routine that includes apple cider vinegar will disperse these acids.

Apple Cider Vinegar Treatment For Rheumatoid Arthritis

Apple cider vinegar relieves the symptoms of rheumatoid arthritis, which is believed to be caused by a streptococcal infection. Not only is apple cider vinegar a great treatment option for arthritis, it is known to work for acid reflux, fatigue, gout, sore throats, heartburn, and numerous other ailments. Results have shown that it helps balance the acid in the body.

Everyone is different and therefore it is highly advised that you seek advice from a health professional as opposed to self-diagnosing and treating. Chiro Med can help. Chiro Med Rehab Centre is conveniently located at 10144 Yonge Street, just north of Major Mackenzie Drive in Richmond Hill. Visit them online or call 905-918-0419.

Studies have proven that regular massages are highly beneficial to our overall health and for treating specific ailments as well. What many people are not aware of is that hot stone massage therapy can be just as beneficial and has a long history of doing so.

Brief History

• Hot stone massage may have originated in India 5,000 years ago from the ancient healing tradition of Ayurveda. Smooth river bed stones were warmed or cooled for use in healing and massage.
• The Japanese used warm stones to help their abdomens improve digestion. This apparently dates back about 4,000 years ago.
• More than 2,000 years ago, ancient Chinese used heated stones to improve the function of internal organs.
• Native Americans used hot stones during rituals and in sweat lodges and many are still using them today.
• For hundreds of years, Hawaiians have used hot stones for massage and healing for many years. Heated lava stones were used on the body to help increase blood circulation.
• Ancient Greek and Roman cultures used many forms of massage for healing and for simple relaxation including hot stones.

What is a Hot Stone Massage?

Placing smooth, warmed up stones in order to achieve results needs to be done by a qualified therapist. Anyone can place hot stones on the body where there may be an ache, but in order to target specific ailments and to properly increase circulation having a trained professional is important.

Massage oils are used in the process in addition to smooth stones. Basalt stones are commonly used as well as various river stones. These stones are safe to use, sterilised and properly heated so that no discomfort will be experienced by the patient. The stones are heated in a sterile heating unit that either provides a temperature reading or has an adjustable thermostat control.  The massage therapist always holds the stones first before touching them to your body, which ensures that the temperature will not be too hot.

Stones are strategically placed at various points on the body and as the warmth penetrates the skin the client will experience a massage and effleurage. Stones are sometimes used to massage and glide over targeted areas to assist with healing.

The therapist might also leave heated stones in specific points along the sides of the spine, in the palms of the hands, on the stomach, or even between toes; this assists in improving the flow of energy throughout the body.  Heat warms and relaxes muscles allowing the therapist to apply deeper pressure, if required. Many people find the warmth of the hot stones to be quite comforting and deeply relaxing.

This form of therapy is often used for the same conditions as a regular massage:

• Anxiety
• Back pain
• Depression
• Insomnia
• Osteoarthritis

Hot Stone Massages Are Not For Everyone

While hot stone massage is generally considered safe when performed by a trained and licensed massage therapist, it's not right for everyone. This is not recommended for those who have had recent surgery, or have certain medical conditions, or have wounded areas (including inflamed areas). Pregnant women and children should avoid hot stone massages as well.

Palliative Care and Hot Stone Massages

According to an article published in the Journal of Oncology, massage therapy is a popular adjunct to cancer palliation. There was a study conducted with favourable results. It was discovered that those in palliative care who received a hot stone massage saw a decrease in some very common symptoms they commonly experience.

Most individuals who were studied reported a decrease in:

• Pain
• Fatigue
• Nausea
• Depression
• Anxiety

However, there was no difference in lack of appetite.

If you feel you need a hot stone massage or are wondering if it is right for you then Chiro-Med can help.

For more information about hot stone massage or how chiropractic and physiotherapy can help you, 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.

Link to the study done on palliative care patients:

http://ascopubs.org/doi/abs/10.1200/jco.2015.33.29_suppl.179

Osteoporosis is a common disease in which 1.5 million Canadians, 40 years or older share. This degenerative disease is characterized by low bone mass and loss of bone tissue making an individual more susceptible to osteoporotic fractures. There is not a doubt that it earned its name the “Silent Thief” because bone loss occurs without anyone realizing it.

Osteoporosis Facts at a Glance

• Women are 4 times more likely than men to develop osteoporosis.
• Osteoporotic fractures are more common than breast cancer, heart attacks, and strokes combined.
• More than 80 percent of all fractures in those over the age of 50 are osteoporotic fractures.
• In Canada there are 30,000 hip fractures annually of which 70 to 90 percent are cause by osteoporosis.
• One in three hip fracture patients re-fracture with one year.
• Osteoporosis hip fracture patients take up more hospital beds than those with diabetes, stroke, or heart attacks.
• In 2010, the annual (Canadian) health care costs of treating osteoporosis and osteoporotic fractures was over $2.3 billion. That cost was $3.9 billion if long-term facility care costs are included.

What really is most disturbing is the reduced quality of life for those with osteoporosis. Osteoporosis can result in disfigurement, lowered self-esteem, reduction or loss of mobility, and decreased independence.

Exercise and Supplements

There is not a doubt that exercise is critical in not just staying healthy, but in helping to prevent osteoporosis. Exercises geared at increasing muscle strength combined with weight-bearing aerobic physical activity, helps to prevent bone loss as we age. Health care professionals all have different opinions on how much exercise is recommended but many appear to agree on 30 minutes of both aerobic and strengthening exercises two to three times a week.

The use of calcium, magnesium, vitamin K, and vitamin D supplements is important because many people are not getting what they need from their food; and of course vitamin D is not in many foods. Calcium alone is not good enough to help keep bones healthy because without cofactors such as magnesium, vitamin K and vitamin D, calcium does not get to where it needs to. Supplementation is not the panacea for strong bones – eating a healthy diet and exercising is.

Foods to Help Prevent Osteoporosis

Vitamin K

Vitamin K is probably best known for its role in the blood clotting process; blood clots are necessary to stop bleeding when our skin gets punctured. It is also plays a very important role in bone health.

Excellent food sources of vitamin K include: kale, spinach, mustard greens, collard greens, beet greens, Swiss chard, turnip greens, parsley, broccoli, brussels sprouts, romaine lettuce, asparagus, basil, cabbage, bok choy, celery, kiwi fruit, leeks, cilantro, sage, green beans, cauliflower, cucumber, tomatoes, oregano and black pepper.

Very good food sources of vitamin K are in green peas, blueberries, grapes, carrots, summer squash, cloves and chili peppers.

Good food sources of vitamin K include: soybeans, avocado, raspberries, winter squash, pears, cranberries, miso, bell peppers, plums, cantaloupe, and eggplant.

Vitamin D

Vitamin D deficiency can lead to softening or malformation of bone. In children, this condition is called rickets. In adults, it is called osteomalacia.

The relationship between vitamin D and bone metabolism is somewhat complicated. As a hormone, vitamin D acts to increase calcium in the blood stream. It manages this by increasing the body’s ability to absorb calcium from foods and by reducing the calcium you lose in your urine. However, it also pulls calcium from the bone to support your blood levels; this is why it is really important to get lots of vitamin D into you every day.

Salmon is an excellent source of vitamin D. Sardines and cow’s milk is a very good source of this nutrient and tuna, eggs, and mushrooms are a good source of vitamin D.

The best way to get your vitamin D is from the sunlight. Human skin cells make vitamin D from sunlight, but here in Canada this is a small window of opportunity ( June and July mostly) to get vitamin D so getting this vitamin from food sources or supplements is really important.

Calcium

At any given time, about 99 percent of the calcium our body holds is in the bones and teeth. Calcium plays a critical role in maintaining structural integrity of our skeleton.

Excellent food sources of calcium include: spinach, collard greens, beet greens, tofu, turnip greens, mustard greens, and bok choy.

Very good sources of calcium are found in: yogurt, swiss chard, kale, and cinnamon.

Good sources of calcium include: sesame seeds, sardines, cheese, cow’s milk, cabbage, broccoli, brussels sprouts, green beans, oranges, summer squash, fennel, parsley, asparagus, celery, cumin, basil, garlic, oregano, leeks, romaine lettuce, cloves, and black pepper.

Magnesium

Magnesium is a key mineral in human metabolism. 50 to 60 percent of magnesium in our body is stored in the bones.

Excellent sources of magnesium can be found in: spinach, swiss chard, and beet greens.

Very good sources include: pumpkin seeds, summer squash, and turnip greens.

There are many good sources of magnesium and these include: soybeans, sesame seeds, black beans, quinoa, cashews, sunflowers seeds, navy beans, tempeh, buckwheat, pinto beans, brown rice, barley, lima beans, millet, kidney beans, oats, tofu, almonds, rye, wheat, tuna, flaxseeds, beets, broccoli, cabbage, kale, asparagus, tomatoes, cantaloupe, strawberries, watermelon, fennel, leeks, cucumber, basil, celery, bell peppers, and much more.

If you have osteoporosis, our chiropractor and physiotherapists 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 half a decade. Chiro-Med Rehab Centre has qualified professionals who can help assess you and recommend an appropriate strengthening program. We have clinics located in Richmond Hill and Newmarket, call 905-918-0419 or 905-235-2620 for more information.

Sources:

What is the impact of osteoporosis in Canada and what are Canadians doing to maintain healthy bones? (2010, November 30). Retrieved March 7, 2016, from http://www.phac-aspc.gc.ca/cd-mc/osteoporosis-osteoporose/

The World's Healthiest Foods. (n.d.). Retrieved March 07, 2016, from http://www.whfoods.com/

Carpal tunnel syndrome refers to compression of the median nerve at the wrist, resulting in weakness, pain and possibly numbness of the hand and wrist. The median nerve controls sensation in the palm of the hand (thumb and fingers, excluding the pinky or little finger).

Treatment of carpal tunnel syndrome (CTS) is very important, since long-term carpal tunnel syndrome can lead to permanent nerve damage, constant numbness and atrophy of muscles related to the carpal tunnel.

Causes Of Carpal Tunnel Syndrome

Often times the specific cause of carpal tunnel syndrome (CTS) is undetermined. However, it is known that CTS is associated with the following:

• An abnormally small carpal tunnel
• Repetitive, work related stress
• A wrist injury that results in swelling (e.g. wrist sprain or fracture)
• An overactive pituitary gland
• Arthritis (rheumatoid)
• Fluid retention during pregnancy
• Menopause
• Cysts/tumors that form in the tunnel

Symptoms Of Carpal Tunnel Syndrome

Symptoms of CTS usually start gradually, and become more severe as the problem worsens.

The following symptoms are listed from initial to later stages:

• Tingling, itching and even a burning sensation in the thumb and fingers
• Numbness in the palm of the hand
• A feeling of tightness or swelling
• Pain in the hand or wrist
• Loss of strength when gripping some object
• Inability to distinguish between cold and hot objects
• As the condition worsens atrophy of the thenar muscles may occur

Please note that it is common for these symptoms to first occur at night only, since many people sleep with their wrists in a flexed position. As the condition progresses some or all of the symptoms will occur throughout the day as well.

Treatment Of Carpal Tunnel Syndrome

There are two types of treatments for CTS: surgical and non-surgical. It is very important to diagnose CTS as early as possible in order to avoid surgical treatment.

Non-surgical treatment consists of:

• Resting and immobilizing the affected hand via splints or braces
• Avoiding activity that stresses the hand and wrist
• Physiotherapy
• Massage therapy
• Non-steroidal, anti-inflammatory drugs to ease pain and swelling
• Injection of corticosteroids into the wrist (can also be taken orally) to relieve pressure on the
  median nerve

Surgery is often recommended if symptoms have been present for 6 months.

There are two types of surgery used to treat carpal tunnel syndrome:

1. Traditional "open release" surgery, which involves an incision in the wrist followed by severing
   of the carpal ligament (this increases the size of the carpal tunnel)
2. Endoscopic surgery, which involves inserting a tiny camera into the wrist/palm and results in a
   faster recovery time, less post-operative discomfort and a smaller degree of scarring.

It is very important to catch carpal tunnel syndrome early on. Unfortunately CTS can be difficult to diagnose, and symptoms can also be caused by things other than carpal tunnel syndrome.

Chiro-Med Rehab Centre located in Richmond Hill has the necessary expertise and knowledge to help you recover from carpal tunnel syndrome. As professionals we can recommend the type of treatment needed and effectively implement that treatment, getting you on the road to recovery as quick as possible!

Temporal Mandibular Joint Syndrome is a condition in which the temporal mandibular joint is not functioning as it should. This is a condition that affects thousands of Canadians and this is pain that affects most everything you do with your mouth.

The temporal bone (the bone that forms the sides of the skull) meets the mandible (jaw bone) and where they meet is at the temporal mandibular joint. This joint is used more frequently than most other joints in the body. The temporal mandibular joint works every time we chew, bite down on something, swallow, or talk. When TMJ syndrome strikes, it has a huge impact on a lot of what you do. Other muscles such as those in the upper back, neck and shoulder can have an effect on this joint's functioning.

On each side of the head there is a temporal mandibular joint and they are located right in front of the ear.

Those with TMJ often cannot determine the specific cause but there are some possible causes such as:

• Stress
• Teeth grinding
• A bad bite
• Bad posture
• Chewing too much gum or nail biting

Symptoms Of TMJ Syndrome

Perhaps one of the most common symptom experienced by those with TMJ syndrome are headaches or facial pain that increases when they attempt to speak or eat. Sometimes pain is felt behind the eyes.

The ears may have a sense of feeling clogged or they can have tinnitus (ringing sound). Also, the patient may experience dizziness or the sensation that the facial muscles are tired.

When opening or closing the mouth there can be a clicking sound or popping sound and when chewing or biting, there is discomfort or difficulty to move the jaw. There can also be tenderness in the jaw area or pain.

TMJ Can Cause Physical Damage

TMJ syndrome can cause damage to the jaw, the teeth, and it can alter the alignment of the bones as well or cause damage to the nearby muscles. In fact, misaligned teeth, a change in chewing patterns(braces, dentures or other dental work), damage to the teeth or jaw can trigger TMJ.

Treatment For TMJ Syndrome

Getting a diagnosis sooner than later is important in order to minimize or eliminate the chances for long- term damage. Temporal mandibular joint syndrome can often be treated with gentle therapies. Learning how to gently stretch, relax or massage the muscles around your jaw correctly may be an option that works. Qualified medical professionals help patients with this and provide massage therapy at a Chiro-Med Rehab Centre. Under proper medical care, patients can learn other techniques such as using heat and cold methods in order to help alleviate or eliminate the symptoms. In addition, learning various ways to reduce stress levels can be explored, as well as exercising several times every week.

Pinpointing a cause can help you better maximize treatment. If a specific cause can be determined then chances are TMJ syndrome can be eliminated. For example, if grinding the teeth at night as you sleep is the cause, mouth guards can help alleviate the pressure. (Although this is not recommended as a permanent solution.) Over-the-counter mouth guards are available, but having one that fits your mouth properly is important and most dentists' custom-make mouth guards.

If you think you may have TMJ syndrome, you may want to try this out in addition to seeking the services of a health professional. Set your cell phone to alert you a few times throughout the day. When you get that alert (or alarm) immediately take note of how you are holding your neck, shoulders and teeth. Are your shoulders up at your ears? Are your teeth clenched? Are you hunched over? If you answer yes to any of these, try to make a subconscious choice to be more aware of how your body is positioned.

In today’s fast paced world, everyone seems to be in a hurry, burning the candle at both ends to meet deadlines and juggle the responsibilities of everyday life.  Eventually stress can wear down even the hardiest of us, resulting in physical illness.  You may wonder how stress, which triggers an emotional response, can manifest as physical illness, but it is really quite simple.  Every emotion that we feel is associated with the release of chemicals inside the body.  Usually the body absorbs or eliminates such chemicals, but high levels of stress can cause excess amounts of these chemicals to accumulate in the tissues of the body, creating imbalances that can eventually result in the development of dangerous illnesses.  Stress can trigger powerful emotions such as frustration, anger and even depression.  The chemical reactions associated with these emotions often lead to headaches and digestive problems, but can manifest as even more tangible complaints such as heart disease, high blood pressure and even stroke.

Massage therapy is one of the leading methods of relieving stress today, although it has been practiced in many cultures for thousands of years.  Its roots can be found in Greek, Roman, Chinese, Indian and Egyptian cultures several thousand years B.C.  Modern massage therapy often combines techniques borrowed from various different cultures to provide the most beneficial treatment possible.  Richmond Hill massage therapy uses all of the best techniques to provide the most effective treatment possible to relieve your stress and leave you feeling rejuvenated and refreshed.

Richmond Hill massage therapy benefits the body in a variety of ways.  It improves circulation, reducing the heart rate and lowering blood pressure.  It also stimulates the flow of lymphatic fluid and endorphins to detoxify the body and relieve pain.  So if you are feeling overwhelmed by stress, why not indulge yourself with massage therapy from Richmond Hill?