Back, neck and sciatica pain can range from a mild nuisance to excruciating pain. According to the Canadian Chiropractic Association, about 4 million Canadians (15 percent of the population) seek the services of a chiropractor every year.

The back is a marvelous mechanical system that contains a complex group of muscles and the spine. The spine consists of 24 vertebrae (small bones) that are stacked on top of one another and together, they are referred to as the vertebral column. In between each of the vertebrae is a gel-like cushion that absorbs pressure and prevents the bones from touching one another; this cushion is called the disc. Ligaments hold the vertebrae together and tendons connect muscles to the vertebral column. Inside the spinal column is a massive collection of nerve fibres transmitting electrical information throughout the entire body. This mechanical system is so complex that when pain strikes, it can detract you from enjoying your day-to-day activities.

What Is Spinal Decompression Therapy?

If you ever get a chance to go to a local park and find a set of high monkey bars, hang from them; the feeling on the back is almost euphoric. Spinal decompression therapy mimics that feeling by providing a mild linear pull on the body. This gentle pull that spinal decompression therapy provides can assist a misaligned disc to be gently manipulated back into place thereby creating adequate space between the vertebrae and when this occurs, higher levels of oxygen and blood will return to the area providing relief. In addition, any pressure on the spinal nerves will be alleviated.

There are several back conditions that can be treated using spinal decompression therapy. People with lumbar strains, sciatic, herniated discs, bulging discs, degenerative discs, degenerative joint disease, and spinal arthritis have all experienced relief through spinal decompression therapy.

To better illustrate what spinal decompression "looks" like, think of the all the vertebrae as Lego® blocks loosely placed one on top of another. Compression of the spine (which occurs through poor posture, daily wear and tear, degenerating discs or injury) is the pushing of the Lego® blocks tightly together, and for the spine, this is not good.

Spinal decompression therapy is painless and each treatment lasts about 20 to 30 minutes.

Spinal Decompression Therapy Research

In a 2003 Orthopedic Technology Review spinal decompression therapy was studied. Patients who suffered at least four weeks of herniated discs or degenerative disc diseases were treated. The results were astounding – 86 percent of those treated reported immediate symptom relief and after the completion of treatment, 90 days later, they were still pain-free.

Are You A Candidate For Spinal Decompression Therapy?

Spinal decompression therapy is generally only one part of a complete treatment plan. There are other therapies a healthcare provider may recommend to help expedite the healing process. If you are want a non-invasive way to combat back problems and are considering spinal decompression therapy, the fully qualified health professionals at Chiro-Med Rehab Centre are only too pleased to answer any questions you may have. Put an end to back pain and call Chiro-Med Rehab Centre today. Start your road to recovery by booking your appointment today.

Iliotibial band syndrome (ITBS), is a common injury that occurs in the thigh especially among those who enjoy running, hiking, cycling and those who do squats while weight-lifting. The iliotibial band is a superficial thickening of tissue on the thigh that extends from the outer pelvic area (at the tensor fascia latae muscle) and stretches down to just below the knee.

Causes Of Iliotibial Band Syndrome

Iliotibial band syndrome can be caused if an individual has weak hip abductor muscles or a weak/non-firing multifidus muscle. (Although it was several years ago, the Clinical Journal of Sports Medicine , July 2000, published results from an interesting study that compared 24 runners who suffered with ITBS with 30 healthy runners. They found that the injured runners had significantly weaker hip abductors than the healthy runners.)

If a person has abnormalities in their leg or feet such as an uneven leg length, high or low arches, bowlegs, or supination of the foot then they may be prone to ITBS.

In addition, if a person runs, then they too may get iliotibial band syndrome if they:

• Engage in excessive running up and/or down a hill.
• Run up and down stairs.
• Run on a banked surface.

Iliotibial Band Syndrome Symptoms

ITBS symptoms range from a somewhat stinging sensation that occurs just above the knee joint (on the outside area where the iliotibial band is located) to tissue swelling (or thickening) where the band moves over the femur. The individual may not feel pain right away during an activity but it may intensify over a period of time. ITBS is typically progressive, starting with tightness and often advancing to the point where the pain is debilitating. When the pain has progressed, it is most severe when the individual walks or runs as the heel strikes the ground. Pain radiates from the knee up the leg to the hip. Pain may also be experienced as the knee flexes, especially when walking up or down stairs.

Pain is a signal to the individual or to the runner that a problem exists. Continuing activities that cause pain is not advised – rest and ice is recommended. If pain persists then this may also be a signal that perhaps there is a biomechanical problem that may lead to further injuries.

ITBS Treatments

Stretching is an important part of a treatment program to help alleviate the pain of ITBS. In addition to stretches that are recommended by a health professional, deep tissue massage along the full length of the iliotibial band will help.

Stretching and massage must be done by a health professional that has the experience in working with ITBS patients. Chiro-Med Rehab Centre has worked with many ITBS patients and they know that healing is only half of the treatment.

In addition to the healing phase, there is a very important phase, that being the strengthening of the hip and thigh muscles.  This process is best done under the supervision of a health professional who helps the patient with what specific exercises must be done in order to strengthen muscles, not re-injure them.

Physical therapy may not be enough, because if the cause of ITBS is mechanical, then the patient may require proper shoes or orthotics. Orthotic shoe inserts can help to correct imbalances.

As with any injury, following the direction of your health professional is important in order to facilitate healing, recovery and rebuilding. Chiro-Med Rehab Centre in Richmond Hill has a convenient location and highly qualified health professionals to help you get back to activities you once enjoyed. Call 905-918-0419 for more information.

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

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

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

Studies Prove the Benefits of Chiropractic Care for the Mature.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Chiropractic care can help avert these and other health issues. For more information or should you have any questions, please contact Chiro Med Rehab Centre. Chiro-Med Rehab Centre in Richmond Hill has professionals on staff that can help you maintain good health. Our walk-in clinic is conveniently located at 10144 Yonge Street, just north of Major MacKenzie Drive in the heart of Richmond Hill. Visit Chiro-Med online or call 905-918-0419 for more information.

Sources:

Seniors and Injury in Canada

Piriformis syndrome is a condition where the piriformis muscle (located in the hip) compresses and irritates the sciatic nerve. This results in pain, numbness and general discomfort in the buttocks, lower thighs, legs and lower back (this pain is often referred to as "sciatica"). The sciatic nerve starts in the spine and runs down the back of a person's leg.

The piriformis muscle helps with the lateral rotation of the thigh, and is instrumental for walking since it shifts the body weight to the other side of the foot that is being lifted, thereby keeping a person from falling over.

Causes Of Piriformis Syndrome

Piriformis syndrome can be caused by:

• Inactive gluteal muscles
• Prolonged external rotation of the hip, resulting in the shortening of the piriformis muscle (e.g. when a person sits with their hips flexed for extended periods of time)
• Overuse injury resulting from activities that are performed in the sitting position along with strenuous use of the legs (e.g. rowing, bicycling or sculling)
• Repetitive forward movements that lead to weak hip abductors, tight adductors and a resultant shortening and contraction of the piriformis muscle
• Overpronation of the feet, where a person initially makes contact with the ground on the lateral side of the heel while walking or running

When sciatica occurs and there is no clear spinal reason for the pain then piriformis syndrome is often considered as a possible diagnosis.

Symptoms And Diagnosis Of Piriformis Syndrome

Sciatic pain (sciatica) in the buttocks, thighs and lower legs is the predominant symptom of piriformis syndrome.

Diagnosis is clinical in nature, and relies upon the determined exclusion of other causes of sciatica. Physical examination consists of stretching the piriformis muscle in an attempt to provoke sciatic nerve compression. Types of maneuvers used are the Freiberg, Pace, and FAIR (flexion, adduction, internal rotation) exercises. Conditions that these exercises rule out (as the cause of sciatica) are herniated
nucleus propulsus (HNP), stenosis, facet arthropathy and lumbar muscle strains.

MRI, CT, ultrasound, EMG scans and magnetic resonance neurography (an imaging technique) can also be used to exclude conditions that result in sciatica.

Treatment Of Piriformis Syndrome

Our Richmond Hill Chiropractic, Physiotherapy and Massage Therapy center can help treat piriformis syndrome via:

• Proper stretching exercises and massage therapy that targets the piriformis muscle as well
  as the hamstrings and hip muscles
• Physical therapy, designed to strengthen the core muscles involved (e.g. abdomen, back, etc.)
  thereby reducing strain on the piriformis muscle
• Teaching you how to perform these exercises yourself
• Ice and heat therapy
• Ultrasound therapy
• Gait correction (teaching you proper walking and running techniques)
• Custom orthotics, used for both treatment and prevention

Piriformis syndrome is a debilitating condition that results in pain and discomfort, reducing a person's quality of life by limiting their physical activities.

Fortunately there are things that can be done to treat and prevent this condition.

Chiro-Med Rehab Centre has the necessary knowledge and expertise to start you on the road to recovery today. Try our services: we will have you back on your feet and feeling better, letting you get back to those activities that you love to do!

Core stability is at the centre of improving your winter sports performance. No matter what sport you participate for enjoyment or for competition, improving your ability to become better includes core stability.

The body’s core is often overlooked by many when they are trying to improve their skiing, skating, curling or any other winter sport they partake in. The central core of the body must be in great shape in order for us to be maximum for stabilization. Core stability for every one of us can be viewed as though it is a pillar; pillars are used as support for a building. In an active individual minimizing joint loads, regardless of the activity, is essential in helping to prevent injury and this is part of what core stability can provide.

Like any other part of our body, strengthening the core takes special exercises. These muscles are located deep inside. They include:

• The transversus abdominus is a very important core muscle. From the back it wraps around the torso, the top of the pelvis and attaches to the fascia pubic bone. It adds stability to the pelvis and lower back and compresses the abdominal area.
• The lumbar multifidus is on an angle from the sides to the tips of the vertebrae. Due to the angle, it helps with rotational stability. Many studies have shown that those with chronic lower back pain tend to have significant atrophy of the multifidus.
• The pelvic floor muscles connect the sacrum and pelvis to the pubic bone and these stabilize the bottom of the abdominal cavity. The pelvis floor, transversus abdominus and multifidus work together to stabilize the pelvis. The best way to strengthen the pelvic floor is by doing Kegel exercises.
• The transversospinalis muscles run from the sides of the vertebrae to the tips of the vertebrae. These muscles are also important for rotational stability.
• We have two oblique muscles and the internal oblique is the deeper of the two. It runs on an angle from the pelvis up to the ribs. In addition to helping stabilize the core, it also helps spine mobility.

All of the deep core muscles are very important for athletes and for all of us. When you perform movements (or exercises) that require the spine to be stable, you need these core muscles working well for you.

Those in martial arts have known for decades that well-developed inner core muscles are required in order to avert injuries and to produce powerful, balanced and solid movements effectively. When the core muscles are not in shape then core stability is not where it should be therefore athletic performance is not what it can be, strains are common, and susceptibility to injuries increases.

Regardless of it being a winter sport or any physical activity, developing core stability will also help with better posture, which is critical if you are active in winter sports (as well as for anyone). Better posture also leads to a better functioning respiratory system. Regardless of whether you are an athlete at the competitive level or an individual who just likes to participate in a winter activity once in a while, developing core stability leads to overall better health.

Simple At-Home Core Stability Exercises

Make a Bridge

Lay on the floor with your feet flat on the floor and your knees bent. Squeeze your gluteals and push upward with your hip until your body makes a straight line from your knees to the upper body. Shoulders remain on the floor.

One Hand Flying

Kneel on the floor and put your hands (flat) below your shoulders and be sure that your knees are below your hips. Slowly extend the left leg back and the right arm forward as far as you can. Maintain that straight line as long as you are able, slowly bring back and then repeat with the opposite hand and leg.

Legs Up

Lay on your back with both knees bent. Tighten your abdominal muscles and slowly lift one leg straight into the air. Once as high as you are able, hold that position. Keep you knee slightly bent at all times. Slowly lower the leg then repeat with the opposite leg. Try lifting both legs at the same time as high as you are able, hold, and slowly lower.

These are some examples of how easy it is to start working on tightening your core muscles so you can improve core stability. Once you have improved your core stability you’ll notice a huge difference in your performance on the ice, on the ski slopes or anywhere else you enjoy sports.

If you need assistance or need some advice in strengthening your core muscles Chiro-Med Rehab Centre in Richmond Hill can help. Chiro-Med Rehab Centre has a convenient location and highly qualified health professionals to help you lessen your chances of injury. Visit Chiro Med online or call 905-918-0419 for more information.

Cycling is a popular fun activity not to mention a form of transportation for many individuals. A bicycle is considered a vehicle under the Ontario Highway Traffic Act (HTA); this means a cyclist has the same rights and responsibilities to obey all traffic laws. HTA 104 states:

Every cyclist under the age of eighteen must wear an approved bicycle helmet. Parents or guardians shall not knowingly permit cyclists under sixteen to ride without a helmet. Set fine: $60.00

Although there are no helmet laws for adults there is not a doubt that wearing a helmet can ultimately save a person from incredible harm and possibly death.

A report by the Ontario coroner’s office (The Cycling Death Review) found that almost 75 percent of the 129 cyclists killed in Ontario between 2006 and 2012 were not wearing helmets. There is not a doubt that helmets save lives.

Many have argued that helmets are invasive and violate personal rights. Some have even said that when they grew up there were no helmets and “they did just fine”. Bottom line, this is a different world we live in now; more cars, more distracted drivers, and even many cyclists are distracted because they’re wearing ear buds.  The chances of an accident happening now versus many years ago have increased exponentially.  In fact, those who ride a bike without a helmet triple their chances of a fatality due to a head injury than those who wear a helmet. (The Toronto Star: Cyclists without helmets triple their chance of death by head injury. Oct. 15, 2012.)

There is not a doubt that helmets save lives, not just for children but for adults as well. They also help to prevent head injuries.

Choosing the Right Helmet

Cycling helmets come in three basic styles; multi-use, mountain and road.  A multi-use helmet is a great choice for not just cyclists but also inline skaters. (Skateboarders need a special type of helmet.)

Road helmets are preferred by those hard core cyclists because they have generous ventilation, have an aerodynamic design and they do not weigh much.

Mountain bike helmets are well-noted for the visors, ventilate well at low speeds, and there is enhanced rear-head coverage with a firm, secure fit for the rough terrain.

Hockey helmets are much different because they are designed to take several impacts. (They must be replaced if damaged and this includes loose fitting or missing liner pieces. If the helmet has undergone a severe blow then it should be replaced.)

Getting the Right Size

There is no “one size fits all” helmet that can be considered safe. A good fit is crucial. Even if a helmet is a single size it must be adjustable.

The best way to determine what size helmet is best for you is to measure your head. Wrap a flexible tape measure around the largest part of your head (this is about an inch above the eyebrows). Look for a helmet that matches your measurement.

Wear the Helmet Properly

Once you have a helmet that is the right size it will inevitably need some adjustments. When you make the adjustments the helmet should feel snug, not tight. It needs to sit level on your head (not tilted) and the front edge should not be more than one inch (width of two fingers) above your eyebrows.

When to Replace a Helmet

If there has been a crash in which the cyclist has hit their head then the helmet needs to be replaced. It is also recommended that helmets be replaced every five years. This is because the plastics on the helmet dry out and become brittle with age. After a crash in which the head was hit, the foam inside the helmet usually becomes compressed hence the reason for replacing it.

If you or someone you know has suffered a head injury and has not found relief then consider chiropractic care. Chiropractic care has made amazing advances over the years and there are many possible ways to treat symptoms from a head injury through our concussion management program.

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. 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.

Sinus pain (sinusitis) and pressure can lead to headaches that can have a huge impact on your quality of life. For some individuals, the pain can be so severe it is crippling. If you suffer from sinus pain and pressure, or sinus headaches, chiropractic care can help.

Sinuses

Sinuses are cavities that are in the forehead (frontal sinuses); between the eyes (ethmoid and sphenoid sinuses); and in the cheekbones (maxillary sinuses). These cavities filter and moisten the air that is inhaled and they give resonance to our voice. Sinuses are lined with fine hair-like cells called cilia. Cilia help to drain mucous through the sinus passages into the nose.

Defining Sinusitis

Sinusitis, or sinus infections, is also commonly referred to as rhinosinusitis. This condition occurs when the sinus openings become blocked or too much mucous builds up causing one or more of the cavities to become inflamed or swollen. Allergic rhinitis or asthma can be associated with chronic sinusitis as well.

Sinus infections can be either acute (sudden) or chronic (long-term). With a chronic sinus infection, the infection or inflammation does not completely go away for 12 weeks or more. Typically these occur after a cold, an allergy attack or from pollutants in the environment.

Acute sinusitis often occurs in those with weakened immune systems and it is almost always viral. A small percentage of these individuals will develop a secondary bacterial infection with streptococci, pneumococci, Haemophilus influenzae, Moraxella catarrhalis, or staphylococci.

Chronic sinusitis involves many factors that can combine to create chronic inflammation. Chronic allergies, structural abnormalities, environmental irritants, mucociliary dysfunction, and other factors interact with infectious organisms to cause chronic sinusitis. The organisms are commonly bacterial but may be fungal. Many bacteria have been implicated; however, in a few cases, chronic maxillary sinusitis is secondary to a dental infection.

Allergic fungal sinusitis is a form of chronic sinusitis characterized by diffuse nasal congestion, markedly viscid nasal secretions, and, often, nasal polyps. It is an allergic response to the presence of topical fungi, usually Aspergillus.

Specific Causes of Sinusitis

Those who smoke or work with children can be at risk for developing sinusitis. Even pregnancy or development disorders such as cystic fibrosis can be an antecedent to getting sinusitis.  Other causes include:

• Inflammatory and infectious causes that are related to bacterial, viral, and fungal infections, as well as allergies and polyps.
• Tumours in the nose and sinuses.
• Anatomical causes such as a deviated septum or enlarged turbinates in the nose.
• Immunocompromised states such as diabetes or HIV infection.
• Prolonged ICU stays, severe burns, and ciliary dyskinesia.

Symptoms

If you have sinus congestion, discharge, and pressure with facial pain or headaches this could mean you simply have a cold. However, if the discharge from your nose is yellow or discoloured you may have a sinus infection. Also, when you bend over and the pressure intensifies, then chances are you have sinusitis.

Prevention Tips

Hand washing is perhaps the most important key to protecting ourselves not just from sinusitis, but other infectious conditions.  Washing hands isn’t just running our hands through water; it is using soap and water and scrubbing up to about 10 or 15cm above the wrist for minimum 10 seconds. Removing all jewellery is important and making sure between the fingers and under the nails are attended to as well.

We should be washing our hands:

• When we come home from anywhere.
• Before eating food.
• After petting our dogs or cats.
• After toileting.
• Most importantly, before touching our face.

Wash your vegetables and fruits before you prepare them. Many people still are not coughing or sneezing the way they should be . . . into their sleeve or a tissue. People are coughing and sneezing either into their hands or over produce in grocery stores!

Germs are commonly spread by the respiratory droplets emitted from sneezing and coughing. When they land on your hands, they’re transmitted to door knobs, elevator buttons, food, desk tops, and other surfaces the people around you are likely to also touch.

The CDC reports on their website:

• It is estimated that washing hands with soap and water could reduce diarrheal disease-associated deaths by up to 50%.
• Researchers in London estimate that if everyone routinely washed their hands, a million deaths a year could be prevented.
• A large percentage of foodborne disease outbreaks are spread by contaminated hands. Appropriate hand washing practices can reduce the risk of foodborne illness and other infections.
• Hand washing can reduce the risk of respiratory infections by 16%.

Keep the Immune System Healthy

A compromised immune system is an invitation to many health conditions, not just sinusitis. Food and food substances such as refined sugar, processed foods, pop and other sugary beverages will compromise the immune system.

Eating healthy is critical in order to maintain a healthy immune system. If possible, on a regular basis eat different mushrooms and seaweeds as these contain beta glucans which are critical to a healthy immune system.

Chiropractic Care

In order to help prevent or treat sinusitis, chiropractic care can help. A qualified health professional is your best ally when seeking help.

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 the services you need. Chiro Med has clinics located in Richmond Hill and Newmarket, visit Chiro-Med online or call 905-918-0419 or 905-235-2620 for more information.

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

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

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