Lumbar sprains and lumbar strains are the most common cause of low back pain. When the muscle fibers in the lower back are stretched or torn in an abnormal manner then this is lumbar strain. A lumbar sprain is slightly different; this is the result of when ligaments are torn from where they attach.

Sometimes telling the difference between a sprain and a strain can be difficult because both injuries show similar symptoms. The medical profession refers to both injuries as a category called "musculoligamentous injuries" of the lumbar spine. As a rule, it doesn't really matter what you call this problem because the treatment for both back sprains and strains is the same.

Sprains And Strains Are Common

There is not a doubt that back sprains and strains are very common. To understand why this is let's look at the spine. The spine is supported by the paraspinal muscles, and these are quite large. They support both the spinal column as well as the weight of the upper body. Tough ligaments connect the five lumbar vertebrae and this greatly aids in maintaining the position of the spinal column.

The bones, ligaments and muscles all work together to provide strength and control for the body to be able to engage in all physical activities. The lumbar spine and all the muscles there are required for most of all the physical activities and movements therefore this makes this area prone to injury. Once injury occurs then a person is prevented from being able to freely move without pain or discomfort.

Lumbar Sprain Or Strain Symptoms

The vast majority of lumbar sprains and strains create symptoms isolated to the lower back. The most common symptoms people experience include:

• Lower back muscle spasms.
• Pain associated with movement and is often relieved when rested.
• Low back and upper buttock area experiences pain.

What causes these symptoms to occur is inflammation of the soft-tissues. The inflammation causes discomfort and pain and this can result in muscle spasms. Many people are surprised with just how painful and sometimes debilitating a lumbar sprain or strain can truly be. Some people are bed ridden for a day or two and experience intermittent symptoms for weeks on end. However, most people are completely recovered within a month if they receive proper treatment.

Why Do Some People Suffer More Than Others?

There are so many factors that come into play that determine the level of pain felt and for how long.

First, most injures occur when a person is putting strain on their back that they are not accustomed to. This can be a sudden 'wrong' movement, lifting a heavy object incorrectly, twisting the back in an odd way, or sometimes just the lack of movement or exercise – and then exerting oneself when the body is not used to it. Lifting incorrectly is one of the more common causes of lumbar sprain or strain injuries.

Other factors that can contribute to lumbar sprains or strains include obesity, smoking, poor conditioning and once again, to really emphasize – improper lifting of objects. If you have persistent problems in your lumbar area then you may have lumbar sprain or lumbar strain.

Treatment Of Lumbar Strain Or Lumbar Sprain

Massage therapy in Richmond Hill is one method of treatment. Proper conditioning is essential to recover from this ailment and to prevent this from happening. Stretching and strengthening the back muscles can greatly help control the inflammation and improve the overall condition of the lumbar back muscles. The exercises of course cannot be painful but it is really important that exercises that are suggested by your Richmond Hill Chiropractor are adhered to because if they are done incorrectly or not at all then deconditioning will set in. This is not good when wanting recovery.

If you consider yourself to be in good shape you may have weak lumbar muscles. When a lumbar injury occurs, you should perform specific exercises that stretch and strengthen the muscles of the low back, hips and abdomen as prescribed by your Richmond Hill Chiropractor.

Chiro-Med Rehab Centre in Richmond Hill has friendly and fully-qualified professionals who will put you onto the road of recovery.

Most of us hear how important good posture is and unfortunately there are some who don’t understand why until it is too late. Our core muscles play a very important role in our posture. Imagine your core muscles as a link that connects the upper and lower body. Whether you’re hitting a baseball or sweeping the floor the motions for these actions either flow through or originate in your core. Regardless of where motion originates it ripples through your body. The condition of your core muscles determine how well (or not well) your arms and legs physically function. Having a strong core is essential for good health, a nice posture, great balance, and stability. If your core muscles are not in shape then this makes you more susceptible to falls, injuries and back problems.

Let’s look at some ways in which strong core muscles can help you.

Every day movements. We tend to take for granted the ability to bend over and put on our shoes, to pick up a box, or to do our household chores. The ability to perform even these simplest of tasks calls on the core muscles.

At work. There are many jobs in which we twist, lift and even stand for long periods of time. Sitting at a desk also requires the use of core muscles. The more out of shape your core muscles are the faster you’ll become stiff and possibly even sore. Taking breaks, stretching and making sure your posture is good is critical.

Good back health. Far too many people suffer from back pain and most of this can be prevented by exercises that promote strong core muscles.

Good posture. Weak core muscles contribute to slouching and over a period of time this will cause a myriad of back problems. Strong core muscles lessen the stress on the spine and allows you to breathe better as well.

What Exactly Are Core Muscles?

Strong core muscles are not washboard abs. Our core muscles are hidden beneath the exterior muscles. These deeper muscles include the transverse abdominals, the pelvic floor, the diaphragm and many other deep muscles.

Your core muscles are known as either stabilizers or movers.

• The stabilizer muscles attach directly to the spine and support its movement.
• The movers are the muscles that support the stabilizer muscles and work with them to move your body.
• Core muscles work together to support and move the body safely. They provide essential support that allows you to move your body to do everyday tasks and participate in physical activity.

Protect Your Inner Organs

Healthy core muscles help to protect vital systems in our body. Your core is not only where your organs and central nervous system do their work, it’s also where your body’s largest (and most important) veins and arteries are based. Keeping strong core muscles helps to ensure everything stays protected as you move through your day. Movements can be restricted when our core muscles are not strengthened and worse, eventually pain moves in.

Increase Your Posture Awareness

Increasing core strength will naturally change the way you carry yourself. Good posture is chest out, shoulders back and holding your head back so that your ears are over your shoulders. We all should be doing this naturally yet we are not. Becoming more aware of our posture is important.

Try these two mental exercises no matter where you are.

• Pretend you’re a balloon rising up with air. Most of the muscles that hold our body up are vertical. As you breathe in think of yourself as being a balloon and you’ll feel your posture improve.
• Think of a string. Align your head over your shoulders and lifting it up, as though a string is pulling it from the top; this allows your shoulders to drop and open while pulling in the abdominals. This will work whether you are sitting, standing or walking.

How Can You Build Core Strength?

Working on your core muscles is different from strength-training. Yoga, pilates and stability balls are great for working your core muscles because many moves you can do with these target those muscle groups.

There are countless other activities to strengthen your core, from swimming to kick boxing. You can also try some specific exercises including the classic sit-up. Starting a routine that’s right for you includes getting professional advice. Chiro-Med Rehab Centre in Richmond Hill and Newmarket can assist you in strengthening your core muscles.

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

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.

Causes Of Meidal Epicondylitis

The common name of golfer's elbow suggests a cause; however you do not have to play golf to develop meidal epicondylitis. In fact, golfer's elbow is more commonly seen in people who do not play golf. Activities involving repetitive wrist flexion against resistance, forceful, or repetitive gripping of the hand is typically how this develops.

These activities may include manual labour as well as sports.
Some activities include:

• Body building or weight lifting
• Wood working or carpentry
• Hammering
• Painting
• Bricklaying
• Repetitive use of a screwdriver
• Sewing
• Knitting
• Working at a computer
• Golf
• Tennis
• Badminton
• Gymnastics
• Water skiing
• Squash

Patients usually develop this condition following a sudden increase in activities that place stress on the forearm flexors or due to a change in activities. Less frequently, this condition can develop suddenly. This is usually due to a forceful movement that involves a gripping force through the arm or heavy lifting.

There is an increased likelihood of getting meidal epicondylitis if the patient has a history of shoulder, elbow, wrist or neck injury.

Symptoms Of Meidal Epicondylitis

As a rule, golfer's elbow symptoms usually develop gradually over a period of time. Initially, symptoms may be a mild ache that follows an aggravating or unaccustomed activity. This ache may also be felt first thing in the morning following an activity. Patients with meidal epicondylitis usually experience localized elbow pain about 1 to 2 cm down from the bony lump on the inner aspect of the elbow. This pain tends to increase when firmly touching this area. Occasionally, the pain may shoot into the forearm.

In less severe cases patients may only experience a minor ache. In more severe cases, the pain can be quite excruciating and can prevent the patient from sleeping at night. Usually pain is experienced as an ache that increases to a sharper pain as activity level increases. Occasionally, golfer's elbow can be associated with shoulder, upper back or neck pain on the same side

Patients with golfer's elbow often experience an increase of pain during everyday activities including simple tasks such as picking up a cup, turning a handle, opening a jar, shaking hands, carrying groceries or even turning the steering wheel of a car. Elbow stiffness is generally worse first thing in the morning.

Meidal Epicondylitis Treatment

Most cases of meidal epicondylitis are treated with appropriate physiotherapy. This includes a thorough assessment by the physiotherapist to determine exactly what factors have contributed to the development of this problem so that prevention is taken into account.

Our Richmond Hill Chiropractic, Massage Therapy and Physiotherapy centre can help diagnose and treat meidal epicondylitis. Physiotherapy focuses on evaluating, restoring, and maintaining physical function – this is why so many people choose Chiro-Med Rehab Centre in Richmond Hill.

The Chiro-Med Rehab Centre has the necessary knowledge and expertise to start you on the road to recovery today. As professionals we can recommend the type of treatment needed and effectively implement that treatment, getting you back up and running into your routines in as little time as possible!

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!

Omega-3 is in a group of essential fatty acids that you’ve probably heard of before; they are one of the mainstays of the nutrition industry, with a market value of roughly $1.6 billion industry wide.  And you’ve probably also heard that they’re good for you, with a wide range of health benefits, including being good for your heart, good for your brain, and that they help reduce inflammation in the body. Interestingly, many people remain unaware of the health benefits that Omega-3 has to offer when it comes to bone health. If you needed yet another reason for adding foods rich in omega-3 into your diet, get ready to add improved bone health to your list.

Our bodies cannot manufacture Omega-3 and as such it is vitally important to our health that our diets contain food sources with enough Omega-3 in them. In fact, diets deficient in Omega-3 fatty acids have been linked to a wide range of serious health issues relating to the brain, nerves, eyes, and the immune system. But did you know that being deficient in Omega-3 fatty acids could also lead to poor bone health?

Just like our skin or muscle tissue, bone is a living tissue. The body is always undergoing a constant process of making new bone matter and removing old bone matter. However, during early childhood and adolescence, the body produces new bone matter at a much faster rate than it removes old bone matter, leading to our bones becoming denser during this time period. By about age 30, our bones reach their peak density. This is important because the amount of bone mass you have in your early 30s helps determine your risk of developing osteoporosis later in life.  During these formative years, it has been demonstrated that Omega-3 is positively associated with increased bone mineral density, meaning that people with higher concentrations of Omega-3 fatty acids in their blood build stronger bones during the body’s peak years for bone density formation, setting the stage for better bone health later on in life.

In fact, recent studies have begun to demonstrate how low levels of Omega-3 fatty acids in the blood stream may lead to the increased risk of bone fractures in older people, notably with hip fractures in postmenopausal women. With broken hips being one of the most common fracture-related injuries associated with osteoporosis, affecting one out of every 2 women above age 50, this is an significant finding for women. And while it’s important that everyone gets Omega-3 in their diet on a daily basis to help promote healthy bones, for women in their menopausal years it isn’t just important, it is crucial. When women go through menopause, they experience a rapid reduction in bone mineral density. Higher omega-3 fatty acid concentrations are thought to improve bone mineral density, and recent studies have begun to show just how true this idea is.

So now that you know that Omega-3 is good for your body, playing a vital role in maintaining healthy bones, what foods should you start trying to work into your diet? Foods such as fatty fish (i.e., salmon, herring, mackerel) along with plant foods such as walnuts, flax, wild rice, and certain omega-enriched dairy products are all good examples of food high in Omega-3s that you can add into your diet to help support your bone health.  While some risk factors for osteoporosis can’t be changed, such as gender or ethnicity, diet is one thing that can be controlled. By eating a diet rich in calcium and Omega-3, and getting plenty of physical exercise and vitamin D, people may be able to build strong bones that can last a lifetime.

Established in 2007 by Dr. Behfar Sanjari, Chiro-Med Rehab Centre has been committed to providing quality health care services to the Greater Toronto Area for over half a decade. Chiro-Med Rehab Centre has qualified professionals who can help you come up with a personalized plan to ensure the long term health of your bones, skeletal system and over all well-being. Our walk-in clinic in 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.

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.

Do you need maintenance chiropractic care? Before answering this question, let’s examine some of the evidence that has recently come to the forefront.
In the past two years there have been several studies that demonstrate how maintenance chiropractic care is beneficial for helping to prevent reoccurrence of lower back problems. What is even more exciting about the news is that some of these studies were published in medical journals.

In the April 2011 issue of the Journal of Occupational and Environmental Medicine, an article was published about a study that followed 894 workers’ compensation cases for one year to see their response to chiropractic care as compared to other types of care. The stated objective of this study was “To compare occurrence of repeated disability episodes across types of health care providers who treat claimants with new episodes of work-related low back pain (LBP).”

The results showed that when compared to physical therapists and medical doctors, the group of patients that had chiropractic care had the lowest rate of disability recurrence over the one year period. What this study showed was that when injured workers continued with chiropractic care, their rate of disability or re-injury in the year after the original accident was less than those workers under other types of medical care.

The Faculty of Medicine at Mansoura University (Egypt) conducted a study and found that maintenance care provides benefits for those suffering from chronic low back pain.

Spinal manipulation (SMT) is a common treatment option used by some chiropractors for treating low back pain. Many clinical trials have taken place to evaluate maintenance for different subgroups of acute and chronic low back pain patients but not for maintenance spinal manipulative therapy in chronic low back pain sufferers.

In this particular study, sixty patients with chronic, nonspecific low back pain that was persistent minimum six months were randomized into three groups:

1. Twenty of those studied received twelve treatments of sham spinal manipulative therapy over a thirty day period.
2. Twenty of them received twelve treatments of spinal manipulative therapy during a thirty day period, with no maintenance care during the following nine months.
3. Twenty of them received 12 spinal manipulative therapy visits throughout the first month, followed by maintenance spinal manipulative therapy every second week for the next nine months.

In order to determine any difference researchers measured pain and disability scores, back-specific patient satisfaction, and generic health status; and these scores were reviewed at the one month, four month, seven month and at the ten month mark.

At the end of the first one month period, patients in groups 2 and 3 experienced significantly lower pain and disability scores than the sham group

At the ten month follow-up, only the maintenance group (number 3) maintained improvements in pain and disability

This was the first medically managed trial that clearly demonstrated that chiropractic maintenance care provides improved results to those who suffer from chronic low back pain.
So now to answer the question, do you need maintenance chiropractic care? The evidence for maintenance chiropractic care benefiting patients is now there. For many chiropractic patients, receiving ongoing care is in their best interests. No two people are alike and even though the evidence is there, having a consultation with a chiropractor is the best way to get a definite yes or no as to whether or not maintenance care is for you.

Chiro-Med Rehab Centre in Richmond Hill can help you determine if maintenance care is for you. Chiro-Med has a convenient location and highly qualified health professionals to help you with all your chiropractic needs. Call 905-918-0419 for more information or to book your appointment!