Chiropractic & Physiotherapy Clinic in Richmond Hill

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!

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.

Cerebral spinal fluid (also referred to as cerebrospinal fluid CSF) is clear fluid produced by dialysis in the choroid plexus (located in the brain). CSF is a critical component in creating a cushion to protect our brain and our central nervous system. Cerebrospinal fluid is always being produced and should there be any disruption in the production or in the protection of the brain and central nervous system then this means trouble.

Other CSF Functions

Cerebrospinal fluid acts as a chemical buffer giving us immunological protection as well as means for transporting nutrients, metabolic wastes and toxic substances. This fluid provides buoyancy to soft neural tissues which is critical in preventing the brain tissue from deforming from its own weight.

Recent research indicates that cerebrospinal fluid has a major influence on the body's homeostatic balance of acidity and alkalinity. There is also scientific research that indicates that the cerebrospinal fluid could act as a chelating agent by which it removes metallic toxins from the spinal cord and the brain providing protection against free radical oxidation.

Disorders of the CSF flow can affect the distribution neurotransmitters, disrupt the blood flow around the brain, and it can affect normal brain function.

Our bodies produce about one cup of CSF every day because it continuously replaces CSF as it is absorbed. There is a delicate balance between what is absorbed and what is produced and when the balance is off then hydrocephalus occurs. The most common factor that can cause this disruption is an obstruction. If left untreated hydrocephalus can cause cysts, infections, and brain tumors.

CSF Stasis

When the CSF flow becomes stagnant, this is a condition referred to as CSF stasis. CSF stasis is associated with several conditions such as vertebral subluxation complex (or joint fixation). (This is a term applied to a vertebra that has lost its regular position in relation to the vertebrae beside it. Eventually the wear and tear on the surrounding discs, ligaments, spinal muscles, or other spinal tissue causes pain, inflammation, tenderness and there is a decrease in spinal mobility.

CSF stasis also reduces cranial rhythmic impulses and can restrict respiratory function. Reduced levels of cerebrospinal fluid through key areas of the brain is a factor involved in degenerative disease.

Sedentary lifestyles and bad posture are culprits in creating a suitable environment for CSF stasis. A sedentary lifestyle creates poor core strength and muscle imbalances that lead to chronic subluxation patterns throughout the spine.

Improving CSF Flow

A healthy CSF flow depends on minimizing subluxation through corrective chiropractic techniques and specific spinal exercises including yoga.
If there is any ligamentous scar tissue along the pathway in which there is CSF then chiropractic adjustments will help to release this tissue. This allows for better neurological function. Also, chiropractic adjustments help to reinforce healthy soft tissue formation in the subluxated regions. This new healthy tissue allows these areas to have normal, healthy motion.

Chiropractic adjustments will dramatically increase CSF flow to help the blood flow properly around the brain, and to ensure proper distribution of neurotransmitters.
Balance board exercises can help restore and reinforce healthy sacral movement and initiate proper CSF flow. Balance boards have a very small centre of gravity that creates a challenge to the brain's coordinating centers resulting in increased receptor information allowing a greater degree of range of motion and an increased CSF pumping effect.

Repetitive cervical traction exercises put motion into the occipital region of the brain (rearmost portion of the skull). This motion helps to create a pressure change, which assists in the facilitation of the cerebrospinal fluid pump. This allows cleaner CSF to flow into the brain stem region providing fresh oxygen and nutrition.
Chiropractic adjustments unlock stiff areas of the spine and encourages growth of healthy soft tissue. In addition to chiropractic adjustments, specialized exercises will help to restore healthy CSF movement in the central nervous system. As part of your chiropractic treatment plan these exercises and adjustments are specifically designed for you so that your CSF flow returns to normal. In return there will be increased oxygen and nutrient-rich fluid reaching your brain stem and improving your overall health.

If you have concerns about the cerebrospinal fluid in your body not flowing at the rate it should be please 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 attain maximum health. 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.

Spondylolisthesis, (pronounced SPON-dill-oh-lis-THEE-sis) and spondylolysis (pronounced SPON-dee-low-LYE-sis are common causes of low back pain. Spondylolisthesis refers to one vertabra slipping over another in the front of the spine. Spondylolysis is when there is a separation of the small bony arch in the back of the spine located between the facet joints; this is called the pars interarticularis. In more common terms, spondylolisthesis is a stress factor that weakens the bones causing them to lose proper positioned and spondylolysis is a stress fracture in the bones of the spinal column.

Spondylolisthesis & Spondylolysis Similarities and Differences

Spondylolysis is considered the most common reason for lower back pain among young athletes. In fact, research shows that only 3 to 6 percent of the entire population are affected. X-rays are the easiest way to determine that the injured individual has this condition. Spondylolysis generally affects the fifth lumbar vertebra (sometimes the fourth).

Spondylolisthesis more commonly occurs in adolescents than adults. This condition can develop anywhere along the spine however the lower back is the mostly affected. In severe cases, the vertebral bones may press on nerves causing intense pain.

Causes

These spinal conditions are believed to develop as a result of overuse or it can even be hereditary. From a hereditary perspective, research seems to indicate that spondylolysis is more likely to occur in those who were born with thin vertebral bones. Add to this certain sports and activities that place stress on the lower back means the chances of being inflicted with spondylolysis increases.

Sports such as gymnastics, football and weight-lifting can contribute to spondylolysis and spondylolisthesis formation. Individuals who experienced significant periods of rapid growth in their life may also be at risk for vertebral slippage.

Symptoms

It may sound odd but a person may have one of these conditions and not experience any symptoms. When they do occur, the pain is described like having a muscle strain stretch across the lower back. An attempt to continue in activities that require use of the lower back can worsen spondylolysis back pain.

Spondylolisthesis can affect how a person walks and their posture because this may narrow the spinal canal which causes nerve compression. The individual may also experience an upper back ache and spasms that tighten the hamstring muscles.

Diagnosis

Diagnosis of spondylolysis and spondylolisthesis is dependent on a qualified health professional looking at a set of X-rays, a CAT scan, or an MRI scan. In most cases, these conditions are easily seen on an X-ray of the lumbar region.

Treatment

Treatment goals for spondylolysis and spondylolisthesis are simple:

• Pain reduction.
• Allow the fracture to heal.
• Return the patient to their daily activities.

The great news is that treatment is almost always nonsurgical. Most patients with spondylolysis and low-grade spondylolisthesis will greatly improve with nonsurgical treatment.

Nonsurgical treatment may include:

• rest;
• nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs;
• physical therapy; and
• bracing

Improving Stability and Control

One chiropractic approach to the treatment of spondylolisthesis is to strengthen and re-coordinate the deep support muscles of the lower back area. An attempt is made to improve the dynamic stability and control of the spine. The patient may learn spinal stabilization exercises to train the muscles in order to gain stability and control.

Postural Correction

Over time many spondylolisthesis patients may develop postural asymmetries. One important factor in treatment is the correction of any loss of the normal upright alignment of the spine and pelvis. Patients will learn corrective exercises specific for the postural imbalances they have developed.

Orthotics

Depending on the individual’s condition, long-term support of the spine may be required by using custom-made orthotics. A common factor that occurs in many of these patients is that they have low or absent arches in their feet making additional support necessary.

Surgery

Surgery is required only if all other treatment options fail. Nerves that exit the spine must be freed of all pressure by a laminectomy.  However, this is a ‘last resort’ option and only in dire situations. Most patients find relief through regular chiropractic care.

For more information on spondylolisthesis and Spondylolysis feel free to call our office during regular business hours and one of our associates will be please to speak with you. Established in 2007 by Dr. Behfar Sanjari, Chiro-Med Rehab Centre has been committed to providing quality health care services to the Greater Toronto Area for over half a decade. 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.

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

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

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

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

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

Acupuncture

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

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

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

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

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

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

Established in 2007 by Dr. Behfar Sanjari, Chiro-Med Rehab Centre has a proven record of commitment providing quality health care services in the Greater Toronto Area. Chiro-Med Rehab Centre has qualified professionals who can help you develop a personalized plan to help you safely lose weight. We have clinics located in Richmond Hill and Newmarket, visit Chiro-Med online or call 905-918-0419 or 905-235-2620 for more information.

Sources:

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

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

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

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

Chiropractors have cared for children for over a century. Many parents are surprised when they learn that many common childhood ailments respond well to this natural form of health care.

Chiropractic care is complex yet in simplest terms is when there is dysfunction in the spine and its joints it can lead to dysfunction in the central nervous system (CNS). The CNS coordinates and controls all the body’s systems so even if there is some minor issue in the spine, it can create a host of negative effects throughout the entire body. Children are no different from adults when it comes to suffering with dysfunctions in the spine or joints.

A child actually goes through many physical stresses throughout their growing years. Many children attain their full height without any issues and others experience some troubles along the way. If your child appears to be uncomfortable or complains about their back or joints then seeking chiropractic care can help.

The first challenge a growing spine endures is in utero. Many parents are aware that foetal positions such as breech, transverse, brow, etc., can cause problems with the development of the baby’s spine. Spinal segments can be forced out of place by the position of the baby while in utero. It has been shown that if the baby’s position is less than optimal it can result in a longer and more difficult time while making the journey through the birth canal.

Many parents are aware of common problems in newborns such as colic, sleep disturbances, infections, reflux, breastfeeding difficulties and more. These are often traced to an irritated nervous system caused by spinal and cranial misalignments.

Significant spinal trauma can occur at, or prior to birth and as a result many parents choose to have their baby’s spine checked once he or she is born. Learning to hold up the head, sitting upright, crawling, and walking are all milestone activities that are affected by spinal alignment. As a child grows there are so many factors that come into play that warrant a chiropractic check. Some of these factors include carrying heavy backpacks, sports injuries, falls, and sitting all day in school (lack of physical activity in the day). Any one of these is a form of physical stress that can affect the child’s spine and central nervous system.

What Does a First Visit Look Like?

It is really important for a chiropractor to gather as much history as possible about your child’s health. A complete examination of the spine will be conducted and the chiropractor will use gentle techniques to locate and adjust problem areas. At no time will the examination or adjustment cause pain; it is a very gentle procedure (unless there is an injury).

Each child is different so the chiropractic care is specific to each child.

Generally speaking, spinal adjustments for infants and young children are nothing more than a very light fingertip pressure to correct misalignments in the spine. The child will not feel force, he or she will basically feel a ‘finger touch’. In most cases this is all that is needed to restore mobility to spinal joints which have become stiff or locked. Other techniques may involve the use of hand-held instruments which can provide gentle correction.

Chiropractic care for children is usually painless, except in cases where a child has a physical injury. In these cases the child may be sensitive to any touch; however, once the adjustment has been made the area can effectively heal.

How Long Are Treatments?

Children tend to heal faster than adults and this is true in chiropractic care as well. There is no definitive answer to this question because each child is different and the conditions also play a factor in determining how many treatments are required.

Does My Child Have a Problem?

It isn’t always obvious that a child may need chiropractic care. Some symptoms include restricted head movement, one shoulder appears higher than the other, one leg appears longer than the other, disturbed sleeping patterns, or breastfeeding difficulties.

Many childhood disorders are often linked to spinal troubles. Some of these include bed wetting, headaches, colic, reflux, recurrent ear infections, scoliosis, ADHD, persistent sore throats and olds, and even constipation.

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 us for more information.

Shoulder pain is one of the most common physical complaints people have and it's no wonder when you consider how complex this area of the body really is.

Our shoulder is made up of several joints combined with tendons and muscles that permit a good range of motion in the arm. It is also made up of three bones, the humerus (upper arm bone), scapula (shoulder blade), and the clavicle (collarbone). All these different structures that make up the shoulder can be vulnerable to a variety of problems. A frequent source of pain stems from the rotator cuff.

The arm is kept in the shoulder socket by the rotator cuff. These muscles and tendons form a covering around the head of the upper arm bone and attach it to the shoulder blade. The bursa is a lubricating sac situated between the rotator cuff and the acromion (on top of the shoulder). The bursa allows the rotator cuff tendons to glide freely when the arm moves.

The rotator cuff is part of why shoulder impingement syndrome occurs; when the subacromial bursa and the rotator cuff tendons are compressed between the bones of the shoulder, then pain is the result.

Doing work with the arms stretched above the head can cause shoulder soreness for many people but this does not necessarily cause impingement. Shoulder impingement syndrome is diagnosed when the symptoms persist and normal daily activity becomes a struggle. If not treated early, then chronic impingement can lead to rotator cuff tendonitis, bursitis, and if there is no treatment, thinning or rupture of the rotator cuff tendons can occur.

Causes Of Shoulder Impingement Syndrome

Shoulder impingement syndrome tends to be common in young athletes although it can strike anyone at any time. People who use their arms over their head (such as swimmers, tennis players, painters) are particularly vulnerable.

Although there is no definitive cause, pain can also develop as the result of a minor injury.

Symptoms Of Shoulder Impingement Syndrome

Pain that originates from the rotator cuff generally causes local swelling and tenderness in the front of the shoulder. Stiffness and or pain will be apparent when lifting the arm. In addition, there can be pain when lowering the arm from an elevated position.

At first the symptoms may be so mild that seeking diagnosis or treatment isn't even thought about. What is felt may be interpreted as something that is irritating and the individual continues to function while 'putting up' with the discomfort or pain.

As this pain persists and this condition progresses there may be pain felt at night, loss of strength and motion, and simple tasks such as zipping up a pair of pants may become difficult.

If the pain suddenly occurs, the shoulder may be tender and all movement may be painful and very limited.

Diagnosis Of Shoulder Impingement Syndrome

Discussing your symptoms with your health professional is important. A health professional will perform a thorough examination of the shoulder. He or she will check to see whether it is tender in any area and to measure the range of motion of your shoulder, a health professional will have you move your arm in several different directions as well as testing your strength.

Getting a proper diagnosis by a health professional that specializes in this field is important because there may be other possibilities such as a pinched nerve. Chiro-Med Rehab Centre in Richmond Hill has assisted countless individuals obtain a proper diagnosis and has provided treatment geared specific to each individual.

Treatment Of Shoulder Impingement Syndrome

There are several treatment options available at Chiro-Med Rehab Centre. Nonsurgical and noninvasive treatments are prescribed to Chiro-Med patients and the professionals ensure that each person is treated as an individual.

In addition to treatment there is rehabilitation to make sure that everything possible is being completed to thwart off re-occurrences.

Chiro-Med Rehab Centre in Richmond Hill has a proven record of providing quality care and helping people recover from shoulder impingement syndrome.

Tension headaches are one of the most common forms of headaches. Other forms of headaches include migraines, sinus headaches and cluster headaches, but tension headaches seem to be the one type of headache that most people experience. In fact, the World Health Organization recently stated that about half of all adults suffer from headache disorders, including tension headaches.

Canada.com quoted Dr. Shekhar Saxena, WHO's director of mental health and substance abuse disorders on June 20, 2011, "Headache and migraine disorders are greatly underrated and underreported by health systems and receive too little attention." This news story goes on to say that headache disorders (including tension headaches) have a ripple effect. There are huge economic and societal costs that result from time off work.

What Is A Tension Headache?

More often than not, a tension headache is a mild to moderate pain that can be best described as having a tight rubber band squeezing the head. It may also sometimes feel as though the muscles in the head are contracting. Tension headaches are not just restricted to the head because some individuals feel discomfort or pain in the neck or on the scalp.

This headache-type occurs at any age but they are most common in adults.

If a tension headache occurs two or more times with a week and persists for several weeks, then this condition is referred to as being chronic. Sometimes a primary headache can be over-treated therefore a person who is regularly on pain medication for more than three days a week can develop rebound headaches.

Tension Headache Causes

Causes of tension headaches are often when the muscles on the neck and scalp contract – and this is tension. These contractions can be a natural response to various stimuli such as: stress, anxiety, depression or a head injury. In addition, if you engage in an activity that demands your head to be in one position for any length of time without moving it, this can cause a tension headache. Other causes include if you slept in the wrong position or sleeping in a room that's too cold.

According to the National Institutes of Health there are also triggers that can start a tension headache. Some of these triggers include:

• Colds/flu
• Dental problems such as teeth grinding
• Eye strain
• Too much smoking
• Alcohol use
• Excessive caffeine intake
• Nasal congestion/sinus infection
• Fatigue
• Overexertion

Tension Headache Symptoms

Tension headache pain does not throb and it is not a sharp pain. It's pressure with a dull-like pain. There are other symptoms such as the feeling of a tight rubber band on the head and the pressure/pain is felt all over, not isolated in one place. These sensations can be felt on the scalp, at the temples, back of the neck and possibly in the shoulders.

These symptoms may be an isolated event or they may be frequent. The pain may even get worse if triggered by stress, noise, glare or fatigue.

Nausea or vomiting is very rarely associated with this type of headache and sleeping may be very difficult if suffering from a tension headache.

Treatment Options

You can often spot a person who is at the onset or experiencing a tension headache because you see them massaging their temples, neck or scalp. If you find yourself trying to massage yourself and it is not working, then profession massage therapy is a viable treatment option. Massage therapy in Richmond Hill at Chiro-Med Rehab Centre has helped many patients get rid of tension headaches and has worked as a preventative measure.

Other treatments for milder forms of tension headaches include a hot or cold shower or taking an over- the-counter painkiller.

For those who suffer from tension headaches regularly, they may want to examine their lifestyle. If there is an activity that triggers these headaches, implementing some stress-management techniques can help minimize or eliminate these headaches and can have positive outcomes.

If a tension headache occurs often, seek professional help. Should any headache affect your ability to see or speak then call 911 right away. No one needs to suffer with ongoing headaches when treatment options such as massage therapy are available.