Chiropractic & Physiotherapy Clinic in Richmond Hill

Never underestimate the power of having great posture. Far too many people walk and sit in positions that will cause them problems later in life. Sitting slumped over, the head drooping forward, and having the back hunched are all ways to cause some serious back issues as you age. The great news is that it’s pretty much safe to say it’s never too late to change; make no mistake though, if bad posture is all you have been accustomed to then changing to good posture will take a conscious effort over a period of time. Of course, if you are younger, maintaining great posture as you age makes life a whole lot easier.

Good posture helps you to breathe deeper. When we’re slouched over we tend to become shallow breathers and this is not healthy. The deeper we breathe, the better we feel. Taking a really deep breath every half hour or so helps to infuse oxygen into your body that helps you feel more alert.

What is a Good Sitting Posture?

When sitting at a desk the best position to have your legs in is making sure your knees are level with your hips. If necessary a footrest can be used to help. Adjust your chair so that you can use the keyboard with your wrists and forearms straight and level with the floor. This goes a long way to preventing repetitive strain injuries. Elbows are best positioned by the side of your body so that the arm forms a 90 degree angle at the elbow joint.
Feet are always best positioned flat on the floor. Crossing legs is bad for circulation and it can also cause posture-related problems.

The screen should be directly in front of you and the monitor is best positioned an arm’s length away with the middle of the monitor roughly at eye level. The mouse should be as close to you as possible.

If you are sitting in a social situation, at home, at the dinner table, it’s always important to try and remember not to cross the legs – although that is very hard to do for most of us. If you lean on a table be sure to keep your shoulders back and the back straight.

On the sofa watching a movie is when all tend to be in relax mode and good posture is the last thing on our mind. Often sofas are too deep or too low which encourages a slouch position. If you’re there for a long movie you may want to consider getting high-density foam or a good cushion to raise your elevation that will promote good posture.

If you’re reading and your head has to slouch down use pillows to prop up the level of the book.

Using cushions to help support your body not only can help with good posture, they can be really enhance your comfort level too!

What is a Good Standing Posture?

When standing the shoulders should be back, the chest slightly out, and the ears should be positioned over the shoulders (they should be this way as well when sitting). Try to stand with equal weight on both legs rather than on one leg.

If you’re in a kitchen sometimes slouching sets in because for those who are taller, kitchen countertops are low and slouching happens automatically – sitting on a bar stool can help.

Keeping Fit

Having a good level of fitness throughout your entire life, regardless of age is important in maintaining good posture. If you rarely walk or do any physical moving then you become at risk for injuries that can happen much easier such as sprains, strains, and much more. If your ankles, knees, or hips are compromised then this can affect your posture.

Entering the mature years with good posture along with a healthy diet, and regular exercise helps to keep your bones strong which are critical in our senior years because we all lose some bone density. The more you lose the more susceptible to injuries you become. Our genetics and lifestyle dictates just how much we lose so it only makes sense to maintain your posture as you age.

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.

As we age, it is no surprise that we lose bone density and the risk for debilitating fractures increases. The good news is that there are several preventative measures to take in order to maintain strong bones and prevent the risk of fractures. The two most important factors for bone health are physical activity and nutrition.

Activity Builds Bone Strength

Bones need vibration to stay healthy. Space exploration has proven that if a healthy and fit adult spends a few months on the space station they risk losing a lifetime of bone density; this is why astronauts must use the mini gym in the space lab.

Bones need physical stress to stay strong and not surprisingly, weight bearing exercises (such as walking) and strength training (weights) are amazing for the bones. Taking only nutrients for bone health is not enough to maintain bone density.

Most people are not getting enough activity according to most experts. Some experts recommend walking 10,000 steps every day and although this may sound like an awful lot, if you purchase a pedometer you'll see it really isn't that bad. This is equivalent to walking about 4 kilometres every day.

Bone Nutrition

Our bones need four primary nutrients in order to stay strong and prevent fractures; they are calcium, magnesium, vitamin D, vitamin K, and an ultra-trace mineral called boron. (Always keep in the back of your mind that exercise and healthy lifestyle choices always are a must as well.)

How much calcium (as well as the other vitamins and minerals) you need depends on lifestyle, gender, age and race. Seeking help from a qualified health professional is the best way to determine just how much of these you require. Many people will say they take supplements based on the RDA (recommended daily allowance). One bit of history to think about is that many years ago when the RDA was established for taking minerals and vitamins it was amounts that were small enough to just keep you from getting ill but not enough to keep you in great health.

Boron

Boron was discovered in 1910 and was considered an essential element for plant life. It wasn't until 1985 that researchers learned that boron is needed for us to enjoy good health. Boron occurs in fruits, vegetables, nuts and cider.

This ultra-trace mineral is required to build and maintain healthy bones and to maintain healthy cell membranes which are critical to life. Although research is ongoing in humans it has been discovered that a deficiency of boron in animals results in stunted growth.

Calcium

Calcium maintains integrity of the skeletal system which houses 99 percent of our body's calcium. The other 1 percent plays a role in the coagulation of the blood, healthy teeth, in the generation and transmission of nerve impulses, in the activation of some enzymes, and the release of certain hormones.

Although dairy is a large source of calcium intake many who choose dairy-free diets find that there is a lot of calcium in leafy green plants, cauliflower, asparagus, broccoli, beans, lentils and nuts.

In order for calcium to work in our body it needs vitamin D, magnesium and boron. For example, vitamin D helps calcium to be adequately absorbed in the intestinal tract. Magnesium is required to help deliver calcium to the bones. For those who have taken calcium supplements without adequate amounts of magnesium and vitamin D they may already have or will suffer with some health ailment. Calcium is not water soluble therefore it calcifies somewhere in the body which ultimately causes havoc (i.e., osteoporosis, kidney stones, hardening of the arteries, etc.).

Even if a person is getting the right quantities of all these nutrients there are factors that will ultimately work at depleting calcium in the body. These include: smoking, stress, antacid drugs, some pharmaceutical drugs, caffeine, and many more factors.

Not only will a deficiency of calcium cause problems, so will taking too much.

Cholecalciferol (Vitamin D)

Vitamin D is technically called cholecalciferol and there has been a lot of research into the importance if this vitamin. There is natural vitamin D (the sun) and this is referred to as D3. A synthetic vitamin D is D2 and this formed by the action of ultraviolet light on certain yeast fungi. This is what is used to fortify foods. There are limited food sources of vitamin D and they include: all edible fungi, cod liver oil, and fatty-fleshed fish.

People living in northern latitudes (Canada) only benefit from getting enough sunlight for the body to produce vitamin D from about late May to late July. This is the time of year many people slather on sunscreen (some which have proven to be toxic*) therefore are blocking what they need.

Many studies have proven that vitamin D is essential for good bone health and for good health throughout the winter months. It helps to keep the immune system strong and without it, many people tend to fall prey to colds in September and throughout the winter months.

A deficiency of this vitamin may result in diarrhea, insomnia, weak bones, nearsightedness, and nervousness. Meanwhile, too much vitamin D can cause weakness, irritability, headache, thirst, and vomiting.

Magnesium

Magnesium functions as a coenzyme in more than 300 enzymatic reactions involved in many metabolic activities. It is also critical in nerve transmissions, developing and maintaining healthy bones, is a structural component in tooth enamel, helping us to adapt to cold, and many other functions.

A high fat diet can reduce magnesium absorption as well as a high fibre diet. If a person has a vitamin E deficiency then this can reduce magnesium levels in the tissues. Alcohol and caffeine increase the loss of magnesium in the body as well as some prescription medications.

Magnesium is found in almost all natural foods (unprocessed). The richest sources are whole seeds, nuts, legumes, and green vegetables.

A deficiency can cause anemia, mental changes that include agitation, anxiety, confusion, depression, hyperactivity, irritability, restlessness and much more. Vertigo, seizures, muscle twitches, and cold hands are also signs of deficiency. Too much magnesium is rare as long as there is good kidney health. Only those with poor kidney health need to worry about getting too much magnesium.

So there is a basic run down on the nutrients we need for good bone health. For far too many years, women in particular were faithfully taking calcium supplements in an effort to avert osteoporosis. What has happened is that far too many of these women are now suffering from this debilitating ailment because they were unaware they needed these other nutrients in order for calcium to work.

Nutrients in our body is like a sports team, most of them all rely on one another to get maximum performance and when one or more are missing, undesirable results are inevitable. Remember, there are many factors that come into play for maintaining good bone health and the professionals at Chiro Med Rehab Centre can help you determine what plan you need to have in place to take care of your body.

Chiro Med Rehab Centre is located at 10144 Yonge Street, just north of Major Mackenzie Drive in Richmond Hill. Visit them online or call 905-918-0419.

* The Environmental Working Group (ewg.org) conducts annual studies on hundreds of sunscreens. One recent study of 500 sunscreens showed that only 50 were safe.

If you are one of the millions of people who suffer from stress, muscle stiffness and back pain, you may prefer to use a drug-free approach to treatment. No matter what ailments you may have, you can find a variety of alternative forms of therapy in Richmond Hill. Therapies most commonly used to relieve pain and stress, include chiropractic treatment, massage therapy and acupuncture.

Chiropractic treatment is commonly used for the treatment of back pain, but it can benefit many other parts of the body as well. This is because the spine is linked to all other parts of the body, so adjustment of the spine also helps to adjust other areas as well. Many people find relief from headaches, mood disorders and digestive difficulties by visiting a Richmond Hill chiropractor.

Massage therapy is an ancient art of relaxation that has been practiced in many cultures for thousands of years. Massage is said to balance the mind, body and soul, and enable the body to heal itself both inside and out. Richmond Hill massage therapy improves circulation, releases toxins from the tissues and triggers the release of endorphins that relieve pain and give you an overall sense of well being.

Practiced in the Orient for thousands of years, acupuncture is one of the oldest forms of medicine. In acupuncture treatments, tiny needles are inserted into the skin at key points to relieve pain and promote healing. At Richmond Hill, acupuncture can be used to relieve a multitude of health problems, including chronic pain, disease, obesity and addictions such as smoking.

Most people find therapies such as Richmond Hill massage therapy, chiropractic care and acupuncture much less invasive and unpleasant than conventional medical procedures. In many cases, alternative therapies such as these are a viable alternative to drugs, surgery and other forms of medical intervention.

The ancient Chinese healing practice of acupuncture was brought to the Western world by some of the first Chinese settlers to reach North America.  Treatment involves the insertion of tiny needles into the skin at precise acupuncture points all over the body.  This therapy does not involve the use of drugs, even though the effects can be much more powerful than that of drugs.  Richmond Hill acupuncture specialists can treat practically any type of ailment using this method, although one of the most common reasons people seek acupuncture treatment is for pain, most often back pain.

It may seem strange that inserting needles into the flesh can actually stop pain instead of causing it, but that is how acupuncture works.  The needles are made from high quality materials, usually stainless steel, but in some cases they may also be made from silver or gold.  They are designed to be ‘atraumatic’, which means that unlike a hypodermic needle, acupuncture needles do not have an angled cutting edge to slice through the skin.  Acupuncture needles are very thin, about as thick as a hair, with a rounded shape and pointed end that can slip easily into the skin without causing pain or bleeding.

Acupuncture is frequently used for the treatment of back pain, but other common uses include headaches, particularly migraines and joint pain.  Any type of chronic pain responds well to acupuncture.  Some Chinese surgeons even use acupuncture in place of anaesthetic drugs during surgery.  They simply insert the needles in the appropriate points and the patients lie awake throughout the procedure, pain-free and sometimes even able to get up and walk away from the operating table after the surgery.  Consult a Richmond Hill acupuncture professional today to learn how acupuncture can help you conquer your pain.

Winter sports are enjoyed by many outdoor enthusiasts and yet every winter, there are many avoidable sports injuries, especially injuries to the ankle. Ankle injuries include tendon injuries, ligament sprains, dislocation and fractures. Let’s explore some of the most common winter sports ankle injuries.

Snowboarding

Beginner snowboarders are those who are the most frequently injured, in fact, according to the American Academy of Family Physicians (AAFP), almost one quarter of all injuries occur the first time the person tries snowboarding. After the wrist, the ankle is the most frequently injured body part. Studies by the AAFP indicate that soft boots give snowboarders almost twice the risk of injury compared to hard boots.

There is a type of fracture that occurs in this sport referred to as the snowboarder’s ankle. This is a fracture of the lateral process of the talus and this is difficult to see on a standard x-ray. This fracture can affect almost 15 percent of snowboarding ankle injuries that require medical attention.

Snowboarding Ankle Injury Prevention: Getting out there and having fun is important, but it’s really important to know your limits. Studies show first time snowboarders are at greater risk for injury, so regardless of age, taking it easy is important and having a lesson or two from snowboarding professionals is a great strategy in preventing injury.

Ice Skating

According to the Ontario Injury Compass, every year more than 5,000 people find themselves in an emergency department due to an ice skating injury. The good news is that about 94 percent of these people do not require being admitted. Lower limb injuries, including the ankle, occur to 21 percent of those injured.

Ice Skating Ankle Injury Prevention: What is very important is to have a pair of skates that fit properly. Proper ankle support is crucial when ice skating otherwise the window to possible injury is opened. While skating, the skating gait and your posture is important; without good posture and a balanced gait, undue stress is being applied to the ankles as well as other areas of the body. Be aware of your surroundings; watch for obstacles and other people, especially unsupervised children as their movement can be unpredictable therefore causing you to move in such a way that causes you an injury. Knowing and staying within your limits is a good rule to follow in order to prevent injury.

Skiing

The good news is that with the development of improved ski equipment, skiing techniques, and slope grooming, incidents of ankle injuries has decreased. Ankle fractures, achilles tendon ruptures, tendon dislocations and ankle sprains can all occur should a skiing accident occur. Cross country skiers are more susceptible to ankle injuries due to the nature of the equipment.

Skiing Ankle Injury Prevention: Downhill or cross country skiers need to ensure their equipment is always in good condition and properly sized. Bindings need to be tested every year before hitting the slopes or the trails. Always make sure proper sunglasses or goggles are used otherwise a moment of vision impairment can result in an accident. If you are a cross country skier tempted to go down hills that are dangerous, try not to, especially in forested areas. As with snowboarding or ice skating, be aware and stay within your limits, especially if the slopes or trails are busy.

Chiro-Med Rehab Centre suggests that anyone who engages in these or other athletic activities to stretch your muscles before starting. There is a lot of conflicting research out there suggesting that stretching may not prevent injury; yet some research suggests that although it may not prevent an injury, a stretched muscle can better recover from injury. Regardless, stretching is a good habit to get into before any activity. Hopefully your winter activities bring you lots of enjoyment; however, should you unfortunately succumb to an injury, Chiro-Med Rehab Centre in Richmond Hill can get you back on the slopes, the trails or on the ice before you know it!

Lower back pain can be a nagging nuisance from time-to-time in our life. This type of pain is often due to muscle imbalances and many of us suffer from this type of pain frequently because we have desk jobs and spend more time throughout the day sitting than moving around.

Lumbago (or low back pain) is a very common musculoskeletal disorder than many studies show affects 80 percent of the population at some point in their lives. This is a leading contributor to lost hours at work, and it interferes with recreation activities as well as routine daily activities. The good news is that low back pain often goes away within a few days.

The Benefits of Stretching:

• Increased range of motion and flexibility:
  Flexible muscles can improve your movement abilities. Lifting items, bending over to tie your shoes or running to catch the bus becomes easier when muscles are stretched.
• Improved circulation:
  Stretching increases blood flow to the muscles. Blood flowing to the muscles brings nourishment and eliminates waste byproducts in the muscle tissue. Improved circulation increases recovery rate from low back pain.
• Better posture:
  Frequent stretching helps to keep muscles from getting tight therefore aiding to maintain proper posture. Good posture minimizes low back pain.
• Stress relief:
  Stretching relaxes tense muscles.
• Enhanced coordination:
  Maintaining full range-of-motion through the joints keeps a person in better balance. Coordination and balance helps to keep an individual mobile.

Lower Back Stretch Seated

This is a great stretch you can do either at work or any time of day. Be sure you are on a chair with four solid legs. Sit upright with both feet flat on the floor and your legs apart. Stretch your arms straight out in front of you holding your hands. Slowly stretch forward as you lower your upper body until it rests in between your legs and your hands are as low as you can get them (ideally flat on the floor). You’re your position there for minimum five seconds then slowly return to the start position. Repeat this as many times as you are able throughout the day.

Lower Back Stretch Laying Down

Lay on your back on the floor with your legs out flat. Place your arms out to the side and be sure both shoulders are flat on the floor. Slowly move your right leg up and over the left leg with the right knee bent. Be sure to keep the left leg flat on the floor and slowly keep moving the right leg until the knee touches the floor at the chest level. The right shoulder will slightly come off the floor. Hold it there for a count of five and slowly release and return to the start position. Repeat the same movements with the opposite leg. Stretch out each side five times.

Lower Back Stretch On Floor

Lay on your back on the floor. Slowly raise both legs curling them into the chest. At the same time slightly raise your head so that your chin touches your knees. Hold this position for five seconds and slowly release to start position. Repeat this stretch minimum five times.

Lower Back Stretch

Begin with lying on your back flat on the floor. Bend both knees and hold the outside edges of your feet with your hands. Be sure your feet are flexed and that your knees are bent with a 90 degree angle so that they are at chest level. Keep your arms on the outside of your legs. Very gently use the upper body strength to equally press both knees to the floor (or as close to the floor as you are able). Try not to tense your chest or shoulders and keep as relaxed as possible. Hold position for five seconds then slowly release. Repeat five to ten times.

If you are able to do some stretches every day this will help to alleviate pain. Remember though, if the pain persists and stretching appears not to be helping then Chiro-Med Rehab Centre in Richmond Hill can help you. Chiro-Med has a convenient location and highly qualified health professionals to help you get back activities you once enjoyed – pain free! Call 905-918-0419 for more information or to book your appointment!

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

What is Collagen?

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

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

Different Types of Collagen Explained

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

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

Collagen Type I

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

Collagen Type II

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

Collagen Type III

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

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

Collagen and Vegetarian Diets

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

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

Without Vitamin C There Is No Collagen

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

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

Denatured vs Undenatured Collagen

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

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

Collagen Helps to Repair Joints

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

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

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

Dehydration is one of the most common causes of headaches; in fact this is the reason why upon waking up every morning we all should be consuming a very large glass of water. After sleeping for several hours our body is in need of rehydration.

There are many people who suffer from headaches and they try rehydrating but this does not help. Many people experience nerve irritation which is a common cause of headache pain.  Taking an over-the-counter pain relief pill is not going to solve the underlying problem, this is merely a ‘band aid’ solution. Masking the pain may be ok if you are in a rush or need to be somewhere fast but if you suffer from frequent headaches then there is obviously an underlying issue that must be addressed.

Tension headaches and migraines afflict about 4.5 million Canadians and they spend upwards of $40 million a year trying to seek relief from over-the-counter and prescription medications in a desperate attempt to seek permanent relief. For some individuals taking a pain relief pill works because their headache is stress-related and there are no underlying health ailments. For others, the pain relief pill is merely temporary.

Types of Headaches

Headaches can be the result of a wide variety of causes, such as reactions to a drug, stress, fatigue, temporomandibular joint dysfunction (TMJ), nerve irritation, high blood pressure, low blood sugar or tightness in the neck muscles.

Tension Headaches

Tension headaches tend to be the most common affecting almost three quarters of all headache sufferers. This type of headache feels like a dull feeling that’s achy either on one or both sides of the head; this sensation is often described as a tight feeling or a dull ache behind the eyes or around the head. Tension headaches tend to creep in and can last briefly or for several days. These headaches are often the result of bad posture or stress.

Subluxations are the most common cause of tension headaches. This occurs in the upper back and neck, especially the upper neck. When the top cervical vertebrae lose their normal position or movement, a small muscle (rectus capitis posterior minor) starts to spasm. This small muscle has a tendon which slips between the upper neck and the base of the skull and attaches to a thin pain-sensitive tissue (dura mater) that covers the brain. The brain has no feeling but the dura mater is very pain-sensitive so when that small muscle spasms and its tendon tugs at the dura mater, a headache starts.

Migraine Headaches

Those who suffer with migraines know that these are very intense and are also accompanied with nausea and (or) sensitivity to light or noise. Migraines can last from a few hours to a few days.

Migraine headaches are caused when the blood vessels in the brain constrict and then followed by a dilation of blood vessels. As a result there is decreased blood flow, which leads to visual symptoms (flashing light/aura) that many people experience. Even those who don't experience the aura can tell that an attack is imminent. When the blood vessels dilate in the head, there is a sudden increase in blood pressure. It’s this increased pressure that leads to the migraine. When the heart beats it sends a shock wave through the carotid arteries in the neck up into the brain.

Cluster Headaches

Cluster headaches are generally very short in duration yet they are excruciating and usually felt behind the eyes or on one side of the head. This type of headache generally occurs at night. Cluster headaches tend to occur one to four times per day over a period of several days. After one cluster of headaches is over, it may be months or even years, before they occur again.

Can a chiropractor relieve headaches?

Our nervous system is protected by the spine which starts with the brain and becomes the spinal cord. When the vertebrae in the neck are unable to move properly there is pressure on the nerves in that area which can cause headaches. A chiropractor can correct this by gently adjusting the vertebrae. Since most headaches are caused by subluxations a patient will usually feel relief.

How about migraines?

Even though there are differences in the types of headaches, migraines can be treated as well. In fact, chiropractic care has been used for years as an effective treatment for migraines.

When you visit Chiro-Med Rehab Centre to seek help with headaches the first appointment requires a check up. You’ll have your posture and flexibility checked, muscle tenderness, tightness, as well as other non-invasive tests to determine the root cause. After a thorough examination only then can a treatment options be discussed.

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.