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

Osteoporosis Facts at a Glance

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

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

Exercise and Supplements

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

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

Foods to Help Prevent Osteoporosis

Vitamin K

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

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

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

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

Vitamin D

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

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

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

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

Calcium

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

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

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

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

Magnesium

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

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

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

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

If you have osteoporosis, our chiropractor and physiotherapists can help.

Established in 2007 by Dr. Behfar Sanjari, Chiro-Med Rehab Centre has been committed to providing quality health care services to the Greater Toronto Area for over half a decade. Chiro-Med Rehab Centre has qualified professionals who can help assess you and recommend an appropriate strengthening program. We have clinics located in Richmond Hill and Newmarket, call 905-918-0419 or 905-235-2620 for more information.

Sources:

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

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

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.

Conjugated linoleic acid (CLA) is the newest concept to come along in the ongoing saga of weight loss solutions. Researchers have discovered that CLA may be the specific nutrient that is responsible for many health benefits including building lean muscle mass and elevating fat loss.

CLA was first known for anti-cancer effects yet researchers have continued studying this nutrient for other benefits. What they are discovering are multiple benefits including accelerated fat loss. There is no magic cure with CLA as it alone cannot do all the work in losing weight, a change of diet is always required when losing weight.

What Is Conjugated Linoleic Acid?

CLA is comprised of several isomers (chemically similar compounds) that are derived from linoleic acid (an omega-6 fatty acid). It occurs naturally in dairy products and in the meat of animals that chew their cud while grazing in fields (i.e., sheep and cattle). It is thought to be a key element in regulating lipid metabolism as well as modulating immunity.

CLA And Weight Loss

There is consistency with what researchers worldwide are discovering; CLA does reduce body fat but to what degree depends on several factors. A study published in the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition cites results from a 2010 study conducted at the University of Wisconsin. A control group of participants were given CLA for seven months and in that time frame there were significant reductions in body fat.

CLA is marketed as an effective way to reduce body fat. There are no long-term studies completed as of yet, however L.D. Whigham conducted a study in 2004 that was published in Food and Chemical Toxicology. He found that in a one year period, 6 grams of CLA daily showed no adverse side effects in the liver, lipids or throughout the body’s natural general chemistry.

Although the research results for fat loss vary, CLA supplementation appears to be safe and certainly has the potential to help those seeking to lose body fat.
In addition, CLA may protect muscle loss in the elderly. Age-related loss of muscle mass can take its toll on an individual and unless one works out regularly to keep muscles toned, there can be some trouble down the road that includes increased risk of falls and fractures.

Other CLA Benefits

CLA is not only proven to aid in the loss of body fat, it has other benefits that have surprised researchers.

There is a correlation between CLA and the prevention of the development of type II diabetes. Conjugated linoleic acid may improve the insulin sensitivity of fat cells. In addition, CLA may work with biotin and coenzyme Q10 in order to prevent diabetes.

Strangely enough, the potent cancer-fighting conjugated linoleic acid was first identified in the cooking process of some meats (especially beef) as being known for containing cancer-causing substances. Yet, researchers have worked with CLA and lab mice to discover that CLA can protect against tumours.

The type of meat you choose to eat is important. Meat from grass-grazing livestock has half the saturated fat as that from animals fed chemically-altered grains. Far too many livestock nowadays are not feeding where they should be and this results in serious changes of “what” you are eating. Like cattle, chickens that feed in a pasture on natural grains also have less cholesterol, saturated and total fat and more importantly, 100 percent more omega-3 fats as well as CLA.
Taking CLA supplements may not be for everyone. Getting advice from a qualified health professional is advisable before taking this supplement.

Chiro-Med Rehab Centre in Richmond Hill has a convenient location and qualified professionals to work with you to ensure you are on the right track to losing weight safely. Call 905-918-0419 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.

Everyone knows that exercise is good for your body, helping with everything from weight loss, reducing the risk of heart disease, boosting your mood, to improving self-esteem. Did you know that exercise also plays a very important role in maintaining bone health? Along with getting proper nutrition, exercise is one of the most important factors when it comes to giving your body what it needs to support your bone health.

Most of our bone mass is acquired by around the age of twenty and typically peaks sometime during your thirties. As a person gets older and the body starts to lose bone mass, it makes the bones weaker and more susceptible to developing osteoporosis, a condition that severely weakens the bones and increases the chances of fractures and breaks from falling down, all of which can seriously limit mobility and independence. By age 50 or older, around 55 percent of people will have some form of osteoporosis, with 80 percent of those affected being women. In some cases, a person can develop such severe osteoporosis that they can fracture a bone with something as simple as sneezing too hard! But if bone mass naturally decreases with age, what can be done to help prevent it and conditions such as osteoporosis?

This is where exercise comes in to the picture.

Getting enough exercise is important to all age groups when it comes to bone health. During childhood and adolescence, while bones are rapidly building strength and density, exercise helps to maximize the body’s peak bone mass and help prevent issues with poor bone health later on in life. As we get older, exercise helps by strengthening muscles around the bone, and by strengthening the bones themselves too. Just as your muscles respond to regular exercise by increasing in mass and becoming stronger, so do your bones. Because bone is a living tissue, it reacts in response to the forces placed upon it. So, when you exercise regularly, your bones adapt by increasing in calcium, building more cells and becoming denser. Not only does exercise help with increasing bone strength, it also aids in building muscle strength and maintaining balance and coordination, all of which can help prevent falls and related bone fractures.

Any type of exercise is going to be better than none, but for bone health there are two types of exercise that will help the most: weight-bearing and resistance exercises. The better of the two types of exercises are weight-bearing exercises, or those in which you work against gravity, where your feet and legs bear most of your weight.  Examples of weight-bearing exercises are walking, jogging, dancing, jumping rope, or even playing sports like basketball or soccer. These types of exercises are good for bone health because both muscles and gravity put a healthy amount of stress on bones and encourage bone health and muscle growth. Simply put, the higher the impact of the weight-bearing exercise, the greater the benefit for bone health.  Weight-bearing exercises should be done for at least 30 minutes a day, 3 to 4 times a week.

The second type of exercise that is beneficial to bone health is resistance exercise or any type of activities that focus on increasing muscle mass, which in turn helps to strengthen bones. Things like lifting free weights or using resistance bands are both examples of resistance exercises that can help strengthen bones.  The important factor here is to focus in on the major muscle groups such as the legs, arms. Resistance exercise should be done 2-3 times a week. It also important to make sure to give your muscles and bones at least one day of rest between work outs in order to allow the body time to regenerate and restore.

Exercise is important to bone health for both young people and older people alike and when used in conjunction with a balanced diet, which includes calcium and magnesium, this will set you on the right path to better bone health.

Chiro-Med Rehab Centre in Richmond Hill can help you come up with a plan to ensure the health of your bones and skeletal system. 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.

There is no simple response to 'what causes arthritis?' Not only are there many factors to take into consideration as to the antecedent, but there are three different types of arthritis that can affect the knees.

Osteoarthritis (OA) is the most common type of arthritis in the knee. This is a progressive condition that slowly wears away joint cartilage. Typically, osteoarthritis is most likely to occur after middle age.

Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is an inflammatory condition that occurs at any age.

Post-traumatic arthritis develops following a knee injury. It can develop years after a torn meniscus, ligament injury, or knee fracture.

Although not common, it is possible to have more than one type of arthritis at one time. In order to effectively treat the arthritis it is very important to get a proper diagnosis.

Arthritic Pain

Arthritic pain can occur suddenly, but for most people it is more likely to develop slowly. In the beginning there may be some pain in the morning or after a period of inactivity. The knees may hurt as you climb or descend stairs, stand up from a sitting position, or kneel. In some cases the simple act of walking can cause pain.

Some individuals feel pain while in a sitting position. Damp weather or other changes in weather can bring on pain.

Knee pain that interrupts sleep can be a symptom of osteoarthritis.

Inflammation is often associated with arthritis of the knee. The formation of bone spurs (osteophytes) or a build up of fluids in the knee is often the cause of this. Swelling may be more pronounced after a long period of inactivity, such as waking up in the morning. The skin around the knee may appear red or feel warm to the touch. If left undiagnosed and untreated, the inflammation and pain can become chronic and no relief may be found through the use of an over-the counter pills.

Possible Causes of Arthritis:

• Injury to the knee
• Infections - such as in the arthritis of Lyme disease
• Immune system dysfunction
• Physically demanding occupations
• Over use (or improper use) of the knee via recreational activities

Most types of arthritis are caused by a combination of many factors working together. Some people may be more susceptible to certain arthritic conditions due to their genetic makeup. Additional factors, such as smoking and diet can further increase the risk of arthritis.

Risk Factors for Arthritis:

Certain factors have been shown to be associated with a greater risk of arthritis. Some of these risk factors are modifiable while others are not. Below is a list that encompasses all forms of arthritis, not just arthritis in the knee.

Non-modifiable risk factors:

Age - Usually developing most types of arthritis increases with age.
Gender - most types of arthritis are more common in females.
Genetics - Depending on genetics, there is a higher risk of certain types of arthritis, such as rheumatoid arthritis, systemic lupus erythematosus, and ankylosing spondylitis.

Modifiable risk factors:

Weight - Excess weight can help to cause the onset and progression of knee osteoarthritis.
Joint injuries - Damage to a joint can cause the onset of osteoarthritis in that specific joint.
Infection - Many microbial agents can infect joints and trigger various forms of arthritis.
Occupation and Recreation - Some occupations (and recreational activities) involve repetitive knee bending and squatting that are associated with osteoarthritis of the knee.

Foods to Avoid

Sugar is the first item to eliminate from your diet. Refined sugar, white rice, refined flour, processed foods, dairy and alcohol should all be greatly reduced, or better still, eliminated. Consulting with a qualified health professional is important if you have arthritis.

Anti-inflammatory Foods

Garlic - Garlic contains diallyl disulfide, an anti-inflammatory compound that can help fight the pain, inflammation and cartilage damage of arthritis. Fresh, local garlic is much preferred.

Turmeric - Curcumin is the active chemical that blocks the inflammatory cytosine and enzymes in two inflammatory pathways. Turmeric is most effective in combination with black pepper, which helps the body absorb it better. Fresh turmeric is preferred over the powder form.

Ginger - Gingerol and shogaol are the chemicals in ginger that help to prevent and fight inflammation. Always use fresh.

Cayenne - Chili peppers contain natural compounds called capsaicinoids, which have anti-inflammatory properties.

Lifestyle Changes

Certain types of exercise can help maintain your knee function and relieve pain, including water aerobics and strength training. Losing excess weight can help relieve pain by lessening the pressure on the knees.

There are natural remedies that may help as well such as methylsulfonylmethane, a sulfurous compound found in many foods. It is mainly known as MSM and it is important for healthy joints and bones.

Seeking advice from a qualified health professional can help you attain relief and in many cases treat the symptoms of arthritis. Contact us for more information about our OA Knee 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 manage and possibly treat your arthritis. We have clinics located in Richmond Hill and Newmarket, call 905-918-0419 or 905-235-2620 for more information.

Lateral epicondylitis is a physical health condition more commonly referred to as tennis elbow. This painful condition has affected many people and it involves the tendons that attach to the bone on the outside part of the elbow. Tendons anchor muscles to bone. The muscle involved in this condition, the extensor carpi radialis brevis, is what is felt when tennis elbow strikes.

Degeneration of the tendon's attachment is what happens with lateral epicondylitis; the weakening places enormous stress on this area. Eventually this leads to pain when involved with activities in which this muscle is used such as lifting, gripping, and grasping. Tennis is usually associated with this condition but the problem can occur when participating in many different types of athletic or non-athletic activities. The good news is that the qualified professional staff at Chiro-Med Rehab Centre in Richmond Hill can help.

Causes Of Lateral Epicondylitis

There are numerous causes of lateral epicondylitis that are work and leisure-related. Any activity that places enormous or repetitive stress on the tendon attachments causes tennis elbow. These stresses can come from holding too large a grip or from repetitive gripping activities. This can include painting, meat cutting, window washing with a squeegee and much more.

Another cause can be when the area receives a direct blow that results in the swelling of the tendon and this can lead to degeneration. A sudden and extreme action, activity or force can also injure the tendon.

Although this condition affects many people between 30 and 50 years of age, it can occur in any age group.

Symptoms Of Lateral Epicondylitis

Pain is usually the primary reason that patients seek out medical evaluation. The pain is located over the outside area of the elbow, over the bone area which is known as the lateral epicondyle. When you have tennis elbow, this area becomes tender to touch. Pain also occurs by any activity which places stress on the tendon, such as gripping or lifting. With activity, tennis elbow pain generally starts at the elbow and can travel down the forearm to the hand. Depending on the severity, any motion of the elbow can become painful.

Treatment Of Lateral Epicondylitis

The good news is that there are non-surgical treatment options. The most common form of treatment is simply limiting or eliminating aggravating activity. Total rest in some cases is not recommended. Modifying how you grip items can also help.

A brace may be required to reduce the tension on the tendon in order to allow it time to heal properly.

Physical therapy plays a large role in the treatment of tennis elbow. A physiotherapist can provide stretching and strengthening exercises to help treat this condition. Also, modalities such as ultrasound, laser or cryotherapy treatment can be used. In some cases anti-inflammatories may be required.

Only in severe cases is surgery considered. The pain must be incapacitating and the patient has not been able to respond well to conservative care. Surgery should never be an option unless severe pain has been ongoing for many weeks.

Like so many other health conditions, it is very important to diagnose lateral epicondylitis as soon as possible. The sooner tennis elbow is treated, the faster the patient can resume their daily activities.

Chiro-Med Medical Centre has the necessary expertise and knowledge to help you recover from lateral epicondylitis. As professionals we can recommend the type of treatment needed and effectively implement that treatment, getting you back up and running as quick as possible! No two patients are identical and neither is treatment. We ensure that you get a treatment plan tailor-made for your abilities. Chiro-Med Medical Centre in Richmond Hill looks forward to helping you resume activities you enjoy!

Kyphosis is the technical name for having a hunched back that is not remedied by naturally straightening the back. Of course we all get lazy at times and slouch to the point it appears we are hunchbacked; however, kyphosis is a condition in which an individual has an exaggerated thoracic curve and rounded shoulders. This is a condition that is on the increase.

There are causes to this condition with the two most common causes being poor posture and muscular imbalances. When caused by poor posture this condition is known as postural kyphosis. Kyphosis can affect anyone at any age except newborns.

In addition to poor posture and muscular imbalances other possible causes include:

• upper back muscle weakness
• arthritis
• bone degeneration diseases
• spine injury
• slipped discs
• spinal curvature (scoliosis)
• aging

Although much less common there are other causes that may lead to kyphosis, these include:

• tumours
• infection in the spine
• Paget’s disease
• muscular dystrophy
• birth defects

Many people live with kyphosis and rarely seek out treatment. If any individual with this condition experiences breathing difficulties, pain or fatigue then it is really important to get treatment. Pretty much all of our mobility and flexibility depends on the health of our spine. Seeking treatment to help correct kyphosis is important to help reduce the risk of complications later in life.

Postural kyphosis will more than likely cause further trouble down the road. Even if an individual experiences shallow breathing or slight, occasional pain it is imperative they seek treatment.

Treating kyphosis early by strengthening the back muscles and seeking out chiropractic adjustments will help.

Other Types of Kyphosis:

Congenital kyphosis refers to abnormal development of the spine that is inherited. This means a person is born with a defect, such as the incomplete formation of the spine. This can lead to a severe abnormal kyphosis.

Paralysis can lead to kyphosis. Causes of the paralysis can include spinal muscle atrophy or cerebral palsy. The development of kyphosis in these cases is gradual.

Degenerative kyphosis refers to the wear and tear of the lumbar (lower) spine. Over a period of time the degenerative process can cause the collapse of the intervertebral disc and weakening of the spinal ligaments. Once kyphosis begins to form it gradually gets worse.

Scheuermann's kyphosis occurs in children and the thoracic curve is usually 45 and 75 degrees.

Exercises that Can Help

Here are four exercises that can help you if done on a regular basis:

• Lay Down Y

This exercise will strengthen the extension muscles in the upper back.

How to do it: Lie face down with your head lifted off the floor. Your lower back needs to be slightly hyper-extended. Stretch your arms straight out in a Y position with your thumbs pointing up. Pull your arms back in an arc until your hands are in a ‘handcuff’ position. Slowly reverse your arms until you’re at the start. Repeat 2 or 3 times.

• Wall Sliding (wall angels)

This exercise will strengthen the scapular retractors and will provide good shoulder mobility.

How to do it: Stand with your back against a wall but take one small step forward. Hold your arms out in the shape of a W with your hands facing up. Push your hands up toward the wall until they reach a Y position. Return your arms to the W position. Repeat 5 times.

• T-Spine Rotation

Thoracic spine rotations are essential for increasing mobility in the thoracic spine region (where the kyphosis affects).

How to do it: Get on all fours making sure your arms are at full length and your hands are positioned just in front of your shoulders. Take your right arm and stretch out your arm. Slowly move your arm underneath your body (and slow twist at the waist) until your arm is as far through as possible and you are looking at the palm of your right hand. Slowly reverse. Do 3 of these then repeat with the other arm.

• Crucifix

Spending too much time in a seated position causes lower and upper back muscles to shorten which leads to poor posture. This stretch helps to undo these shortened muscles.

How to do it: Stand tall with your arms extended straight out to your sides at shoulder height. Turn your wrists so your thumbs face backwards and pull your (straight) arms up over your head. Bend your elbows until your elbow is at a 90 degree angle. Lower your left hand until it touches your shoulder. Take your right hand and place it on the left elbow. Lower your left hand as far as you can go and hold for as long as you can. Slowly release. Repeat 2 times then switch to your other arm. Do this exercise several times a day.

Chiropractic Treatment for Kyphosis

Treatment will depend on a couple of factors such as the severity and the underlying cause. For those in which the cause is poor posture the good news is that aggressive treatments are not required. What may be required includes:

• physical therapy
• correction of the spinal joint fixations
• yoga (to help build strength and range of motion)

If the cause of kyphosis is due to an infection then antibiotics may be required. If tumours are the underlying cause then surgery may be required.

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 evaluate you. We have clinics located in Richmond Hill and Newmarket, visit Chiro-Med online or call 905-918-0419 or 905-235-0419 for more information.