Chiropractic & Physiotherapy Clinic in Richmond Hill

A concussion is a mild traumatic brain injury. Concussions can occur as a result of a blow to the head or after a whiplash-type injury. Some concussions may appear mild in their initial presenting symptoms but medical attention and evaluation is always recommended. Concussions can happen to anyone but for those who participate in sports, are at increased risk.

Concussion Symptoms

Symptoms typically vary depending on the injured person. It is a misnomer that all people will experience a loss of consciousness, only some do. Concussions affect everyone differently. Some experience symptoms right away, others may not develop symptoms for hours, days and in some cases, months following the injury.

Some signs of a concussion include:

• loss of memory
• slight to severe confusion
• drowsiness
• dizziness
• blurred vision
• headaches
• nausea (vomiting)
• sensitivity to light
• sensitivity to noise
• inability to balance properly
• slow reaction times

Baseline Testing

This is specialized testing that is conducted on athletes by a trained health care professional prior to the start of the sports season. Baseline tests are structured to assess an athlete's:

• cognitive abilities (memory, concentration, problem solving)
• strength
• proprioception (balance & co-ordination)
• reaction time skills

The results of this baseline testing are put in the athlete's file and during the sports season should there be a suspected concussion then the pre-season results are compared with the athlete's current state. Baseline testing generally takes place during the pre-season before the first practice.

How is Baseline Testing Information Used?

Should an athlete sustain an injury no matter how mild and a concussion is suspected, results from the baseline test can be referred to in order to better identify the effects of the injury. Comparing post-injury test results to baseline test results not only better assists qualified health care professionals in identifying the effects of the injury but it helps them immensely in making a confident and informed decision as to whether or not the athlete can resume playing. This is critical information to have so that the athlete does not resume play while suffering with concussion symptoms.

Frequency of Baseline Testing

When baseline testing is used, research states that this is a procedure that should be repeated once a year to establish valid test results for comparison. However, if an athlete has sustained a concussion there may be the need to have frequent neuropsychological testing to be on the safe side.

Components of Baseline Testing

A thorough baseline test must include a check for concussion symptoms, as well as cognitive, balance and strength assessments. Neuropsychological tests may also be included to better assess an athlete’s concentration, memory, and reaction time.

During the baseline pre-season test qualified health care professionals should be asking about any prior history of concussions. What is also very important is asking the athlete if there are any medical conditions that may affect recovery from a concussion such as mood disorders, anxiety, depression, history of headaches or migraines, learning disabilities or ADHD.

Chiro-Med Rehab Centre provides reliable baseline concussion testing with staff who are experts in interpreting test scores and analyzing data.

Baseline testing is a critical tool for anyone who likes to engage in sports on a regular basis. Not only does this test help in diagnosing a concussion but in the person's ability to safely resume playing their sport.

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 if there is a suspected concussion and complete pre-season baseline tests. 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.

Traditional Chinese medicine includes many therapies with perhaps acupuncture being the most commonly recognized. What is a lesser-known Traditional Chinese Therapy that is used for many health conditions is cupping.

What is Cupping?

Cupping is a special technique that uses small glass or bamboo cups as suction devices that are placed on the skin. A qualified practitioner creates the suction in different ways. One technique involves applying rubbing alcohol onto the bottom of the cup, then heating it up and immediately placing the open end of the cup against the skin.

Suction can also be created by placing an inverted cup over a small flame, or by using an alcohol-soaked cotton pad over an insulating material (like leather) to protect the skin, then lighting the pad and placing an empty cup over the flame to extinguish it.

Flames are never used near the skin and are not lit throughout the process of cupping, but rather are a means to create the heat that causes the suction within the small cups.

Once the suction is happening, the cups are gently glided across the skin. The suction in the cups pulls skin and the upper muscle layer to be lightly drawn into the cup. Cupping basically is the opposite of massaging; instead of pressure being placed downward into the body, cupping gently applies pressure upwards.

Many patients find this procedure particularly relaxing and it provides a ‘relief` sensation. Once suctioned, the cups are generally left for about ten minutes while the patient relaxes.

Cupping shares similarities with the practice of Tui Na. Tui Na is a traditional Chinese massage technique that focuses on acupuncture points and areas in which pain is felt providing relief through pressure.

People choose this treatment for many ailments including: pain management, inflammation, blood flow, relaxation, and as a type of deep-tissue massage. Cupping has been used by many athletes including Olympians Michael Phelps and Alex Naddour to help increase blood circulation.

History of Cupping

Cupping is generally a lesser-known treatment that is an integral part of Oriental Natural Medicine providing a pleasant feeling for the patient.

One of the earliest documentations (281 AD) of cupping was written by Taoist Ge Hong. He was not only a practising Taoist; Ge Hong was an alchemist and a medicinal herbalist. He was well-recognized in those times as an accomplished healer and was trusted by high officials in ancient China. Cups did not exist in those times to perform cupping so animal horns were used. Some medical tracts of that era refer to cupping as the horn technique of healing.

During the Tang Dynasty (617-907 AD), cupping was the main form of treatment for pulmonary tuberculosis. It was often used in conjunction with acupuncture and moxibustion.
Other ancient healers in Arabia and the Indian sub-continent also used cupping as a healing method but these practices were not recorded until much later.

Is Cupping Going to Help You?

First and foremost if you are unsure if cupping is for you and you have questions then call a qualified professional.

Most patients say they feel a tight sensation in the cup area but state that it is soothing. Depending on the practitioner’s assessment and your comfort level, the cups may be moved around or they may be left in one position. Every treatment is unique as no two patients are the same.

In addition to the benefits mentioned earlier, cupping can help to remove toxins and stimulate the flow of fresh blood to affected areas. Many patients claim that is helps with coughs, colds, flu, anxiety, allergies, and many more ailments.

If you are an individual who bleeds easy, has skin ulcers, or edema then this is not for you. It is highly advised that pregnant women do not have this treatment.

For more information on cupping 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.

How do you know if it is time to visit a chiropractor? You may have strained your back during physical activity, either during work or while at play, or perhaps you wake up with back pain every morning due to a poor quality mattress. Some jobs put an unreasonable amount of strain on the spine because we often have to repeat the same actions again and again without a break, or possibly have to stand in one place or sit in the same position for many hours on end. All of these common scenarios often result in a visit to a chiropractor. What many people do not realize is that a Richmond Hill chiropractor can do much more than just relieve pain.

A Richmond Hill chiropractor can provide you with ongoing chiropractic care that can not only correct spinal misalignment and relieve pain, but also prevent future injuries by increasing overall spinal mobility. When you are feeling pain-free and flexible, you are much more likely to participate in exercise that will strengthen your body and make it less susceptible to injury in the first place. Often, injuries to the back and other parts of the body occur because of muscle weakness due to lack of activity, or the wrong type of activity.

However, don’t wait for an injury to occur before you enjoy all of the benefits that chiropractic treatment can provide. It not only keeps the back feeling limber, but it also relieves tension and improves the function of all of the organs. Many people don’t know that visiting a chiropractor can actually relieve constipation, migraines and even arthritis. Ongoing chiropractic care can keep all of the body’s organs functioning properly, to keep you feeling healthy and vital and prevent disease. The best way to maintain optimal health through proper spinal care is to visit a Richmond Hill chiropractor on a regular basis. Your body will thank you!

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.

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.

Many people with low back pain go to a chiropractor seeking a quick and simple solution. One way a person can help alleviate their back pain without putting too much stress on their back is swimming. Swimming can be an incredibly helpful exercise for low back pain sufferers

It’s important to remember that lower back pain can sometimes be caused by swimming when muscles become hyperextended or overstretched during forward strokes. To prevent back pain while swimming, it’s essential that you use proper form. Unnatural movements while swimming can cause damage, so it is critical to maintain the correct movements while swimming. Swimming with backstrokes or the sidestroke can minimize stress on the back as compared to frontward strokes.

Certain swimming strokes can cause back problems. Here are some things to be aware of when doing specific strokes:

• Freestyle: Make sure you do not rotate your head too much while taking breaths. Also, try not to let your head move up too much; if you do, then neck or back injuries can occur. When you’re not going up for breathes make sure you keep your head facing down. Remember, too much rolling can cause trouble.
• Backstroke: Muscles in the front of the neck tend to become fatigued if you have not done the backstroke in a long time. Be sure to ease into this stoke and avoid too much movement in this position.
• Breaststroke:  It is important to keep your head and neck still as you do this stroke. Gently raise your head and back to take breathes.

Benefits Of Swimming

Swimming is beneficial for low back pain for several reasons. It allows those suffering from minor back injuries to retain some level of activity. When an individual swims they are promoting good muscle health therefore are less likely to tense or cramp up. More importantly, in many situations, water tends to makes back pain sufferers feel better. Getting in a pool for a relaxed work out could very well be one of the best therapies.

Back pain does not have to halt your activity level. Once in the water there is no gravity therefore alleviating an enormous amount of stress on the affected area.  An hour or two in a pool builds back muscles; it also builds muscles in the shoulders, arms, legs and neck. In addition this activity helps to improve heart health, and helps the swimmer maintain a healthy body weight. Having a healthy body weight is beneficial to halting back pain.

Swimming can also be a great way to overcome back pain from a pinched nerve, herniated disc, and even bone spurs. Strengthening the muscles that support the back means less stress is placed on the spinal column and pain can be reduces or eliminated. A warm swimming pool also promotes blood flow and helps the healing process.

If swimming continues to be painful it’s important to stop and seek the advice of a qualified health professional. By continuing to swim despite continual or worsening pain, the condition affecting the lower back area may become worse and more intense forms of treatment may be required to reverse discomfort.

If you are able to do some swimming as frequently as you can throughout the week this will help to alleviate pain. It is important to remember that if the pain persists and swimming 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 resume the activities you once enjoyed – free of pain! Call 905-918-0419 for more information or to book your appointment!

Vertigo is a condition in which you feel dizzy or off-balance, as if you or your surroundings are swaying, spinning or moving. This can be a temporary or long term condition that affects men and women of all ages but is most common among the elderly.

Causes of Vertigo

The vestibular system (a tiny grid of fluid-filled sacs and tubes) is an organ in our ears. There are two identical vestibular systems located in each ear. As we move around the liquid in the tubes also moves and our nerve cells read the levels. This information is transmitted to the brain which calculates which way is down and what should be horizontal.

Balance problems originate in the vestibular system so those who are afflicted with frequent vertigo are said to have vestibular disorder.  Balance problems may be associated with the loss of hearing or ringing in the ears. Changes in our brain may trigger vertigo as well.

Major causes of vertigo include:

• Benign paroxysmal positional vertigo: This can be triggered by moving your head into a certain position or a simple movement of the head. BPPV is the most common form of vertigo.
• Calcium deposits in the ear canal can become dislodged causing vertigo.
• Head trauma: Those who have experienced a massive hit to the head can experience damage to the inner ear which can trigger vertigo.
• Labyrinthitis: Bacterial infections in the middle ear that are left untreated can also cause vertigo and possibly even hearing loss.

Some antibiotics have been known to damage the vestibular system due to high doses or with prolonged use. Acetylsalicylic acid, caffeine, alcohol, sedatives, and tranquilizers can cause temporary dizziness but generally do not cause permanent damage.

Vertigo Symptoms

Vertigo is the main symptom of a balance disorder. If you close your eyes and feel as though you are falling or you are spinning then this is vertigo. Severe vertigo can impede your ability to walk and make you feel nauseous.

The vestibular system is linked to the brain's movement centre and to the eyes, and when there are problems with this system then vision can be affected. In addition, there may be aching muscles in the neck and back.

Other symptoms people experience during episodes of vertigo include memory problems or struggling to read. Often people find vertigo tiring, so much so they have to rest. Symptoms can last from a few moments to hours.

The symptoms of bacterial labyrinthitis are typically an ear infection followed by a significant loss of hearing and extreme vertigo which can last for weeks.

Dealing with or Avoiding Vertigo Triggers

There is plenty a person can do to help themselves if they are prone to experiencing vertigo. Avoiding alcohol, cigarettes, fried foods and excessive salt can trigger vertigo.

Vitamin B6 and ginkgo biloba may help in reducing vertigo. If an individual has a blood sugar imbalance then chromium may help ease the effects of vertigo. Also, getting lots of exercise, meditation, and sufficient sleep all go a long way to treating vertigo.

Also, a chiropractor can develop an appropriate program specifically tailored for you to help treat vertigo.

Vertigo and Chiropractic Care

If you suffer with vertigo and are searching for help then consider chiropractic care. Even if you’ve not experienced any neck or head trauma then the symptoms you’re experiencing may be the result of an upper cervical joint dysfunction.

This form of treatment is not for everyone who has vertigo; some individuals may not respond well to this but a chiropractor is the best person to determine this.  There are some exercises that just may work but again, a chiropractor can determine this.

Treating BPPV

Treatment of benign paroxysmal positional vertigo dizziness is simple, but must be done in a precise manner, determined by which canal is filled with debris. Careful testing is done first to determine how much debris and where it lays. Once treatment is completed there may be some level of discomfort and it is generally recommended that patients do not drive themselves home.

If you are experiencing persistent vertigo it’s best not to take chances. Call Chiro-Med Rehab Centre.

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 stretches and exercises will benefit the health of your head, spine and extremities. 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.

The spine is truly a marvelous set of bones, or more adequately stated, the vertebrae. The entire length of the spine provides protection, support and flexibility for your body. Interestingly, the average sized adult head weighs about 5 kilos or about 11 lbs., so the spine is supporting the equivalent of a bowling bowl.

The vertebra houses the spinal cord that is the nerve centre carrying millions of messages between the body and the brain. Nerves branch out from each vertebrae communicating with the various organs and parts of the body. A nerve irritation from spinal misalignment means that you are likely to feel the results elsewhere, such as sciatica or radiculopathy. Neck problems that affect a cervical nerve root can create symptoms such as pain in the arms and hands; and the lumbar (or lower back) nerve will send pain through the leg and to the foot.

Lumbar disc herniation or radiculopathy is a common problem that occurs when nerve roots are irritated or compressed; many people refer to this as sciatica. Actually, about 90 percent of all disc herniations occur in the lumbar region of the spine.

Causes

Getting older means that the discs in the spine generally lose their flexibility and this means the risk of injury increases. An accident, lifting an item incorrectly, being overweight and even smoking can attribute to disc herniations.

When injury occurs, the soft gel-like material inside the disc ruptures through the outer lining of the cartilage. Usually there is space between the spinal column and the discs but when a lumbar disc herniation applies pressure on a spinal nerve, and then there is trouble.

Symptoms

IIf there is pressure happening in the lumbar region, some symptoms include muscle weakness, numbness and sometimes pain. There can also be tingling. If a lumbar disc herniation puts a lot of pressure on the spinal nerves, then the symptoms will be felt more intense. Common body functions such as urinating, defecating, coughing, sneezing or laughing can heighten the pain of a lumbar disc herniation.

Diagnosing

Diagnosing lumbar disc herniation involves a variety of methods depending on which health professional you choose to visit. A health professional may test your coordination, reflexes, muscle strength and possibly even test your ability to feel sensations. In more severe cases, a spinal MRI, CAT scan or X-ray may be required in order to confirm the diagnosis.

Treatment And Management

Your health professional will work with you in order to develop a treatment plan that works best for you. Everyone is unique therefore an individual treatment plan must be catered to take into consideration the severity of the symptoms as well as your activity level.

A lumbar disc herniation can be treated with non-surgical options in about 90 percent of all cases. Some treatment options include the use of heat, the use of cold compresses, or physiotherapy.

Preventing lumbar disc herniation recurrence
can involve simple strategies such as:

• Maintaining and keeping a healthy weight
• Good posture at all times
• Bending the knees when picking up items
• Avoiding high heels
• Exercises that help to develop strength in the back muscles and in the abdominal area
• Reducing or eliminating smoking

Some patients suffering with lumbar disc herniations require surgical intervention but this is only when non-surgical treatments have not provided pain relief; but this is always as a last resort because surgery is invasive.

Chiropractic and physiotherapy treatment options are very effective and for most patients are recommended. Treatment may involve several visits but the results are worth it.

Spinal decompression therapy is another effective method to manage and/or eliminate pain. It's crucial that patients follow the treatment plan as explained by their health professional in order to maximize the end result which is elimination of pain and increased quality of life.

Treating and managing lumbar disc herniations can be successful when you follow the advice of a health professional. There is no need to suffer when there are many simple options available to you.