Gardening is a favourite activity enjoyed by many and as the growing season progresses so does back trouble. Working outdoors in the garden or those who are landscapers often experience back issues from time-to-time and this is (usually) treated quite easily. After a long winter we all want to get outside and rush into our gardens yet after sitting idle for many months, racing out there may get many into trouble. Sometimes right away or sometimes weeks later, back troubles start to emerge that inhibit one’s ability to enjoy their garden. The main muscles used during gardening are in the back, shoulders, legs, thighs, and wrists. Lower back pain is the most common pain that gardeners tend to suffer. The lower back muscles support the whole body so it is very common to suffer from lower back pain not only after gardening, but any physical activity.

Prevention is Key

To help prevent back injury doing some simple warm up exercises is important. After all, gardening is exercise and being limbered up to spend time working outdoors can help. Not only will you feel better after gardening, chances are you’ll feel better while out in the garden.Having a brisk walk around the block is a simple exercise you can do to help limber up. A few toe touching movements (be sure knees are bent), holding your arms straight out from your shoulders and making circles, and a few twisting movements at the waist (legs secure, knees bent) all go a long way to loosening up your muscles and helping you get through your garden work with ease.

Repetitive Movements

Keep in mind that repetitive movements and improperly lifting heavy objects are the main causes of injuries. Gardening is bending over, twisting, lifting and pulling. Depending on how much work there is to do, switch up your tasks every 10-15 minutes.

Other Tips

The riskiest thing to a gardener is bending over and lifting heavy objects. Always be sure your knees are bent and when you lift something that your legs are doing the brunt of the works and your back is kept straight at all times. Never twist when picking something up.If you have a lot of raking to do (as most of us do especially in the spring and autumn months) rake with one foot in front of the other then switch ‘lead’ legs once in awhile.Take frequent rest breaks. Stop as often as you need to and evaluate how you feel. Always drink lots of water, and breathe deep while having your breaks.Above all, know your limitations and get help when needed. They say in health care that the caregiver needs to take care of themselves in order to provide the best care. This rule applies to gardening as well. When the gardener takes care of himself, the garden will flourish. Last but not least, if you are down on the ground removing weeds or planting be sure to use knee pads. Knee pads go a long way to prevent knee injuries.

The Sun

Although the sun doesn’t fit into the category of preventing back injury while gardening it needs to be mentioned because it is important to having healthy bones. We all need sunshine on our skin to help our body produce vitamin D which is critical in our overall health. To read more about this please refer to a previous article by clicking here. If you always use sunscreen then you are opening the door to possible health problems including having a poor immune system in the winter. Having 15 or 20 minutes of mid day sun will help your body produce all the vitamin D you need for awhile. However, as summer draws to a close it becomes very important to start taking supplements or making sure you are getting enough vitamin D. The best method of protection when you aren’t “getting” your daily dose of sunshine is simply by wearing a wide brimmed hat and long sleeves. However, if you must use sunscreen please research which ones are safe. Many have been proven to cause cancer because of the chemical content. You can refer to the Environmental Working Group’s sunscreen report to find out what brands are safe.

When Gardening Injury Occurs

An injury can be something as minor as a tiny ache to piecing pain and anything in between. If it is a minor ache and you can still maintain good posture and this ache does not stop you from doing other activities then be sure to take it easy. Sometimes going for a walk can help or doing very light work, but none-the-less do not go overboard.
If your injury causes you to want to reach for pain killers then please seek chiropractic help. Taking a pill will temporarily alleviate pain but it won’t solve the underlying issue which is the injury. It is critical to ensure that the exact problem is taken care of properly to help prevent re-injury.

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.

Vitamin D is a fat soluble vitamin that is best known as the sunshine vitamin.  What is surprising is that many people are unaware as to how critical this vitamin is in order to have healthy bones.

First of all, an important strategy to keep your bones healthy is to eat the right kinds of food. Countless studies have shown that individuals who eat a lot of processed foods and fast foods produce biochemical and metabolic conditions that decrease bone density.

Yes, calcium and magnesium are essential to bone health; but for maintaining healthy mineralized bones so is vitamin D. In fact, vitamin K2 and boron are also required in maintaining healthy bones.

Sunlight causes the photoproduction of vitamin D3 in our skin. Once formed, vitamin D3 is metabolized sequentially in the liver and kidneys to 1,25-dihydroxyvitamin D. Yes this does sound somewhat foreign however 1,25-dihydroxyvitamin D it critical for our bodies to maintain essential cellular functions as well as promoting bone mineralization.

The bad news is that many foods do not contain any vitamin D. According to the USDA, the only natural food sources of vitamin D (known as D2) are:

• Wild salmon (1,448 iu)
• Pacific rockfish (459 iu)
• Canned tuna (68-229 iu, with light tuna in oil having the most)
• Sardines (164 iu)
• Flatfish, like sole or flounder (154 iu)
• Fortified milk (115-124 iu, with whole milk having more than skim)
• Fortified cereals (34-104 iu, varying by type and brand)
• Pickled herring (96 iu)
• Pork (6-88 iu, with variation by cut)
• Mushrooms (5-45 iu, with shitake having much more than white mushrooms)
• Beef liver (42 iu)
• Atlantic cod (40 iu)
• Eggs (25-29 iu)
• Ricotta cheese (25 iu, whereas most cheese have 4-6 iu)

Exposure to sunlight provides most of us with vitamin D (known as D3) but this ability is very limited. Aging, sunscreen use, and the change in the zenith angle of the sun dramatically affects the skin’s ability to produce vitamin D3. Vitamin D deficiency is now recognized as a major cause of bone disease in the elderly.  Some studies indicate that those of us in the southern latitudes of Canada can only get vitamin D from the sun between May and July. Even then, many people saturate their skin with sunscreen so they are getting very little. Bottom line, it is critical to eat lots of the foods that have vitamin D2 or take a trusted supplement.

VITAMIN D DEFICIENCY

Without a sufficient amount of this vitamin on a daily basis, bones can become thin and brittle. Vitamin D deficiency can cause rickets in children and osteomalacia in adults. Together with calcium, vitamin D also helps protect adults from osteoporosis.

Vitamin D is also critical to our immune system. Without sufficient levels of vitamin D, the immune system is compromised making the individual more susceptible to many illnesses from the common cold to heart disease.

Scientists at the University of Copenhagen discovered that Vitamin D is essential to activating our immune defenses. Without sufficient intake of the sunshine vitamin, T cells (the killer cells of the immune system) will not be able to react to and fight off serious infections in the body.

Other possible health issues that have been linked to vitamin D deficiency include muscle weakness, psoriasis, kidney disease, diabetes, asthma, periodontal disease, schizophrenia, depression and cancer. For more information on this Natural News is the best resource.

If you want more information on how chiropractic methods can help you, contact Chiro Med Rehab Centre in Richmond Hill. Our walk-in clinic is conveniently located at 10144 Yonge Street, just north of Major MacKenzie Drive in the heart of Richmond Hill. VisitChiro-Med online or call 905-918-0419 for more information about our services

Getting a blood test can determine if you are deficient.  Better still, prevention is truly the best medicine. For help on implementing simple solutions please contact Chiro Med Rehab Centre. Chiro-Med Rehab Centre in Richmond Hill has professionals on staff that can help you maintain strong muscles and a healthy skeletal system. Our walk-in clinic is 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.

Temporal Mandibular Joint Syndrome is a condition in which the temporal mandibular joint is not functioning as it should. This is a condition that affects thousands of Canadians and this is pain that affects most everything you do with your mouth.

The temporal bone (the bone that forms the sides of the skull) meets the mandible (jaw bone) and where they meet is at the temporal mandibular joint. This joint is used more frequently than most other joints in the body. The temporal mandibular joint works every time we chew, bite down on something, swallow, or talk. When TMJ syndrome strikes, it has a huge impact on a lot of what you do. Other muscles such as those in the upper back, neck and shoulder can have an effect on this joint's functioning.

On each side of the head there is a temporal mandibular joint and they are located right in front of the ear.

Those with TMJ often cannot determine the specific cause but there are some possible causes such as:

• Stress
• Teeth grinding
• A bad bite
• Bad posture
• Chewing too much gum or nail biting

Symptoms Of TMJ Syndrome

Perhaps one of the most common symptom experienced by those with TMJ syndrome are headaches or facial pain that increases when they attempt to speak or eat. Sometimes pain is felt behind the eyes.

The ears may have a sense of feeling clogged or they can have tinnitus (ringing sound). Also, the patient may experience dizziness or the sensation that the facial muscles are tired.

When opening or closing the mouth there can be a clicking sound or popping sound and when chewing or biting, there is discomfort or difficulty to move the jaw. There can also be tenderness in the jaw area or pain.

TMJ Can Cause Physical Damage

TMJ syndrome can cause damage to the jaw, the teeth, and it can alter the alignment of the bones as well or cause damage to the nearby muscles. In fact, misaligned teeth, a change in chewing patterns(braces, dentures or other dental work), damage to the teeth or jaw can trigger TMJ.

Treatment For TMJ Syndrome

Getting a diagnosis sooner than later is important in order to minimize or eliminate the chances for long- term damage. Temporal mandibular joint syndrome can often be treated with gentle therapies. Learning how to gently stretch, relax or massage the muscles around your jaw correctly may be an option that works. Qualified medical professionals help patients with this and provide massage therapy at a Chiro-Med Rehab Centre. Under proper medical care, patients can learn other techniques such as using heat and cold methods in order to help alleviate or eliminate the symptoms. In addition, learning various ways to reduce stress levels can be explored, as well as exercising several times every week.

Pinpointing a cause can help you better maximize treatment. If a specific cause can be determined then chances are TMJ syndrome can be eliminated. For example, if grinding the teeth at night as you sleep is the cause, mouth guards can help alleviate the pressure. (Although this is not recommended as a permanent solution.) Over-the-counter mouth guards are available, but having one that fits your mouth properly is important and most dentists' custom-make mouth guards.

If you think you may have TMJ syndrome, you may want to try this out in addition to seeking the services of a health professional. Set your cell phone to alert you a few times throughout the day. When you get that alert (or alarm) immediately take note of how you are holding your neck, shoulders and teeth. Are your shoulders up at your ears? Are your teeth clenched? Are you hunched over? If you answer yes to any of these, try to make a subconscious choice to be more aware of how your body is positioned.

Spring has arrived and with it, the heightened desire to get into the garden to start planting. The warmth of the sun, the freshness in the air and seeing new growth coming up every day inspires most people to get into their gardens.

This article is going to provide you with some useful spring gardening tips that come from two angles. First of all, let’s discuss some ideas on what to plant that can benefit your health.

Edible Gardening

You may have heard the term edible gardening, more and more people are turning to their gardens as a source of fresh herbs and food. If you have the space to grow vegetables, then it makes sense. Even if you live in an apartment or have limited space, container gardening is very popular and can keep you eating fresh healthy greens all summer long.

Don’t know what to plant? Here are some quick tips to help you decide.

• Grow what you like to eat. If you like beets, then growing these from seed is easy (remember, beet leaves are also very nutritious to eat).
• Be sure to grow herbs or vegetables that are well-suited for this area.
• We live near Ontario’s salad bowl, the Holland Marsh. Fresh produce (especially carrots and onions) is available from the farmers there at very affordable prices; so choose other produce to grow.
• Get a soil pH kit from a nursery and do a little homework in order to be successful. Vegetables thrive in a variety of soils and trying to grow alkaline veggies such as endive, cucumber or leeks in acidic soil is going to set you up for failure. (This chart is a reliable source to learn what is acidic and what is alkaline.)
• Also be sure to do some homework in regards to sunlight. Where you plan on gardening, is it full or part sun? Some veggies do not thrive in full sun – and some prefer cooler temperatures and do best in early spring or late summer (i.e., peas, some lettuces).
• If you choose to grow in containers, remember to keep in mind that you will have to replenish nutrients often into the soil because container gardening removes nutrients at a much more rapid rate than in the ground.
• Google companion gardening; for example, marigolds help tomatoes stay pest-free while growing.

By planting an edible garden, your body will reap the goodness of all the vitamins, minerals, enzymes and nutrients that you can’t get from store-bought produce.

So, now you have an idea about what to garden, now to start. If you have any health ailments please be sure to speak to your health professional. Getting into the garden may seem like a simple task, but if you suffer from an injury or have arthritis, then you may be facing some challenges. For example:

• Hauling in fertile soil to start container gardening, or manure to help richen the earth with nutrients can be strenuous work. Know your limitations and when to seek help from a friend or family member. Lifting heavy weights or shoveling earth into a wheelbarrow must be done carefully. Always keep the knees slightly bent and always use your legs to lift; never use your back to lift.
• Always try to find ways to make gardening much easier on your body; after all, gardening is physical work. If on your knees a lot, be sure to cushion your knees if you suffer from sore knee joints.
• When container gardening, arrange your containers where you want them to be, then fill them up with earth.
• Always be sure to play it safe; never leave your rakes or other garden implements on the ground. If you forget about them, you could end up tripping over them and hurting yourself.
• If it is hot out, know your limitations. Drink lots of water and take breaks.
• If you have arthritis or any other health issue, be sure to use garden tools that will help you such as long-handled tools. These will allow you to stand so you can avoid stooping over.
• Let your stronger joints do the work whenever possible. Even when something may not be that heavy to lift, instead of using your fingers, use the flat palm of your hand or your forearms to lift. Keep the lifted items close to your body as you carry them. Stand or sit with good posture while you work; and change positions often.

There you have it! Comprehensive spring gardening tips you’ll find valuable. If you have arthritis or painful joints from an injury, and are not sure about gardening, give Chiro-Med Rehab Centre a call. Chiro-Med Rehab Centre has a walk-in clinic conveniently located at 10144 Yonge Street, just north of Major MacKenzie Drive in the heart of Richmond Hill.Call 905-918-0419 for more information.

Many of us have heard how our body needs enzymes but what exactly are enzymes and why is it our body must have enzymes?

Enzymes can be defined as being catalysts, substances that cause a chemical reaction to move faster. They are the catalysts of biochemical reactions in living organisms which includes the formation, breakdown, and the rearranging of molecules to provide organisms with the energy and materials required to live and function properly. In fact, enzymes are even more important than vitamins and minerals because without enzymes, vitamins and minerals are totally useless.

All enzymes are substances that occur naturally in all living things, including us. If it’s an animal or a plant, it has enzymes. Researchers have identified more than 3,000 different enzymes in the human body up to now; they are still examining the body as they believe they may discover more.

There is not a doubt that enzymes are absolutely critical for life process. Every activity that occurs in our body needs enzymes. This includes:

• The building of healthy tissue
• Synthesis and repair of DNA
• A strong heartbeat
• Proper digestion
• Absorption of food
• Blood coagulation
• Breathing
• Absorption of oxygen
• Breaking down fats in the blood, regulating cholesterol and triglyceride

Nothing can take place without energy and energy is produced with enzymes. The existence of every living cell in the human body depends on enzymes. Those of us whose bodies are rich in enzymes are people who function at their best and have the greatest advantages in resisting disease. In fact, enzymes are not only critical to human health, but they are also critical to plants and animals as well.

Nutrients and Enzymes:

If a person does not have all the enzymes required then their body cannot process and use the nutrients, vitamins or minerals that we also desperately need to be healthy. Enzymes are rather specific and each one promotes one type of chemical reaction. Some break down the proteins, fats, and carbohydrates in our food into smaller molecules so that the digestion process runs smoother.

Like vitamins, minerals, and other nutrients, enzymes work best when they are ingested from fresh sources. Taking enzyme supplements doesn’t replace a healthy diet of quality fresh produce.

Enzymes are not only ingested from the fresh vegetables and fruits we eat but our liver produces enzymes in which we cannot ingest. Having a healthy liver is essential so that it can produce the other enzymes we need.

Our body’s ability to function, to mend after injury, and to ward off disease is directly related to the strength and numbers of the enzymes in our body. Enzymes are also important to help recover from back pain, circulation problems and many other ailments.

Many people have an enzyme deficiency and are totally unaware of it.

Coenzymes:

Enzymes do not work all by themselves; they rely on other elements to complete their intended function. Some vitamins and minerals are really important for enzymes to do what they need to and these are known as coenzymes. Coenzyme Q10 is one that many are aware of and magnesium is another; in fact, magnesium is needed in over 300 enzyme reactions. Thousands of people are magnesium deficient and are totally unaware. According to Dr. Norman Shealy in Missouri, "Every known illness is associated with a magnesium deficiency" and that, "magnesium is the most critical mineral required for electrical stability of every cell in the body. A magnesium deficiency may be responsible for more diseases than any other nutrient."

Ingesting vitamins, whether from eating foods or as supplements, increases the quantity of coenzymes in the body. Some vitamins helps our body produce coenzymes, such as folic acid (B9) and some of the B vitamins and other vitamins directly act as coenzymes, such as vitamin C.

Boost Your Enzymes Naturally

There are only four things you need to do to increase your enzymes naturally:

1. Eat plenty of raw, living foods
2. Decrease calorie intake
3. Properly (and slowly) chew your food
4. Avoid gum chewing

The absolute best way to bring enzymes into your body is by eating mostly raw foods in your diet (at least 75 percent). A great way to help achieve this is to eat sprouts. Sprouting is cheap and easy to do. Although all raw foods contain enzymes, some are more powerful than others and sprouts are at the top of the list.

Other enzyme-rich foods include:

• Papaya, pineapple, mango, kiwi, and grapes
• Avocado
• Raw honey
• Bee pollen
• Extra virgin olive oil and coconut oil

Our body is very intricate and everything we choose to eat and drink throughout our lifetime will determine just how healthy or unhealthy we are and will become. Be sure to make healthy food choices, eat lots of raw food, and remember, exercise is also important in order to maintain good health.

Migraines are not just a different type of headache; they are a severe throbbing pain or a pulsing sensation that is generally felt on one side of the head. More often than not nausea, vomiting, as well as extreme sensitivity to light and sound accompanies this pain. These attacks can last for hours or for days and they can be so severe a person is not able to function. In fact, a migraine headache ranks in the top 20 of the world's most disabling conditions affecting people of all ages. Migraines are a neurological disease that can be managed using massage therapy.

Different Types of Migraines

Common Migraine: This is the most prevalent type of migraine; technically this is referred to as a migraine without aura. Almost 11 percent of general population worldwide suffer from this. According to some doctors, this type of migraine will worsen with overuse of over-the-counter headache pills. A common migraine can last for anywhere from 4 to 72 hours. If the headache continues for over 72 hours then it is known as status migrainosus, which requires immediate medical attention.

Classic Migraine: Another term for this migraine is a migraine with aura. People suffering from aura experience dazzling flash of light, hazy spots or zigzag lines in their vision few minutes prior to the onset of the migraine. It is estimated that 15 to 20 percent of those who regularly get migraines have aura symptoms.

Menstrual Migraine: Migraine is a condition that is twice as common in women as men. There is a strong connection between the menstrual cycle and the onset of a migraine. Fluctuating hormones are the antecedent.

Chronic Migraine: This is a severe form of migraine. Defined, this headache occurs for more than 15 days in a one month period for three consecutive months. Over the course of time the headache continues throughout the day with occasional migraine symptoms such as nausea and vomiting. Chronic migraine is one of the most disabling forms of migraine.

Abdominal Migraine: With this type of migraine, the person experiences light to severe abdominal pain along with nausea and vomiting during the attack. This is commonly seen in children who have a history of migraine in their family.

There are other types of migraines but this gives you an idea that not all migraines are the same.

Massage Can Help

The science community has done very little research about massage therapy and migraines; however, there have been many independent studies conducted that conclude there is relief for most massage therapy patients. It is encouraging that there is a positive connection between massage and migraine relief. For example, a 2014 published paper in the Journal of Alternative and Complementary Medicine shows positive effects of Thai traditional massage. This massage uses stretching, compression, and pulling and rocking motion. This has proven to provide relief in many migraine sufferers.

Depending on the severity and type of migraine the patient is suffering with, a massage therapist may use a variety of different techniques such as:

• Craniosacral therapy: This is a gentle massage focused on the skull and scalp.‍
• Reflexology: Uses pressure and massage on the soles of the feet.‍
• Relaxation massage: This is for stress relief.‍
• Deep Tissue Massage: This massage works well on a tense neck and shoulders providing great results in relieving migraine symptoms.

Massage therapy is not a cure for migraine, but countless migraine patients state it is an indispensable complementary therapy. Some research has even shown that those who receive massage therapy experience a reduction in migraines. This has proven to bring relief to many who seek a reduction or elimination in pharmacological treatment.

Many benefits of massage therapy include an increase in serotonin levels which can help decrease senility to pain, reduce stress levels, and it can help improve sleep. At Chiro-Med Rehab Centre you can be sure you are in the hands of not only a qualified massage therapist, but a therapist who puts your best interests first.

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 a decade. Chiro-Med Rehab Centre has qualified professionals who can help you seek relief from migraine pain. We have clinics located in Richmond Hill and Newmarket, call 905-918-0419 or 905-235-2620 for more information.

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Resource:

Chatchawan U, Eungpinichpong W, Sooktho S, Tiamkao S, Yamauchi J. (2014). "Effects of Thai traditional massage on pressure pain threshold and headache intensity in patients with chronic tension-type and migraine headaches." Journal of Alternative and Complementary Medicine.

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!

DeQuervains disease is a painful disorder that affects tendons located at the base of the thumb. There are several kinds of tendon lining inflammatory diseases, but DeQuervains disease is the most common.

Tendons slide through sleeves (sheaths) and the inner wall of these “sleeves” has a slippery fluid to help lubricate the tendons. Repetitive movements such as forceful gripping contribute to the reduction of, or elimination of lubrication. When this occurs friction increases between the sheath and the thumb’s tendon creating an abnormal thickening. This constriction interferes with the smooth gliding motion of the tendons which in turn creates pain.

Although anyone can be afflicted with this, women between the ages of 30 and 50 tend to more likely to suffer from DeQuervains disease.

Causes Of Dequervains Disease

As mentioned above, repetition is the main cause of this condition. Squeezing, pinching, wringing, grasping all can contribute if done repeatedly.

Arthritic diseases such as rheumatoid arthritis can also cause DeQuervains. Also, scar tissue from a previous injury can create difficulty for the tendons to slide easily through the sheath.

Symptoms Of Dequervains Disease

Pain is felt when moving the thumb away from the hand. This pain is felt at the base of the thumb as well as in the forearm.

Treatment

Treatment for DeQuervains Disease is approached in several ways. The first method is the simplest – cease all activities that cause the symptoms; or at the very least when this work cannot be avoided, take several breaks. Sometimes this is very difficult and so laser or chiropractic care may be required.

Chiropractic manipulation can help regain normal alignment and the thumb’s motion.

Benefits Of Laser Therapy

Laser therapy, or rather cold laser therapy is a viable option that can help. Cold laser therapy penetrates particular light waves that increase cellular metabolism. These wavelengths of light waves (photons) can penetrate as far as two to three inches so the affected areas are treated. Once the photons reach injured tissue, they stimulate and energize the cells to repair the damage at a remarkable rate; this helps to move the healing process along quicker and reduce pain.

This treatment is fast and efficient and this enables the patient to be pain free faster than other methods. A professional therapist places a “wand” over the injured area and holds it there a few moments; it’s that simple. Some patients report that they feel instant relief, while others say it takes about a day. Also, repeat visits may be required depending on the level of pain, but many patients have reported how thrilled they were with this treatment option. In the event that a patient experiences re-occuring pain every once in a while, they can continue with cold laser therapy treatment as it is non-invasive, does not hurt and has no side effects. The best part for the patient is that this treatment option only takes about 10 to 20 minutes and is very cost effective.

For more information about the benefits of cold laser therapy or about DeQuervains Disease, Chiro-Med Rehab Centre in Richmond Hill can help. Chiro-Med Rehab Centre has a walk-in clinic conveniently located at 10144 Yonge Street, just north of Major MacKenzie Drive in the heart of Richmond Hill. Call 905-918-0419 for more information or to book a consultation.