There are no shortages of studies that indicate that Canadians are struggling with maintaining a healthy weight. Our lifestyle choices ultimately are the main contributing factor to becoming overweight; incorrect food choices, lack of exercise and alcohol consumption greatly contribute to excess weight.

Many of us are in a chair at a desk 6 – 8 hours a day and without any form of exercise throughout this time period, the body will pay the price.

Stretching

Stretching is important for a multitude of reasons. Increasing the flow of oxygen throughout the body by regular stretching is critical in order to have healthy blood circulation. Far too many minor aches and pains stem from the lack of oxygen in the blood stream which also causes tension and tightness in the muscles. Making time to stretch for 15 minutes a day can lead to improvements.  A great example of how many of us automatically correct circulation is when we are working at a desk and the tension builds in the neck and shoulder – most of us will slowly move our head in circles to alleviate that feeling; what we are doing is stretching those muscles in order to increase the flow of oxygen.

Our muscles need oxygen and stretching accomplished this. Those who stretch regularly feel the benefits for muscles that are less tense, less aching and less strained.

Stretching While At Work

Taking regular 60 second breaks to stretch throughout the work day is easy. Here are some suggestions to get oxygen moving into your blood stream. (All the below stretches are not to be done on chairs that have castor wheels. The chair must have 4 legs.)

1. While sitting and with proper posture, lower your chin as far as you can (to your chest). Slowly raise your head until the back of your head touches your back.
2. Slowly turn your head side-to-side with the ultimate goal of eventually getting the chin over each shoulder.
3. Make circles with your head – slowly.
4. Place both feet on the floor and sit straight – chest out and move both arms behind you until you can hold your hands behind the back – hold this position 5 to 10 seconds.
5. Take your right arm and hold it straight up – bend the elbow downwards until behind the back – with the left hand hold the right elbow and slightly pull until you feel the stretch and hold it for 5 – 10 seconds.  Repeat with the opposite arm.
6. While sitting place both feet on the floor place the left foot on the right knee. Slowly lower left knee until you feel a stretch in the upper outer thigh area – hold for 5-10 seconds and repeat. Then alternate legs.
7. Sit on the edge of your chair with both feet on the floor at shoulder-width distance.   Slowly lower the torso with your arms extended in front – stretch as low and as forward as possible until you feel a good stretch. Hold it for 5-10 seconds, slowly release and repeat 3 or 4 times.

These “extra” fun stretching exercises that can only be done only with a wooden chair in good condition (that has solid arms and four legs securely on the floor) positioned on carpeting so that it cannot move.

1. When time at the computer desk is spent reading (or watching television), pull the chair out to a comfortable distance. Place both feet flat on the floor and while keeping the back straight, use only the arms to slowly lift the body until the elbows are straightened. Hold that position as long as possible, and then slowly lower the body back to the chair. Repeat this exercise as frequently as possible when spending “reading time” at the computer. This will benefit the forearms, upper arms and shoulders.
2. At the desk, position the chair at an angle to free up leg space. Keep the back straight with both feet on the floor. Lift one leg off the floor about 10 cm (4”). Slowly straighten the leg to about a 140 degree angle. Hold that position. Then raise the leg higher and hold as long as possible then slowly release. Use your arms to help alleviate any unnecessary pressure on the lower back. This move will work out the quadriceps, calves and the tibialis anterior muscle.
3. Using the chair leg lift exercise, do the same only this time, firmly hold onto the arms of the chair and lift both legs simultaneously. Repeat as mentioned above. This time, not only are the legs getting a workout, but so are the abs, arms and shoulders.
4. While preparing a meal or hand washing dishes, stand erect. Choose one leg and bend the knee back until there is a 90 degree angle. Then using the upper part of that leg lift up until the gluts feel tight. Remember to keep the back straight by bending slightly forward from the hips in order to alleviate any strain on the lower back. Hold for 10 seconds and slowly release. Repeat as many times as the comfort level permits, remembering to alternate legs.

These simple stretching exercises, if done on a daily basis, will soon become so routine you’ll notice the difference.

For further information, Chiro-Med Rehab Clinic in Richmond Hill has a walk-in clinic conveniently located at 10144 Yonge Street, just north of Major MacKenzie Drive in the heart of Richmond Hill. The health professionals at Chiro-Med can help you with these or other stretching ideas to help you feel great. Drop on by or call 905-918-0419 for more information or to book a consultation.

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.

Glucosamine sulfate and Methyl Sulfonyl Methane (MSM) are perhaps the most widely used natural
supplements when seeking relief from joint pain. Together, these supplements have been extensively studied for almost thirty years and the results indicate that both these supplements offer a natural solution.

What Are Glucosamine Sulfate And Msm?

Glucosamine sulfate is a naturally occurring chemical found in the fluid that is around our joints.
Glucosamine is also found in other places in nature, for example, the glucosamine sulfate that is often put into dietary supplements is often harvested from shellfish. Although this is a natural substance, it can also be made safely in a lab.

MSM is a white powder that is a naturally-occurring nutrient found in many foods such as cabbage,
broccoli and other cruciferous vegetables. During food preparation, we lose most of it because it is
water soluble therefore it evaporates with the steam or gets tossed out with the water. Over processing our food supply has drastically reduced the amount of MSM that we consume. As a dietary supplement, MSM is synthesized.

What Separate Functions Does Glucosamine Sulfate And Msm Perform?

Glucosamine sulfate is commonly used for arthritis and more specifically, osteoarthritis. Over the years, people have tried glucosamine sulfate for a variety of other health ailments such as glaucoma and even for weight loss. Glucosamine sulfate has not been adequately studied for these uses and as of yet, there is no proof that glucosamine sulfate is beneficial for these conditions. Glucosamine also has the potential to rebuild cartilage lost in a joint due to injury or osteoarthritis.

MSM provides sulfur, which is a vital building block of joints, cartilage, skin, hair and nails, and methyl groups, which support the many vital biochemical processes in the body and this includes our energy production.

Glucosamine Sulfate And Msm Benefits

Together, glucosamine sulfate and MSM have been proven to provide relief from painful joints and

connective tissue. These ingredients have synergy so that together, they maintain the structural
integrity of connective tissue and joints while supporting the healing process.

Glucosamine sulfate protects connective tissue and cartilage to optimize joint function while MSM's
powerful therapeutic agent lessens inflammation, reduces muscle spasms, inhibits pain impulses, softens scar tissue and increases blood supply.

The addition of MSM to glucosamine sulfate is a proven and effective combination in supporting joint health as a whole.

Osteoarthritis

Cartilage absorbs impact and allows for smooth, pain-free motion when joint tissues are healthy.
Osteoarthritis has become a common condition where these soft joint tissues become inflamed, harden or they simply wear away – the results are pain and the loss of mobility. This debilitating disease can affect anyone at any time, although it tends to become more common as we age.

Many of the pain killers and anti-inflammatory drugs used to suppress arthritis symptoms can cause serious side effects that many people do not like. Those wishing to reduce or avoid these potentially dangerous drugs are increasingly turning to natural alternatives that are proven to be safe that lessen symptoms as well as promote long-term healing.

Remember, it's important not to self-diagnose. Let the healthcare professionals at Chiro-Med Rehab Centre in Richmond Hill provide you with all the care you need to ensure safe and proper healing.

When used under the guidance of a healthcare professional, glucosamine sulfate and MSM are perhaps the most effective natural supplements available today that provides relief from joint pain.

It doesn’t matter if you are athletic, a weekend workout buff or a person who likes to take life easy, we all can be susceptible to knee injuries if we are not careful.

Our knees are bound by an intricate system of muscles, ligaments, tendons, and cartilage and this makes them vulnerable to injury. Consider your knees as a complex hinge where the thigh bone (femur), shin bone (tibia), fibula (next to the shin bone) and kneecap all come together.

To better understand how knee problems can occur, it’s helpful to know what the purpose of everything is in the knee.

Ligaments hold your knee together – they are stabilizers. There are four ligaments.

There are two types of cartilage. The meniscus acts as a shock absorber. The other cartilage coats the surfaces of bones, enabling them to glide past one another. When this particular cartilage wears away due to a misalignment or stress, the bone-on-bone rubbing creates pain which may lead to arthritis.

Muscles that control the knee are located in front of the thigh (quadriceps) and behind it (hamstrings).

Tendons connect the knee bones to the leg muscles that move the knee joint.

A wrong step or a sideways collision can easily cause a strain or tear. Although this can happen to men, women are up to eight times more likely to experience a tear of the anterior cruciate ligament (ACL). ACL injuries are a very common knee injury among athletes. According to the American Orthopedic Society for Sports Medicine, about 150,000 ACL injuries occur in the United States every year. The Canadian Institute for Health Research says that almost 2,000 Canadians were hospitalized with ACL injuries in 2013. Those numbers do not include the tens of thousands who went to clinics and sports medicine doctors to treat their knee injuries.

How to Damage Your Knees

Ignoring knee pain will not solve anything and if anything it will worsen a condition. An occasional ache here and there is somewhat normal and not a reason to raise alarm bells. When the aches become persistent or pain starts to interfere with your ability to be comfortable then it is time to have it checked out. If you leave a minor injury and it seems to “go away” then this inevitably means at some point in the not-so-distant future you will have a re-occurring injury making things worse.

Not Following Through with Rehab

If you have been going through treatment and you decide you’re fine and stop going then this may be a window to further problems down the road. Rest and rehabilitation after a knee injury is critical to avoiding future pain or re-injury. Depending on the type of damage and treatment, recovery could last anywhere from a couple of weeks to several months. Always follow through to the end of your treatment.

Overweight

Did you know that for every pound we are overweight it puts five pounds of force on the knees? Can you imagine what being ten pounds overweight is doing to your knees? This is cause for undue stress on the knees that open several possibilities to future problems.
Being overweight increases the odds of a person getting osteoarthritis in the knee; this wears away at the knee’s cartilage. Excess weight also causes existing arthritis to worsen at a quick rate. In fact, according to the Centers for Disease Control (CDC), two out of three obese people suffer from knee osteoarthritis at some point in their life.

Overdoing Things

We are all guilty at times of overdoing things, especially when working out on a regular basis. Overdoing things can be spending too much time in the garden or running for the bus when your knee is recovering from a prior injury. Pushing yourself too hard can cause a host of problems. A sudden increase in duration or intensity of physical movement or an exercise can cause overuse injuries from repetitive strain. Kneecap pain and tendonitis are common symptoms in the knee. Always be sure to stretch before and after working out; even if you plan on a long walk after dinner.

Things to Be Aware of to Prevent Knee Injuries

Body Alignment

In some ways we are like a car, if wheel alignment is off then our tires wear. If our body is not properly aligned, muscles, joints, and ligaments take more strain than they are intended. To make sure you’re properly aligned here are some tips:

• Keep your back straight and don't slouch.
• Try to keep your knees slightly bent when standing – never lock them.
• Keep your abdominal muscles tight.
• Your head should be centered over your body. Try to position your ears over the shoulders.
• Keep your weight evenly distributed between your feet.

Correct Footwear

Shoes that cause your body weight to be unevenly distributed place extra stress on your knee joints. Flat or rigid arches, uneven leg length, and bowed legs are fairly common, and each can contribute to an awkward stride and put pressure on your knees. High-heeled shoes might add to the risk of osteoarthritis or other knee problems. Apparently there are some studies out there that claim women who wear high heels have stress across the part of the knee where osteoarthritis usually develops.

Last but Not Least, Exercise Regularly

Straight leg exercises are easy and can be done at your desk or while watching television. Sit with both feet on the floor. Raise one leg up and slowly raise your foot up until your leg is almost straight, then slowly lower. Do this five times for each leg to start with then increase as you feel comfortable. Hamstring curls are real easy. Stand straight with both knees slightly bent and hold a chair. Slowly raise one leg up backwards and slowly return to the foot to the ground. Do this five times for each leg in the beginning and work up to as many as you are able. Calf raises are basically standing tippy toed. Stand with your feet shoulder width apart and slowly lift up onto your toes then lower, repeat this as many times as you feel comfortable doing.

If you are experiencing persistent knee aches or pain its 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 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.

Omega-3 is in a group of essential fatty acids that you’ve probably heard of before; they are one of the mainstays of the nutrition industry, with a market value of roughly $1.6 billion industry wide.  And you’ve probably also heard that they’re good for you, with a wide range of health benefits, including being good for your heart, good for your brain, and that they help reduce inflammation in the body. Interestingly, many people remain unaware of the health benefits that Omega-3 has to offer when it comes to bone health. If you needed yet another reason for adding foods rich in omega-3 into your diet, get ready to add improved bone health to your list.

Our bodies cannot manufacture Omega-3 and as such it is vitally important to our health that our diets contain food sources with enough Omega-3 in them. In fact, diets deficient in Omega-3 fatty acids have been linked to a wide range of serious health issues relating to the brain, nerves, eyes, and the immune system. But did you know that being deficient in Omega-3 fatty acids could also lead to poor bone health?

Just like our skin or muscle tissue, bone is a living tissue. The body is always undergoing a constant process of making new bone matter and removing old bone matter. However, during early childhood and adolescence, the body produces new bone matter at a much faster rate than it removes old bone matter, leading to our bones becoming denser during this time period. By about age 30, our bones reach their peak density. This is important because the amount of bone mass you have in your early 30s helps determine your risk of developing osteoporosis later in life.  During these formative years, it has been demonstrated that Omega-3 is positively associated with increased bone mineral density, meaning that people with higher concentrations of Omega-3 fatty acids in their blood build stronger bones during the body’s peak years for bone density formation, setting the stage for better bone health later on in life.

In fact, recent studies have begun to demonstrate how low levels of Omega-3 fatty acids in the blood stream may lead to the increased risk of bone fractures in older people, notably with hip fractures in postmenopausal women. With broken hips being one of the most common fracture-related injuries associated with osteoporosis, affecting one out of every 2 women above age 50, this is an significant finding for women. And while it’s important that everyone gets Omega-3 in their diet on a daily basis to help promote healthy bones, for women in their menopausal years it isn’t just important, it is crucial. When women go through menopause, they experience a rapid reduction in bone mineral density. Higher omega-3 fatty acid concentrations are thought to improve bone mineral density, and recent studies have begun to show just how true this idea is.

So now that you know that Omega-3 is good for your body, playing a vital role in maintaining healthy bones, what foods should you start trying to work into your diet? Foods such as fatty fish (i.e., salmon, herring, mackerel) along with plant foods such as walnuts, flax, wild rice, and certain omega-enriched dairy products are all good examples of food high in Omega-3s that you can add into your diet to help support your bone health.  While some risk factors for osteoporosis can’t be changed, such as gender or ethnicity, diet is one thing that can be controlled. By eating a diet rich in calcium and Omega-3, and getting plenty of physical exercise and vitamin D, people may be able to build strong bones that can last a lifetime.

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. 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.

Core stability is at the centre of improving your winter sports performance. No matter what sport you participate for enjoyment or for competition, improving your ability to become better includes core stability.

The body’s core is often overlooked by many when they are trying to improve their skiing, skating, curling or any other winter sport they partake in. The central core of the body must be in great shape in order for us to be maximum for stabilization. Core stability for every one of us can be viewed as though it is a pillar; pillars are used as support for a building. In an active individual minimizing joint loads, regardless of the activity, is essential in helping to prevent injury and this is part of what core stability can provide.

Like any other part of our body, strengthening the core takes special exercises. These muscles are located deep inside. They include:

• The transversus abdominus is a very important core muscle. From the back it wraps around the torso, the top of the pelvis and attaches to the fascia pubic bone. It adds stability to the pelvis and lower back and compresses the abdominal area.
• The lumbar multifidus is on an angle from the sides to the tips of the vertebrae. Due to the angle, it helps with rotational stability. Many studies have shown that those with chronic lower back pain tend to have significant atrophy of the multifidus.
• The pelvic floor muscles connect the sacrum and pelvis to the pubic bone and these stabilize the bottom of the abdominal cavity. The pelvis floor, transversus abdominus and multifidus work together to stabilize the pelvis. The best way to strengthen the pelvic floor is by doing Kegel exercises.
• The transversospinalis muscles run from the sides of the vertebrae to the tips of the vertebrae. These muscles are also important for rotational stability.
• We have two oblique muscles and the internal oblique is the deeper of the two. It runs on an angle from the pelvis up to the ribs. In addition to helping stabilize the core, it also helps spine mobility.

All of the deep core muscles are very important for athletes and for all of us. When you perform movements (or exercises) that require the spine to be stable, you need these core muscles working well for you.

Those in martial arts have known for decades that well-developed inner core muscles are required in order to avert injuries and to produce powerful, balanced and solid movements effectively. When the core muscles are not in shape then core stability is not where it should be therefore athletic performance is not what it can be, strains are common, and susceptibility to injuries increases.

Regardless of it being a winter sport or any physical activity, developing core stability will also help with better posture, which is critical if you are active in winter sports (as well as for anyone). Better posture also leads to a better functioning respiratory system. Regardless of whether you are an athlete at the competitive level or an individual who just likes to participate in a winter activity once in a while, developing core stability leads to overall better health.

Simple At-Home Core Stability Exercises

Make a Bridge

Lay on the floor with your feet flat on the floor and your knees bent. Squeeze your gluteals and push upward with your hip until your body makes a straight line from your knees to the upper body. Shoulders remain on the floor.

One Hand Flying

Kneel on the floor and put your hands (flat) below your shoulders and be sure that your knees are below your hips. Slowly extend the left leg back and the right arm forward as far as you can. Maintain that straight line as long as you are able, slowly bring back and then repeat with the opposite hand and leg.

Legs Up

Lay on your back with both knees bent. Tighten your abdominal muscles and slowly lift one leg straight into the air. Once as high as you are able, hold that position. Keep you knee slightly bent at all times. Slowly lower the leg then repeat with the opposite leg. Try lifting both legs at the same time as high as you are able, hold, and slowly lower.

These are some examples of how easy it is to start working on tightening your core muscles so you can improve core stability. Once you have improved your core stability you’ll notice a huge difference in your performance on the ice, on the ski slopes or anywhere else you enjoy sports.

If you need assistance or need some advice in strengthening your core muscles Chiro-Med Rehab Centre in Richmond Hill can help. Chiro-Med Rehab Centre has a convenient location and highly qualified health professionals to help you lessen your chances of injury. Visit Chiro Med online or call 905-918-0419 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!

Carpal tunnel syndrome refers to compression of the median nerve at the wrist, resulting in weakness, pain and possibly numbness of the hand and wrist. The median nerve controls sensation in the palm of the hand (thumb and fingers, excluding the pinky or little finger).

Treatment of carpal tunnel syndrome (CTS) is very important, since long-term carpal tunnel syndrome can lead to permanent nerve damage, constant numbness and atrophy of muscles related to the carpal tunnel.

Causes Of Carpal Tunnel Syndrome

Often times the specific cause of carpal tunnel syndrome (CTS) is undetermined. However, it is known that CTS is associated with the following:

• An abnormally small carpal tunnel
• Repetitive, work related stress
• A wrist injury that results in swelling (e.g. wrist sprain or fracture)
• An overactive pituitary gland
• Arthritis (rheumatoid)
• Fluid retention during pregnancy
• Menopause
• Cysts/tumors that form in the tunnel

Symptoms Of Carpal Tunnel Syndrome

Symptoms of CTS usually start gradually, and become more severe as the problem worsens.

The following symptoms are listed from initial to later stages:

• Tingling, itching and even a burning sensation in the thumb and fingers
• Numbness in the palm of the hand
• A feeling of tightness or swelling
• Pain in the hand or wrist
• Loss of strength when gripping some object
• Inability to distinguish between cold and hot objects
• As the condition worsens atrophy of the thenar muscles may occur

Please note that it is common for these symptoms to first occur at night only, since many people sleep with their wrists in a flexed position. As the condition progresses some or all of the symptoms will occur throughout the day as well.

Treatment Of Carpal Tunnel Syndrome

There are two types of treatments for CTS: surgical and non-surgical. It is very important to diagnose CTS as early as possible in order to avoid surgical treatment.

Non-surgical treatment consists of:

• Resting and immobilizing the affected hand via splints or braces
• Avoiding activity that stresses the hand and wrist
• Physiotherapy
• Massage therapy
• Non-steroidal, anti-inflammatory drugs to ease pain and swelling
• Injection of corticosteroids into the wrist (can also be taken orally) to relieve pressure on the
  median nerve

Surgery is often recommended if symptoms have been present for 6 months.

There are two types of surgery used to treat carpal tunnel syndrome:

1. Traditional "open release" surgery, which involves an incision in the wrist followed by severing
   of the carpal ligament (this increases the size of the carpal tunnel)
2. Endoscopic surgery, which involves inserting a tiny camera into the wrist/palm and results in a
   faster recovery time, less post-operative discomfort and a smaller degree of scarring.

It is very important to catch carpal tunnel syndrome early on. Unfortunately CTS can be difficult to diagnose, and symptoms can also be caused by things other than carpal tunnel syndrome.

Chiro-Med Rehab Centre located in Richmond Hill has the necessary expertise and knowledge to help you recover from carpal tunnel syndrome. As professionals we can recommend the type of treatment needed and effectively implement that treatment, getting you on the road to recovery as quick as possible!