Friday 23 December 2011

Carpal Tunnel Syndrome - Can Chiropractic Help?

Hi there loyal readers! This is my last post for 2011 and I would like to thank you all for your support and interest in my blog! Learning about your health is the most important thing you can do - so visiting here often will put you on the right track for a great 2012! I look forward to posting more on the health issues you want to know about in the new year - leave me a comment and let me know what interests YOU!

Today's post reviews and explains a very common and debilitating health issue - Carpal Tunnel Syndrome. The National Center for Health Statistics has reported that Carpal Tunnel Syndrome results in the highest number of days lost among  all other work-related injuries. It is the most common nerve compression disorder of the upper limb. Here is what you need to know about this painful health condition:

What is Carpal Tunnel Syndrome?

The carpal tunnel is a narrow, rigid passageway formed of bones and ligaments at the base of your hand. Nine tendons and one nerve (the median nerve) pass through this space. Carpal tunnel syndrome (CTS) occurs when the median nerve becomes pressed or squeezed at the wrist. Thickening from irritated tendons or other swelling narrows this tunnel and, since it is mainly composed of bones, the tunnel cannot stretch to accommodate this inflammation. This results in compression and irritation to the median nerve (neuropathy), leading to painful sensations. Although these sensations may indicate other conditions, CTS is the most common and widely understood of the entrapment neuropathies in which the body’s peripheral nerves are compressed or traumatized.


The Median Nerve:

The median nerve exists in humans as well as other animals. It originates in the neck and courses down the arm into the wrist, where it passes through the carpal tunnel. This nerve controls the sensations to the palm side of the thumb and fingers (not including the little finger), as well as impulses to some small muscles in the hand that control finger and thumb movement. Due to the course of the nerve, compression at the carpal tunnel can result in pain, weakness, or numbness in the hand and wrist, radiating up the arm.


Wednesday 21 December 2011

T'was a Chiropractic Christmas!


T’was the day before Christmas,
but there was no cheer.
No jingle bells jingled, no sound of reindeer.
The word had gone out that Santa was sick.
There would be no visit from jolly St. Nick.
The people were sad; no gaiety sounded.
For Christmas had come,
but Santa was grounded.
He drove down the road,
and what should he see?
But a sign for a doctor, who was a D.C.
Now Santa was not one to like a new tactic,
But all else had failed, so he tried Chiropractic.
He entered the office and saw at a glance,
in a place such as this, illness hasn’t a chance.
The office staff smiled, the music was sappy,
with all of the patients contented and happy.
In a very short time, to judge by the clock,
he was in the adjusting room, talking to Doc.
It must be the hurry, the tension and all,
I simply can’t seem to get on the ball.
Life used to be easy;
just kids, toys and whistles,
now I dodge smog, spaceships and missiles.
And Doc, take a look at the size of this pack!
Have you any idea what it does to my back?
Poor Santa was miserable and just barely able,
with the help of the Doctor, to get on the table.
The Doctor was gentle;
without a fuss or a tussle
he examined the vertebrae
and relaxed every muscle.
He spotted trouble and then with a click,
started aligning the spine of old St. Nick.
Santa felt aches and pains slipping away
and in no time at all he began to feel gay.
The air was a tingle with new fallen snow
and a healthy Kris Kringle was rarin’ to go.
As he went out the door, he threw them a kiss;
why, it had been centuries
since he felt good as this!
Then once more he shouldered
the bag full of toys,
his heart overflowing with true Christmas joys.


By: Author Unknown

Tuesday 13 December 2011

Stay Safe in the Snow!


Snowy weather is just around the corner! For many of us, this means enjoying the slopes and taking the toboggan out for a spin; however, the winter also brings icy sidewalks, slippery steps and snow to shovel! Whether you love outdoor activities, or would rather snuggle up in front of a warm fire, today’s post will cover some important safety tips to keep you and your family injury-free this winter season.

Shoveling Snow:

The average shovelful of snow can weigh as much as 7 pounds and to clear your driveway and sidewalk, you are looking at lifting several hundred pounds of snow! Here are some ways you can get the job done and spare your back at the same time:

   1. Pay attention to the weather reports!
I know they are usually wrong (sorry meteorologists!), but paying attention to what weather is expected can help you stay ahead of the game. If your local weather station is calling for several days of snow, getting outside more frequently to clear your driveway and sidewalk is recommended. This will allow you to move smaller amounts of snow at a time AND get you more exercise – two birds with one stone!

   2. Invest in a good shovel – and make sure you pick the right one for you!
The snow shovel you choose should depend on what you are using it for – make sure you consider this before you buy! Also consider the size – the length of the handle and the volume of the scoop, materials, and weight of the shovel. I usually recommend a lightweight, pusher-type of shovel. Plastic is a good material and will withstand breakage under 99% of conditions. If you are using a metal shovel, be sure to spray it with Teflon first – this will ensure the snow slides off and does not stick!

    3. Push the snow!
Try to push the snow to the side instead of lifting and throwing. This way, you can avoid lifting heavy shovelfuls of snow and suddenly twisting or turning. I know this is not always possible, especially if the snow has piled up – in this case, follow the directions below to avoid unnecessary twisting movements that can lead to injury:


1. Keep feet wide apart. Put weight on front foot close to shovel and use leg to push shovel straight ahead
2. Shift weight to rear foot and keep shovel-load close to body. Lift with arms and legs, not back
3. Turn  feet in the direction of throw and pivot entire body rather than twisting at the waist

Wednesday 7 December 2011

Can YOU Limit Your Sitting and Sleeping to 23 and 1/2 Hours per Day?

Hi there, readers! I urge you to take 10 minutes of your day to watch this video! Dr. Mike Evans, a physician and professor at the University of Toronto, answers the age old question: “What is the single best thing we can do for our health?” Thank you to my colleague and pal, Dr. Ben Bluestein, for sharing this with me so that I can share it with all of you!


Monday 5 December 2011

Why YOU Need a Chiropractor!

The importance of your spine:

Your spine is a unique and very complex set of bones that allow you movement and flexibility, while housing and protecting your spinal cord. The bones themselves provide the basic structure that muscles and other parts of your body – your shoulders and pelvis – are attached to. The spinal muscles both hold the spine upright and move it though its range of motion. Your spine also supports the weight of your head, which can be roughly the weight of a bowling ball!

Your spinal bones – the vertebrae – are specially constructed to shelter your spinal cord, which at any given time carries millions of vital messages from your brain to your body and back. The spinal cord branches off into nerves that exit between the vertebrae in order to communicate with the organs, muscles, and joints of your entire body. Having good spinal health is critical for this reason alone!


The nervous system is our body’s communication highway – it controls virtually every aspect of our lives, our entire mind and body! Just as a highway can get backed up with traffic, the daily stresses in our lives can cause congestion of our nervous system and, over time, can build up and cause deterioration of the joints and discs of the spine, which have a direct impact on your nervous system. Chiropractors work to eliminate the “traffic” that is clogging your nervous system, allowing you, and your entire mind and body, to function optimally.

Chiropractors – an integral part of your Health Care Team:

You probably have a GP and a dentist, maybe even an optometrist. You don’t see them all the time – maybe a couple times a year for a check-up or a dental cleaning. You have them on your roster – you never know when you may have an emergency, and isn’t it comforting to know that you have someone there who knows you and who you already trust with your care?

Now that you understand how critical your spine is to your health, it’s time to add a chiropractor to your health care team. Research has shown that 80% of people will have back pain in their life, and of those people, 80% will have chronic, long-lasting pain. Back pain is the most common reason stated for why people miss days at work. When we know something may be coming, we prepare for it! Since chiropractors all practice differently, it is important that you find one with a similar philosophy to you. Most will offer free consultations – take advantage of this and discuss your health care concerns with them. All chiropractors have different philosophies and treatment protocols – find one that you like and trust and get an examination when you are feeling well! When most people hurt themselves, they lose their normal range of motion and an examination at this time can be difficult and painful. It can also be tricky to find a chiropractor you like, trust, AND is available when you need them, if you are not already a patient.

Regular examinations by your chiropractor are a MUST to keep your spine and other joints working properly. Schedule these exams for twice a year if you are healthy and free of pain. By no means does this mean you need to be treated – an examination for a well-patient is often enough to ensure that you are growing or aging normally. Often, your chiropractor will send you off with some suggestions and exercises so that you can care for yourself. You may find that, following some of these examinations, your chiropractor may want to see you a few times to sort out any issues that they may find during the examination. This is normal and preventative in nature. Spinal issues can take weeks to months to manifest as symptoms, but your chiropractor can discover them before this point. It is our job as your doctor to help you prevent problems before they become debilitating. This is why it is so important to find a roster of health care professionals that you trust with your care.

Once you find the right doctor, bring your family for examinations as well. Many disorders, especially of the spine, are hereditary and show up later in life. Start your kids out on the right foot – many of these problems can be prevented before they become a problem!

Now that you know a little bit more about us, how many of you will be finding yourself and your family a chiropractor? 

Tuesday 22 November 2011

Hone In On Your Bones


Hello again, friends and followers! Thank you for continuing to read my blog posts, I hope you have found them easy to read and informative. If there are any questions or conditions that you would like me to focus on specifically, feel free to leave your suggestions in the comments area below my posts, or e-mail me directly at drgoldsman@torontohealthclinic.ca.

November is Osteoporosis Awareness Month and, although I have been lecturing quite a bit on the topic this month, I could not let November go by without posting some information for all of you! So, without further adieu….

Postural changes associated with Osteoporosis.


What is Osteoporosis?

The word osteoporosis means “porous bones”, and that is essentially what it is! It is the leading bone disease in the world and results in an increase in fracture risk. Osteoporosis (OP) can occur in both men and women; however, the incidence in women is far greater. The form of OP that is most common in women occurs after menopause, and is referred to as Primary Type 1, or Postmenopausal OP. Primary Type 2, or Senile OP, occurs after the age of 75, and is seen in both males and females at a ratio of 2:1. Finally, secondary OP may arise at any age and can affect men and women equally. This form of OP results from chronic predisposing medical problems or diseases.

How do you get Osteoporosis?

There are many, many ways that one may acquire OP. The disease process is complex, and more than 30 genes in your DNA are associated with the development of OP. Basically, there are two main cells that act on your bones – Osteoblasts and Osteoclasts. Osteoblasts act to build up new bone and osteoclasts do the opposite – they resorb bone, or break it down. Like all other cells and tissues in your body, bone is constantly being broken down and replaced by these two specific cells. This is normal and occurs in all people. The ratio of break down to build up is generally even. OP results when your osteoclasts are breaking down more bone than is being made to replace it.


A. Normal, healthy  bone.
B. Osteoporotic bone - note the porous appearance.

What are the risk factors?

Friday 18 November 2011

Is Sciatica Getting on Your Nerves?




What is Sciatica?

First things first: Sciatica is a symptom, not a diagnosis! It is a sign of another medical problem, not one on its own! This point is important, because treatment for sciatica or sciatic symptoms often differs depending upon the underlying cause of the symptoms and pain levels.

Sciatica occurs when the sciatic nerve roots are inflamed, irritated, stretched or compressed. Inflammation of this nerve can cause extreme pain. The pain can affect any or all of the regions that the sciatic nerve travels – so, your lower back, hips, legs, and/or feet can be affected. The pain will be different depending on where the nerve irritation occurs.  In addition to pain, there may be numbness, muscular weakness, pins and needles or tingling, and/or difficulty in moving or controlling the leg. Typically, the symptoms are only felt on one side of the body, but, on the rare occasion, it can be a bilateral problem.

How can I tell if I have Sciatica?

Wednesday 9 November 2011

VIDEO - Understanding Pain in 5 Minutes

A good Wednesday to  you all! I stumbled across this video a few months back and think it is excellent! Take five minutes of your day and give it a watch!



Monday 7 November 2011

Tackling the Top Ten Chiropractic Myths

Hello, again! Today's post will cover some of the most common questions/myths that I am asked by my patients, friends, family and total strangers. The majority of the time, they are asked as a challenge - well, challenge accepted!

Myth #1: Chiropractors crack your bones
One of the most well known and common chiropractic techniques involves an adjustment, or manipulation, of the spine or extremity JOINTS (the point of connection between two bones). A chiropractic adjustment is the focused mobilization of a specific joint in the body and acts to affect the joints position and movement. The audible sound sometimes heard (not always!) during an adjustment is caused by the opening of the joint space and the expansion of gases within that space. A chiropractic adjustment does not affect the bones on either side of a joint – it affects the connective tissues that hold that joint together. Not ALL chiropractic treatment plans involve manipulation, and it is not uncommon for a patient’s treatment to include a variety of techniques: electrical modalities, soft tissue/muscle work, exercise advice, stretching, ergonomic advice and nutritional counseling.

Myth #2: You have to go for the rest of your life
If you are being treated for a specific problem, the treatment plan should end when the problem is resolved. If your problem is chronic (you have been suffering for more than 3 months) or recurrent, or you wish to avoid future problems, you may benefit from periodic care to stay ahead of accumulative strains and acute flare-ups. Dental care is similar to chiropractic in this way. Bottom line is….it’s YOUR choice!

It is not necessary to continue to see a chiropractor once they have taken care of your problems – you are never obligated to continue treatment! In my practice, most (about 90%) of patients choose to come back for regular check-ups that vary from every 2 weeks to every 6 months – this depends on their lifestyle and health care goals. The most recent research states that patients with a chronic condition benefit best from chiropractic management every 2 weeks, or twice a month. This may seem like a lot, but remember – the problem is chronic for a reason – perhaps you sit hunched over a computer for 8 hours a day, 7 days a week or you play hockey with your buddies every weekend! Giving up the things you love or that provide a living for you and your family are not always an option!

The main inference of Myth #2 is that chiropractic care is addictive. If continuing to do something that gives you an increased level of heath and decrease pain is addictive, then maybe it is! Remember – the amount of care you utilize is always up to you! Most patients who see huge changes in their energy, immune function, sleep pattern, pain level and general well-being choose to maintain regular chiropractic care as an integral part of their lifestyle.

Myth #3: Chiropractors are not real doctors
This one really gets me! The general public has come to think of a doctor as someone who prescribes pills or removes organs. Sadly, many people also think this is the best, or only, method of viable health care. Medication is an aggressive approach to health care – the side effects are endless, and at times can include death. It is important for the public to be aware that there is MUCH more to health care than just drugs and surgery!

In order for a chiropractor to practice in Canada, they must first graduate from a recognized institution as a doctor of chiropractic (D.C.). A D.C. program takes 4 years to complete and includes at least 4,200 hours of specialized clinical training. This is only possible after completing an undergraduate program. After all the schooling (which includes the study of anatomy, physiology, biomechanics, toxicopharmacology, microbiology, and neurology, amongst MANY others) you must pass both national and provincial board exams to qualify for a license. To maintain their license, a chiropractor must complete continuing education courses to ensure updated knowledge in all aspects of patient care. In Ontario, a chiropractor is one of 5 health professionals legally entitled to use the title ‘doctor’. A chiropractor has an equally extensive education in all human health sciences than any other doctor. How a chiropractor differs is the philosophy behind how these health sciences are applied to help their patients maximize their health.

In Ontario, a chiropractor is considered a Primary Care Practitioner - this means we act as a first-contact health care professional, just like your medical doctor! So, is a chiropractor a REAL doctor? Absolutely! We are spine and joint care professionals – what your chiropractor can offer you, no other doctor can.

Wednesday 2 November 2011

Get Your Scoliosis Facts Straightened Out!


Hello again, friends and followers! Today’s post is going to cover a relatively common spinal deformity called Scoliosis. Chiropractors treat spines – it is what we do! Scoliosis is one of the most common issues seen and treated by Chiropractors, and, as I will discuss further down the page, early diagnosis and treatment can prevent worsening of this condition which can be quite painful, debilitating, and can even decrease your life expectancy!


What Is Scoliosis?

Scoliosis is not a disease – it is a descriptive term. All spines have curves and, being bipedal (we walk on two feet, not four), all human beings need these curves to balance the upper body over the pelvis. Curves become abnormal when they run lateral, or side-to-side, and this is what we term Scoliosis. Although it is a complex, three-dimensional deformity, on an X-ray, the spine may look like a “C” (single curve) or an “S” (double curve). The individual show in the X-ray below has a double “S” curve.


Scoliosis is classified as congenital, idiopathic, or neuromuscular:

Congenital Scoliosis is caused by vertebral anomalies that are present at birth. These anomalies occur in utero as soon as 4-6 weeks gestation. The number of abnormal vertebrae, their location, and the growth potential around these abnormal bones is what determines how severe a congenital curve will become. For very mild, single vertebra anomalies, the deformity may not be readily observable and may be found incidentally on x-ray.

Idiopathic Scoliosis is, by definition, of unknown cause and is the most common of the classifications. This category has subclassifications defined by the time of onset (infantile, juvenile, adolescent, or adult). Adolescent idiopathic scoliosis accounts for 80% of all cases of idiopathic onset.

Neuromuscular Scoliosis develops as a secondary symptom of another condition. Some examples include spina bifida, cerebral palsy, spinal muscular atrophy and physical trauma.

What are the Risk Factors?

Thursday 20 October 2011

It's that S.A.D. Time of Year Again...


Ahh…the “Winter Blues”. We are all affected by the changes in daylight in one way or another. For some people, a more advanced form of cyclical depression can set in during the months of September to November and last until the early to mid spring months. Seasonal Affective Disorder (S.A.D., appropriately) is recognized by the DSM IV (manual published by the American Psychiatric Association that covers all mental health disorders for both children and adults) and is considered a form of major depressive disorder. The only distinction between S.A.D and other major depressive disorders is the timing of episodes, which occur during the short, dark days of winter.

Common S.A.D. symptoms:

-Depression:
       Low mood, worse than and different from normal sadness
       Negative thoughts and feelings
       Hopelessness
       Withdrawal from friends and family

-Sleep problems:
       The need to sleep more and more often with a tendency to oversleep
       Difficulty staying awake during the day and/or disturbed sleep at night

-Lethargy:
       Fatigue, which can be incapacitating, can make it difficult to carry out normal routines

-Over eating:
       Cravings for carbohydrates and sweet foods as an energy source can lead to weight gain

-Changes in cognitive function:
        Difficulty with concentration and memory

-Social changes:
        Irritability
        Difficulty spending time with people

Anxiety:
        Tension – Everyday stresses may be harder to handle

Other common symptoms include…
         Headaches
         Decreased immune function, making illness and infection more common and prolonged
         Loss of libido – disinterest in sex and other physical contact

S.A.D. is diagnosed after three consecutive winters of suffering with the above symptoms.

Thursday 6 October 2011

A Bun in The Oven AND a Pain in Your Buns!


Expecting a baby can be an exciting time, but it can also be full of new aches and pains for the mommy to be! Back pain is one of the most common side effects of pregnancy, and up to 80% of pregnant women complain of moderate to debilitating back and leg pain. Today’s blog post is going to cover why back and posterior pelvic pain occurs in pregnancy and how the expectant mother can manage this pain and keep herself active throughout her entire pregnancy. 

Dear Baby: why are you making my back hurt!?

Back pain and posterior pelvic pain during pregnancy is related to a number of factors. Some women will experience lower back pain with the onset of pregnancy, while others may not feel these aches until the third trimester. More amazingly, there are some lucky women who will not feel pain at all (and don’t we love them for it!). So, for those of you who DO have pain, what causes it to occur?

Thursday 22 September 2011

You Don't Know Squat!


   I’ve asked many personal trainers the following question: If you could choose only ONE exercise to do today, which one would it be? Without fail, the answer is always SQUATS!

   The squat is an essential, primal movement which is necessary to complete many daily tasks in individuals of all ages. Unfortunately, the squat is rarely performed properly, even by the most elite of athletes. If you watch your children play, you will see great squat form! As we age, we become increasingly stiff at the knee and hip joints and round our backs while attempting a squat. Building strong muscles in our legs, as well as maintaining flexibility in the joints of our lower limbs, is vital for healthy and comfortable aging.

The Benefits:

   Reason #1: Squats Build Muscles throughout Your ENTIRE body!
       Squats build muscle throughout your whole body faster than any other exercise! They are a compound, multi-joint and multi-muscle exercise that acts to stress your entire body as a complete unit. Many people skip on squats because they believe it is an exercise just for your legs – nothing could be further from the truth! When performing a squat, you require the strength of over 200 muscles! Squats also help you with many other exercises, too. You will find that the more squats you do, the easier the rest of your workout will become - even your bench press will improve! More importantly for most, the tasks you do every day (cleaning, showering, going to the bathroom, etc.) that are vital for independent living will become more effortless with squat training.

   Reason #2: Squats Build Strength in Your Hips and Core:
       The majority of your body’s force originates in your hips and core. Working on these joints, and the muscles that surround them, will build overall strength and power. The squat is, hands-down, the BEST exercise for building strength in your hip and core musculature.

   Reason #3: Squats Improve Athleticism:
        If you desire to become a better athlete, no other exercise will improve your overall ability like a squat. Squatting helps your body build explosive strength and power that is essential to thrive in any competitive sport.

   Reason #4: Squats Reduce Injuries:
        Contrary to popular belief, squats do not cause injury, as long as they are performed correctly.  Squatting improves and helps to maintain hip, knee and ankle flexibility. Knee strength is also improved when performing proper squats.

   So, we are agreed, the squat is an important exercise that each and every one of us should be performing on a regular basis. The problem is that well over 90% of us that ARE doing squats are performing them incorrectly. This can be dangerous, as improper technique can put undue stress on your lower back and knees which can quickly lead to serious injury.

Tuesday 13 September 2011

Backpack Basics


            It gets stuffed with books, squished at the bottom of a locker, thrown in the corner of a room, and buried under dirty laundry. Your backpack gets abused – but does it abuse you?
           
            It’s that time of year again…the kids are back to school (!!). When preparing your child for back to school, all parents make sure their kids have enough pens, pencils and notebooks - but how many of you carefully choose how they carry them? Improperly worn and poorly designed backpacks can be a source of back pain, discomfort and injury in our children and teenagers. Several studies indicate that backpacks are often loaded with up to 22% of a child’s bodyweight! When worn up to 60 minutes per day, it can be understood why the relationship between heavy backpacks and back pain in children is a growing concern. It is estimated that 40% of children report back pain, and these kids most commonly relate this pain to backpack use. A study conducted at Queen’s University in 2002 found that choosing the right backpack and taking the time to distribute the weight properly can make a significant difference in avoiding injury and living pain-free.

WAAAAHHHHHy Won’t My Baby Stop Crying?


What is Colic?

Colic is described as an unexplained, extreme fussiness, not related to eating, that occurs within the first 3 months of life. Typically, it begins at about 2-3 weeks of age and gradually declines by the third month. Episodes are more common in the late afternoon and evening hours. Colic is known to occur in 20-30% of infants and can be quite distressing for new parents.

Common characteristics:
   -sudden onset of intense crying for no particular reason
   -stomach bloating and flatulence
   -irritability
   -drawing of the legs upward toward the chest
   -infant has no trouble eating or gaining weight

There is no known cause for colic, but it has been speculated to be associated with immaturity of the central nervous system, gastrointestinal intolerance to milk, and/or family distress. Formula-fed infants have not been found to be more prone to colic than breast-fed infants. The birthing process can be quite traumatic on your baby’s spine, bones and joints, especially if your delivery included a prolonged pushing stage, forceps or vacuum extraction, or other forms of assisted delivery. The resulting spinal misalignment can compromise the functioning of major systems in the body, which can lead to colic.