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Are you experiencing pain in the lower back that radiates down your leg and gets worse when you run or exercise? You may have Sacroiliac (SI) joint dysfunction. SI joint pain contributes to around 15-30% of back pain. It is more prevalent in women who are pregnant or have recently given birth. What is the SI joint? The SI joints are located either side of the lower spine. They connect the sacrum, the large, triangular bone at the base of the spine, with the iliac/hip bones. Hence the name sacroiliac! The joints have an important function as shock absorbers between the lower spine and the tailbone. What causes SI joint dysfunction? Pain and dysfunction occur when an SI joint is inflamed and moves too much or too little. When the joint moves too much, it is known as hypermobility, or instability. When it moves too little, this is called hypomobility, or fixation. SI joint pain can be triggered by: Regular heavy lifting and manual labour. Prolonged sitting or standing. Certain sports like ice-skating, golf and bowling. Specific injury or trauma (e.g. motor vehicle accident). Pregnancy or birth. Why is SI joint dysfunction common in pregnancy? SI joint dysfunction is more common in women who are pregnant or have recently given birth. This is because of postural changes, weight gain, increased strain on the lower back, an increase in relaxin hormones which cause the ligaments around the joints to relax, as well as trauma from delivery. What are the symptoms of SI joint dysfunction? Deep-seated, lower back pain on one side is the most common symptom of SI joint dysfunction. Hypermobility is characterised by pelvic pain that radiates to the groin. With hypomobility, there is more muscle tension, reduced motion, stiffness and pain radiating down the glutes. Other common symptoms of SI joint dysfunction are: Sciatica-like pain that radiates down the buttocks, hip, groin, and leg. Pain that increases from activities including walking, running and climbing stairs. Difficulty sitting for long periods of time. Feeling of instability in the pelvis. Can chiropractic treatment help? Chiropractic treatment can help to bring you relief and manage your symptoms so that we can get you back to feeling your best. During your initial appointment, we will perform a thorough examination to ensure we correctly diagnose and treat your body. This may involve checking where your pain is located, your posture, and range of motion. Once we’ve established if SI joint dysfunction is the issue, we will develop a treatment plan for you. Treatment will be modified based on whether the joint is hypermobile or hypomobile. The initial treatment of SI joint dysfunction focuses on reducing pain. You may find heat or cold therapy helpful here. The next step is to improve mobility and function. A range of techniques may be used including chiropractic manipulation of the SI joint and lumbar spine using high-velocity thrust manipulation or low-velocity techniques. Stretches to help release tight muscles and strengthening exercises for your glutes and core muscles may also feature in your treatment plan. We may recommend the use of pelvic support belts to help stabilise the area, particularly during pregnancy. If there is a specific sport or activity that is triggering the pain, you may need to modify it initially, while you recover. If you think you may be suffering from SIJ or lower back pain and need help to manage it, then give us a call on (905) 265-0006 to book your appointment!

Are you experiencing frequent headaches, neck or back pain? You may need an adjustment! Adjustments have amazing benefits for not only your spine but your whole well-being. It may seem a bit daunting at first but don’t worry, we’ve got your back — pun intended! What is a chiropractic adjustment? Chiropractic adjustment or spinal manipulation is the process of applying a controlled and specific amount of force in a precise direction to a joint in the spine. It is normal for joints to be moved beyond the normal range of motion to restore proper function. Adjustments allow us to correct a restricted joint by improving range of motion and overall well-being. Adjustments may be performed by hand or with a small instrument. Drop tables are also commonly used. Once force is applied, a specific area of the chiropractic bed drops and can assist in performing an adjustment. The amount of pressure applied varies, depending on your presentation. You may be wondering what the ‘pop’ or ‘crack’ sound is? Don’t be alarmed, it is completely normal and what we like to hear! It is caused by small air bubbles in the fluid around your joints. When joints are adjusted, air bubbles pop due to the change in pressure in the joint. Why are adjustments useful? Adjustments help us to treat a range of conditions and get your body back to functioning at its best! Some common health concerns that benefit from manipulation: Headaches Back and neck pain Scoliosis Sciatica Postural problems It’s important to know that chiropractic care is not limited to the above conditions. Here at the clinic, we can help people feel their best and improve their overall health! Chiropractic adjustment can also help to: Relieve pain Reduce stress Improve mobility Restore joint function Improve spinal motion Reduce inflammation Improve athletic performance Prevent body overload and injury Any risks? We’ll perform a thorough assessment and review your medical history to make sure we prescribe the most appropriate treatment at all times. Sometimes we get asked if adjustments hurt — don't worry, whilst brief discomfort may be felt, the effects are relieving, with most of our patients describing their adjustment treatments as ‘relaxing’. We will opt to use spinal mobilisation if adjustment is inappropriate. Mobilisation doesn't involve a thrust motion and keeps the joint within a normal range of motion. This may be used on clients with osteoporosis, increased risk of stroke, numbness or tingling in the arms or legs, or patients who have a current diagnosis or history of cancer. Overall, chiropractic care is considered low risk. However, with all spinal healthcare there is potential for complications. It is common to feel increased muscle soreness, joint stiffness and an increase in pain following an adjustment, but these usually resolve quickly. As long as we do our job of screening you properly, and make an informed decision on a suitable technique for you, then risk of any more serious complications, such as damage to a blood vessel or nerve around the spine is very, very rare. Adjustment is a treatment that is only used after skillful consideration of the injury and a thorough discussion with the patient. Rest assured, we always have your best interests at heart - and we’d never perform any treatment that makes you feel uncomfortable. If you are ready to take the next step in your health and say goodbye to pain, get in touch by calling (905) 265-0006 or email drmerogi@bodycure.ca to book an appointment with one of our experienced chiropractors!

When it gets cold outside, we tend to spend more time indoors doing sedentary activities and it can be difficult to stay active. It’s helpful to plan ahead and set some time aside in your schedule a few days a week to make sure you’re getting the activity you need. To have health benefits from exercise, adults need a total of 2.5 hours of activity spread across the week, in bouts of ten minutes or more. These activities need to be moderate-to-vigorous intensity aerobic activities. Moderate-intensity physical activities include brisk walking or bike riding. Generally, you know your activity is moderate-intensity if you sweat a little and breathe harder than when you’re moving about day-to-day. Vigorous-intensity activities include jogging or cross-country skiing, and you’re likely to find yourself sweating and feeling out of breath. Here are a few tips to help keep you motivated to stay active during the winter months: Plan activities ahead. When activities are in your calendar, you’re less likely to forget them. Preparedness also helps set good habits. Find a fun local activity, like snow shoeing, skiing, skating, or cross-country skiing. Dress in layers. Insulate your body. When you can keep your body warm, it’s easier to continue being active outside. Use your daylight hours. It’s easier to stay outside while it’s still light out. It’s easy to miss out on activities when you start them too late in the day. Find indoor activities at your local community centre. This could be aerobics classes, badminton, basketball, or yoga classes. Climb stairs. Deliberately add more steps to your day. Consider going up and down a flight in your home, the mall, or an office building more than once over the course of your regular daily activities. As little as five minutes can make a huge difference for your health. Visit a library to find more motivation. There are plenty of free exercise DVDs you can borrow, including dance, step, aerobics, or Pilates. You can use the return date as a deadline to pick up another one! Sign up for a fun run. You can often find non-competitive “fun runs” in your community that are usually between 5 and 10 kilometers. You can invite friends and family to join in! Find an activity buddy. Find someone willing to commit to being active as often as you are, and set a plan. That could be planning to meet for morning walks or afternoon workouts. Having a friend keeps you accountable. For help on setting activity goals based on your specific musculoskeletal needs, you can always ask your chiropractor about what activities are right for you. Whatever your activity level is, remember to stay hydrated. It is easy to forget to drink water when it’s cold out, but your body needs just as much hydration in a snowstorm as it does in a heatwave. Most importantly, stay motivated. Revisit your goals (or look for tips to set new ones) to make sure you’re still on track. Plan ahead and make sure you can envision your goal as you look ahead towards the finish line. Here’s to staying active in the new year! References Canadian Physical Activity Guidelines. 1st ed. CSEP; 2016. Available at: https://www.csep.ca/CMFIles/Guidelines/CSEP_PAGuidelines_adults_en.pdf. Accessed November 7, 2016. Heart and Stroke Foundation of Canada. 11 ways to stay active in winter. 2009. Heartandstroke.ca. Available at: https://www.heartandstroke.com/site/apps/nlnet/content2.aspx?c=ikIQLcMWJtE&b=4832209&ct=7596299. Accessed November 7, 2016.

Did you know that scoliosis affects around 3% of Australia’s population? That is over 700,000 people! Early detection is key, so read on to find out more! What is scoliosis? Scoliosis (pronounced sko-lee-o-sis) is an abnormal curvature of the spine. The rotation of the spine often presents as an ‘S’ or ‘C’ shape, if you are looking at someone's back. We do have 3 normal spinal curves — at the neck, upper back and lower back, when viewing the spine from the side. But, when looking at the back from behind, the spine should appear straight from the neck to the pelvis. Most cases of scoliosis appear in children and adolescents, especially in females. Diagnoses are commonly idiopathic — meaning the cause is unknown. It usually arises in periods of growth, averaging 10-13 years old for girls or 12-14 years old for boys. Although uncommon, adult scoliosis can occur if it wasn't diagnosed in adolescence or if a degenerative bone condition develops. It's simply referred to as ‘adult scoliosis’ because the spine is fully developed. Left untreated, scoliosis can result in back pain, muscle spasms and pinched nerves. In severe cases it may increase pressure on your lungs and affect breathing. Signs to look out for... Early intervention is crucial for treating scoliosis within children and adolescents. With correct diagnosis, monitoring and intervention (if necessary), most people are not adversely affected as they grow into adulthood. Scoliosis Australia says “the best way to detect scoliosis is to look out for it!”. So, we have listed some of these key signs or symptoms to be aware of: Sideways curvature of spine — ‘S’ or ‘C’ shape when viewing from the back. Clothes hang unevenly Head not centred on the body One shoulder blade higher or more prominent One hip higher or more prominent Unusual gap between your arms and torso Treatment options If you notice a symptom listed above, then it's best to seek help right away — that’s why we are here! Depending on your age and how severe your curve is, we can use various interventions to help. Observation: For mild cases (usually less than 20 degrees of curvature), monitoring via X-rays every 4-6 months is usually adequate for children and adolescents. And we may help through soft tissue (massage), adjustments or exercise prescription if we believe it to be beneficial to the individual case. Chiropractic care: If scoliosis goes beyond 20 degrees of curvature (but less than 40), as chiropractors we help prevent progression, improve posture and release muscle tension. Spinal adjustments, stretches and massage may be used depending on the individual. This also helps mitigate pain in adults. Strengthening muscles with specific scoliosis exercises may also be recommended. We take a holistic approach— to not only improve the scoliosis but your overall well-being. Bracing: If a child has not reached full skeletal growth, a brace may be recommended to prevent scoliosis progression and surgery. A combination of bracing and chiropractic care is common. Surgery: For people with a severe case (typically over 40 degrees), referral to an orthopaedic surgeon may be necessary. We treat every case individually and will recommend the most appropriate treatment for YOU. Don’t hesitate to call us on (905) 265-0006 if you are concerned about scoliosis, and we will be happy to help!

Throughout our lives, our joints experience a certain amount of stress and strain. We get injured, we heal, and the process repeats itself. Sometimes the body may not heal to its former glory and our movement modifies and becomes less efficient. The cycle continues. Over time, the load placed on our joints may become excessive and this may lead to the onset of a condition called osteoarthritis (OA). People often refer to this condition as ‘wear and tear’ of the joints. Osteoarthritis is the most common form of arthritis, and the hip is the second most likely joint to be affected (just behind the knees). So, it’s worth knowing what to look out for and what you can do to help take care of your hips. What causes hip osteoarthritis? Osteoarthritis is a result of a gradual degeneration of the cartilage that lines the ends of bones that join to form joints. There is no one specific cause. Almost any joint in the body can develop osteoarthritis, but load-bearing joints (such as the knees, hips and spine) are the most susceptible. One in ten people over the age of 65 will experience hip osteoarthritis, although it can develop from the age of 45 (it is highly unlikely, but not impossible, to develop earlier). If you have a family history of osteoarthritis, have had a hip injury or hip function problems in the past, are overweight or have a job that involves long periods of standing or heavy lifting, then you are at increased risk of osteoarthritis. What are the symptoms of hip osteoarthritis? Hip osteoarthritis thins the cartilage of the hip joint and makes the surfaces of the hip joint rougher. This can lead to pain and swelling in the area. People with hip osteoarthritis often experience at least some of the following: Progressively increasing pain in the hip Pain felt with movement (although it may ease off with continued movement) and at rest Pain that is aggravated by cold weather Pain in the groin or thigh that radiates to the buttocks or knees Stiffness of the hip or a “locking” sensation in the joint Decreased range of motion or an affected walking pattern (i.e. limp) However, approximately 50% of patients with hip osteoarthritis do not have these symptoms, so any changes in your movement as you get older are worth getting checked out, just in case. How can hip osteoarthritis be treated? One of the most effective ways to treat osteoarthritis is with exercise. We can work with you to develop an exercise program that will strengthen the muscles around your hip, stabilize and protect the joint, increase your range of motion, improve your posture and reduce any additional strain on the joint. We will also take a look at the physical activities you are doing day-to-day, and advise you how best to structure them so that you are keeping your hip moving but not overdoing it. It’s important to keep moving when you have osteoarthritis, but breaking up physical tasks into chunks rather than doing too much at once can help to reduce the pressure on your joints. There may also be insoles, walking aids or other forms of supportive equipment that we can recommend to take stress off your hip, as well as changes to your lifestyle and home/work set-up that may help. Manual therapy and massage are also frequently used to reduce pain and increase movement. When it comes to osteoarthritis of any kind, the sooner you get treatment, the better. In the worst-case scenario, hip osteoarthritis could require surgery or even a total hip replacement. So come and see us early before the pain gets too severe. How can hip osteoarthritis be prevented? The sooner you start to look after your hips, the more you can reduce your risk of developing osteoarthritis. Here are a few things you can start doing right now: Regular exercises to strengthen the muscles around the joint and stretching to improve mobility will help to protect the hip from degeneration. Make sure you always use the correct technique to lift heavy items, and don’t lift excessive loads. Maintain a healthy weight, as obesity puts strain on your hips. If you are sitting for long periods of time, ensure that your chair provides adequate support and that your hips are slightly higher than your knees. Try to avoid crossing your legs. Take regular breaks to move around. If you have any questions about taking care of your joints as you get older, we are here to help! Call us on (905) 265-0006 or email drmerogi@bodycure.ca and we can assess your current situation and advise you on how to move forward.

A lumbar disc prolapse (often referred to as a slipped disc… although the disk does not actually slip anywhere) is the most common cause of lower back pain there is. And when you consider that up to 80% of people will experience lower back pain at some point in their life, that’s a lot of potential lumbar disc issues out there. Let’s take a look at what might cause a disc prolapse and what you can do about it. What is a lumbar disc prolapse? Your spine is made up of 24 vertebrae that are stacked on top of one another. In between the vertebrae are soft, round cushions of tissue, which act as shock absorbers when you walk, run or generally move. These cushions consist of a tough but flexible outer ring with a soft, jelly-like centre. Wear and tear or a sudden injury can cause the jelly-like centre to press against the outer ring, causing it to ‘bulge’. In the case of a prolapsed disc, the soft centre pushes all the way through it. The five vertebrae in your lower back are known as your lumbar spine, and this is the area where a prolapsed disc is most likely to occur. A prolapsed disc can put pressure on the spinal cord and surrounding nerve roots, leading to inflammation and swelling in the area. This can put pressure on a nerve and lead to a person feeling pain, numbness, pins and needles, or weakness in one or both legs. What causes a lumbar disc prolapse? This condition is often the result of age-related wear and tear. In young people, the discs have a high water content, but as we age the amount of water in the discs decreases and they become less flexible. The age you are most likely to experience a disc prolapse is between 35-50 years of age. After this, the discs become much less flexible and you are less likely to prolapse a disc. Lifting heavy objects, twisting and/or turning while lifting can also cause a disc to prolapse. In rare cases, they may also occur as a result of a fall or blow to the back. What is the treatment for a lumbar disc prolapse? The very first thing you should do if you suspect you have a disc injury is to call your chiropractor. We are expertly trained to deal with such injuries and know when it is necessary to be referred on for further investigations. Most of the time, a disc prolapse can be handled right here in the clinic. At first, you aren’t going to feel like doing much at all (this may be something to do with the fact you are in pain and feeling quite immobile), but it is important not to just rest in bed constantly. You should start to move around as soon as you can. When you do get up and about, ease into it - making your movements slow and controlled, particularly when it comes to bending forward. And leave any lifting to someone else for a little while. We will be able to advise when you can and cannot do things and will get you gradually moving around as the days, weeks and months pass. It’s worth knowing that a severe disc prolapse can take anywhere between 3-6 months to heal and rehabilitate. A chiropractor will use manual therapy and manipulation to relieve your pain and improve the health of your spine. We can also show you exercises that will strengthen the muscles that support the spine. Not only can these relieve your pain and help you recover, but they can reduce the chances of a prolapsed disc happening again. If you are experiencing back pain or you are worried about your movement, give us a call on (905) 265-0006 or email drmerogi@bodycure.ca and we’ll help you get to the bottom of the issue.

The terms Skier’s Thumb and Gamekeeper’s Thumb both refer to injury of a ligament at the base of the thumb. The ligament is called the ulnar collateral ligament (or UCL). Whilst Gamekeeper’s Thumb refers to a chronic condition caused by repetitive stress to the UCL (think using a wrench or wringing out cloths), Skier’s Thumb is an acute injury, usually caused by a fall. What causes Skier’s Thumb? Skier’s Thumb usually occurs when a person falls on an outstretched hand whilst holding something - ski poles will do it, which is how the injury got its name. However, football, hockey, basketball and rugby can also be culprits. Falling from a bike or motorcycle is actually the most common cause, and even a firm handshake can sometimes be enough to rupture the UCL! The force of impact while the thumb is extended is what causes the damage. What are the symptoms of Skier’s Thumb? Skier’s Thumb accounts for 86% of all injuries to the base of the thumb, so it’s a common problem. If you’ve developed Skier’s Thumb, then you’re likely to experience the following: Pain at the base of the thumb or in the web space between your thumb and index finger Swelling at the base of the thumb Tenderness to the touch Weakness in your grip Bruising around the thumb Pain in the wrist (referred pain from the injury site) How is Skier’s Thumb treated? How your injury is treated will depend very much on the severity. Mild injuries may only require stretching and pain relief techniques. More serious injuries might require immobilisation for a period, whilst very severe cases may need surgery. When you come to see us, we’ll assess the damage and determine whether the ligaments have been torn or just stretched - and if they have been torn, to what degree. Elevation and cold compresses can help to reduce swelling and bruising, and if necessary, we will apply a thumb cast to immobilize the joint while it heals. Once the cast comes off, we ca n show you exercises to help build your strength and flexibility in the joint. If you do require surgery, we will help you afterwards to regain the function in your thumb and grip, and to shorten your recovery time as much as possible. If left untreated, damage to the UCL can lead to long-term weakness and joint instability. So, make sure you get it checked out! How can Skier’s Thumb be prevented? If you’re a regular skier, sports player or (motor)bike rider, there are a few things you can do to reduce your risk of Skier’s Thumb: ● Make sure you’re using the proper technique for any equipment, like ski poles, hockey sticks or carrying a ball - get instruction from an expert ● For skiers, you can train yourself to release your pole as you fall, meaning you’re less likely to land on an extended thumb - you can also get special gloves to help with this ● Wearing ski gloves or sports gloves can protect your thumb joint in case of impact If you’ve experienced any kind of sports injury, give us a call on (905) 265-0006 or email drmerogi@bodycure.ca and we’ll be happy to answer them!

Breathing probably sounds like something you’ve got well and truly covered, but you’d be surprised how many people are doing it wrong! Most of the time, we are breathing too fast and too shallow. The most efficient way to breathe is through diaphragmatic breathing, or “belly breathing”. This brings more air into your lungs and also strengthens your diaphragm to improve your breathing long term. What is diaphragmatic breathing? Diaphragmatic breathing brings air down towards the belly, and you will feel your abdomen and chest expand as you breathe in. As your diaphragm contracts, it creates negative space inside your chest, which pulls more air into your lungs. When practicing diaphragmatic breathing, take air in through your nose as this slows the breath, helping to calm your body and mind, and helps the lungs work more efficiently. It also helps your body to filter toxins from the air and adjust the air to the right temperature for your body. What are the benefits of diaphragmatic breathing? When you breathe deeply into your abdomen, your lungs take in more air, which results in a greater supply of oxygen to your body’s tissues. Oxygen supports the health and function of your muscles, organs, nerves and brain, so it’s pretty important! Diaphragmatic breathing can help with: ● Improved core stability ● Reduced heart rate ● Lower blood pressure ● Relaxation and stress relief ● Improved digestion ● Increased tolerance of intense exercise ● Reduced risk of exercise injury By strengthening your diaphragm and lungs, and increasing your lung capacity, diaphragmatic breathing can also help in the management of certain lung conditions, such as asthma and COPD. Diaphragmatic breathing exercises Here are a couple of techniques for practicing diaphragmatic breathing. Simple diaphragmatic breathing Lie on your back on a flat surface (or in bed) with your knees bent. Place one hand on your chest and the other just below your rib cage. Concentrate on breathing slowly through your nose, pulling the air towards your belly - the hand on your chest should remain still while the hand on your belly should rise. Then tighten your abdominal muscles and let them fall inward as you exhale through pursed lips. The hand on your belly should move back down. Repeat. Square breathing Lie on a flat surface or sit in a comfortable chair. Make sure there are no distractions around you. Close your eyes and visualise a square. Breathe in deeply through your nose, pulling the air towards your belly as you mentally count to four, visualising moving along the top line of the square. Then hold the air in your lungs for a count of four as you visualise moving down the right-hand side of the square. Then breathe out through your mouth for a count of four as you move along the bottom line of the square. Finally, hold your lungs empty for a count of four as you move up the left-hand side of the square. Repeat four times then gently open your eyes. If you have any questions about lung function or breathing techniques, give us a call on (905) 265-0006 or email drmerogi@bodycure.ca and we’ll be happy to answer them!

Is your child connected to a phone, computer, or tablet during and after school in the GTA? Here’s how to help them avoid tech neck, one of the most common causes of headaches and neck pain. Bottom Line: Is your child connected to a phone, computer, or tablet during and after school? Think about it. Many of us aren't more than an arm's length from our phone at any time (even when we are sleeping). Spending time every day looking down at our devices can place a lot of stress on the supporting muscles of our neck and lead to an uptick in headaches. It's a condition called "Tech Neck," and it's one of the most common causes of headaches and neck pain. Why it Matters: The countless hours per day kids often spend on phones and computers can significantly contribute to tension headaches. In fact, it's estimated that kids spend up to 1,400 hours per year in the exact positions that are attributed to the development of "Tech Neck." That's not surprising. Recent research has also shown that even 15 degrees of forward head tilt can triple the weight of the head on the spine. Here are some key things to remember when it comes to "Tech Neck": "Tech Neck" is the term used to describe the symptoms of headaches, neck pain, and poor posture attributed to the forward head posture often associated with using your phone, tablet, and computer. Taking a break from our mobile devices every 15 minutes can help reduce the likelihood of developing recurring neck pain and headaches. Chiropractic care including adjustments and postural exercises can help decrease the pain and reverse the effects of "Tech Neck". Next Steps: Keep it simple. Encourage your children to take breaks and stretch often. These are some of the best (and easiest) ways to help them break the bad habits that can lead to "Tech Neck." And if your child spends a lot of time online and begins experiencing neck pain or headaches, don't hesitate to give us a call. Our providers are experienced at evaluating children and creating kid-friendly care plans. Our doors are open, and we're ready to help you and your family find long-lasting, natural relief from "Tech Neck." Science Source(s): Assessment of Stresses in the Cervical Spine caused by Posture. Surg Tech Intnl. 2014. Text Neck Syndrome. Intl Journal of Env Research and Public Health. 2021. Three Steps to Build a Better Back. Harvard Health Publishing. 2015.

Years ago, researchers believed that the health benefits of exercise were limited to the body. However, recent research has indicated that regular physical activity and movement can benefit both the body and brain. It's time to power your child's brain with movement. Bottom Line: Years ago, many believed that the health benefits of exercise were limited to the body. However, research has demonstrated that regular physical activity and movement can benefit both the body and the brain. Recent studies have highlighted that movement can improve the supply of oxygen to the brain and promote the production of new cells. In fact, it appears movement also aides in creating new connections in the brain! Why it Matters: Many schools have reduced physical education classes. Many more students have moved towards e-learning. For those reasons, it's important to be mindful of our children's physical activity and to encourage them to exercise more each day. And not just to benefit their physical health. In many ways, exercising each day is likely to make your child a better student! Movement triggers the release of chemical substances in the brain that enhance brain function. Here's a quick snapshot of the benefits of movement: Better Brain Function - Movement may protect your brain against degenerative changes. Better Stress Reduction - Exercise and movement have been shown to have an antidepressant effect that can help reduce overall stress. Better Memory - Regular exercise can help directly and indirectly improve recall and reasoning skills. Next Steps: The research is clear. Daily movement and exercise are healthy for both your child's body and their brain. And our posture and movement assessments are designed to help you identify any abnormal patterns, helping your child feel better and stay active so they can become the best student possible. So, if your child struggles to get enough exercise due to nagging aches and pains or less than ideal posture, we hope you'll consider scheduling an appointment with us today. Our doors are open, and we're here to help! Science Source(s): Learning Upregulates Neurotrophic Factor. Behavioral Neuroscience. 2019. The Anti-Depressant effect of Running. Intl Journal of Neuropsychopharmacology. 2005. Regular Exercise Changes the Brain. Harvard Health Publishing. 2014. How Exercise Affects Your Brain. Scientific American. 2018.

Youth sports are a fantastic way for your kids to gain social and physical skills, but they can also come with an increased likelihood of injury. Discover why chiropractic care is critical for kids who play sports in the GTA. Bottom Line: Youth sports are a big deal. It's estimated that over 45 million kids are actively engaged in sports! While sports give kids a fantastic opportunity to grow socially and physically, they also increase risks for injuries, pain from overuse, and muscular imbalances. Finding proactive ways to reduce the risk of injury and balance the effects of training are essential for your child's developing musculoskeletal system. Why it Matters: Your child's skeletal system is actively developing until they are approximately 25 years old. Their postural habits, history of injuries, and genetics play a role in their body's final form (and function). Sports have the potential to add a significant amount of stress and increase the chances of injuries for your developing child. Even small injuries to their spine can create bigger challenges down the road as they get older. To recap: Addressing minor injuries and challenges while your child is young can help ensure proper musculoskeletal development. Youth sports can increase your child's likelihood of developing overuse, growth plate injuries, and chronic pain. Next Steps: Chiropractic care is another safe and natural way to help your child stay active and perform their best. So don't shrug it off if your child complains of back pain, headaches, or a stiff neck. Pain is a signal to "Pay Attention Inside Now." Our practitioners are experienced at evaluating active children and creating kid-friendly care plans. Together, we can help your child stay engaged with their favorite sports for years to come. Science Source(s): Specialization & Overuse Injuries in Young Athletes. UCONN Health. 2017.

It's time to be smart when using your smartphone in Toronto and the GTA. Here are the facts about the impact screens can have on our health and how to look up to find relief. Bottom Line: As students worldwide return to school, it's likely many will be e-learning in some capacity for hours each day on their digital devices. While our devices can be fantastic tools for entertainment and education, the postural effects are something all parents should be aware of. For many students, e-learning may increase neck, mid-back, and low back pain. Why it Matters: Spending 6 or more hours each day looking down at your digital devices can profoundly affect your mental, social, and physical health. It can also lead to the development "Tech Neck Syndrome." This forward head posture often places tremendous stress on the neck (cervical spine) and can lead to an uptick in headaches, back and neck pain, and more. Did you know... Low back pain is the 3rd most common form of pain interfering with schoolwork. It's estimated that 50.3% of school-aged children present with posture disorders. In fact, approximately 41.6% of children experience back pain from prolonged sitting. Next Steps: Making it a habit to look up (literally!) throughout the day is a significant first step in reducing the effects of "Tech Neck." Try this. Pull your chin back, stretch your arms out in front of you and open them wide, and look up to the ceiling and hold for 20-30 seconds. Try and repeat this stretch every 60 minutes to help reset your posture and body position. And if your child spends every day at their computer learning, be sure to teach them this stretch and then schedule a visit with our practice. We'll provide you with a full postural and movement-based assessment to identify any potential issues to help reduce their chance of suffering from "Tech Neck Syndrome." Science Source(s): Text Neck Syndrome. Intl Journal of Env Research and Public Health. 2021. Back Pain in School Children. Dynamic Chiropractic. 1995. School Children's Backpacks, Back Pain and Back Pathologies. Arch Dis Child. 2012.