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Many people know that chiropractors adjust the body's joints, but just how does it all work? If you’re in Toronto or the GTA area, keep reading. Bottom Line: Do you know the benefits of chiropractic care? Chiropractors help your body heal itself through movement-based techniques that influence your body's nervous system, muscles, and joints. Many people know that chiropractors adjust the body's joints, but just how does it all work? Keep reading. Why it Matters: The benefits of chiropractic can extend beyond just your spine. Chiropractors have been trained to work with nearly every joint in your body, though there is something unique about spinal adjustments. Spinal adjustments have been shown to both directly and indirectly impact your nervous system. Since your nervous system is the master control system of your body, you may experience improvements in function and pain relief that extend beyond the area of your body that is being adjusted. Next Steps: Whether you are looking to find relief from pain, correct the cause of your health issues, or you’re seeking improvements in function and performance... Chiropractic care may be able to help. It's very common for people with low back pain, headaches, or neck pain to seek chiropractic care. Don't forget about all of the other joints of your body - we can help there too! What's more, if you're seeking human performance improvements, you may want to give chiropractic care a try. There's a reason chiropractors are a part of every major sports team! If it’s been a while since your last visit – or you’re ready for your first – we invite you to give us a call. You’ll be glad you did! Science Source(s): Chiropractic: In Depth. National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health. 2019.

About 30 years ago, the medical community shifted how they thought pain should be addressed. "Pain is a 5th vital sign" became a rallying cry, and new medications were created to block pain… at all costs. It’s past time we take a stand against opioids. Bottom Line: About 30 years ago, the medical community shifted how they thought pain should be addressed. "Pain is a 5th vital sign" became a rallying cry, and new medications were created to block pain… at all costs. We now know that these medications created a never-before-seen healthcare epidemic. In fact, we now know these drugs weren't very good at addressing chronic pain in the first place. What's more, they require larger and larger doses to achieve an effect over time. Why it Matters: Taking a stand against opioids starts with us. The data is clear. People are looking for solutions for chronic pain that extend beyond a prescription. Nearly all primary healthcare organizations have now advocated for a non-pharmacological approach to pain care like the care we provide. Did you know... Chronic pain is described as biopsychosocial, which means that it's complex and has many dimensions. Over 40% of blogs relating to opioids are focused on people trying to find solutions “beyond the pill”. The Centers for Disease Control (CDC), Food and Drug Administration (FDA), and others have recommended that a non-pharmacological approach to chronic pain should be the first line of treatment. Next Steps: Together, we can end the opioid crisis by breaking the cycle of chronic pain with natural and effective healthcare choices. Creating personalized, goal-oriented, and coordinated care plans is critical. That's why our practice starts each patient journey with a complete and thorough evaluation. Our evaluations help us understand your history, your goals, and your current challenges. This is the first step in creating a comprehensive, movement-based plan of care that can help you to find long-term relief from your chronic pain. Our doors are open. Call us today to schedule your evaluation. Science Source(s): Healing the Unmet Needs of Patients Suffering from Chronic Pain. Today’s Chiropractic Leadership. 2019.

While much of the information about how the opioid epidemic is shocking, it's important to understand how we got here. Here is the truth behind opioids that Toronto needs to know. Bottom Line: The truth will set you free! While much of the information about how the opioid epidemic is shocking, it's important to understand how we got here. For example, when we first learned that 35 billion opioids (half of all the distributed pills) were handled by about 15% of pharmacies, it became clear that there was a network of "pill mills" that weren't concerned about helping people actually find relief from their chronic pain. Why it Matters: Chronic pain is a real issue for tens of millions of people each day. In many of these cases, the answer isn't found in a pill but rather with a combination of movement-based treatments. Your body heals through motion. Taking medications may provide temporary relief, but they don't address the cause of your pain. Nearly everyone who takes opioids for an extended time becomes dependent. We think it's a smart idea to avoid the risks. Take a look at the numbers... The rates of emergency department visits involving opioids more than tripled from 1999 to 2013. In 2016, over 91 million people used prescription opioids. Over 16 million people currently suffer from an opioid use disorder. Next Steps: In the 1990's, medical doctors were falsely lured into prescribing opioids as a treatment for pain. Aggressive marketing of the drugs downplayed the risks, and it was common for prescriptions for mild to moderate pain to be continued indefinitely. These practices led to the epidemic we are in today, but there is a solution. The first step? Having the right information about opioids and chronic pain. The next step is to connect with a practice that focuses on movement-based care like ours. Schedule an appointment with us today for an evaluation. We'll show you exactly how you can find long-term relief from your pain without these dangerous medications. Science Source(s): Opioid Addiction. Stat Pearls. 2021.

Bottom Line: There is no question that opioids are powerful pain killers. The problem is... they are also highly addictive and don't actually fix the cause of your pain. If you're struggling with chronic pain, you may be curious what your best options are for care. How can you fix the cause of your pain, find lasting relief, and avoid these harmful medications? Keep reading. Why it Matters: You may be surprised to learn that people who saw a chiropractor for spine pain had half the risk of filling an opioid prescription when compared to those who didn't undergo chiropractic care. Yes, chiropractors don't prescribe these dangerous medications in the first place. But what we've seen is that, over time, people receiving chiropractic care were less likely to fill their opioid prescription. In other words, that indicates that the care provided by chiropractors helped people find enough relief that they no longer sought medications to find relief! Here's what you need to remember... Masking spine pain with medications can possibly increase your risk of further injury. Movement-based care helps your body heal and can improve your likelihood of finding long term relief. Choosing chiropractic for spinal pain can reduce your risk of filling an opioid prescription by over 50%. Next Steps: Opioids aren't meant to treat chronic spinal pain. They don't help your body heal and become less effective at stopping pain the longer you take them. Instead of putting yourself at risk of developing a dependency, it's a smart decision to explore other treatment options. Start by calling us today to schedule an evaluation. Our practice is proud to help our community find relief from pain without the need for drugs. Together, we can create a personalized treatment plan for you! Science Source(s): Impact of Chiropractic Care on Use of Prescription Opioids in Patients with Spinal Pain. Pain Medicine. Vol 21:12. 2020.

Bottom Line: It's estimated that over 200 million opioid prescriptions are written each year. This use and abuse has led to an epidemic that's been fueled by chronic pain. Opioids temporarily hide pain by attaching to receptors in the brain and boosting feelings of pleasure. Unfortunately, they do nothing to stimulate healing, leading to a pattern of pain, medications, more pain, and more medications. The good news is that there is a better way to find relief. Why it Matters: Opioids are in the same family of drugs as heroin, and some opioid medications are thought to be even more addictive. The temporary relief that they offer comes at a steep price. In lower doses, opioids can cause drowsiness or dizziness. In higher doses, they can cause your breathing and heart rate to slow down to dangerous levels. The most dangerous aspect of opioids is the addiction rate of up to 30%. Here's a quick overview: Opioids bind to the receptions in your nervous system that block pain and produce intense euphoria. Tolerance on opioids can occur within a matter of days. Withdrawal symptoms are severe and can lead to addiction. Next Steps: Nearly all the latest healthcare guidelines have stopped recommending opioids for non-cancer pain. In most cases, these drugs should not be taken for chronic pain or back pain. Where do you start to find relief without these dangerous drugs? Call us today. We’ll schedule a complete evaluation to discover the root cause of your pain, and, together, we'll find better ways to help you get back on your feet. Science Source(s): What are Opioids and Why are They Dangerous? Mayo Clinic. 2018

Bottom Line: Did you know… tennis elbow isn't just for athletes. Lateral epicondylitis – or tennis elbow - is a painful condition that occurs when the tendons in your elbow become inflamed and overloaded as a result of repetitive motion. Because the repetitive motion that occurs is similar to that of swinging a tennis racket, it's commonly referred to as tennis elbow. However, anyone who has a job characterized by similar repetitive arm motions may be at risk. Why it Matters: Tennis elbow is often characterized by some pain and weakness, and that can make it difficult to perform your daily tasks. Because tennis elbow is an injury caused by repetitive - perhaps essential - motions, finding ways to decrease the inflammation and improve your biomechanics is especially important. Here are 3 natural ways to help reduce the pain associated with tennis elbow … Rest. Giving your arm time to rest is important to stop the cascade of inflammation and pain. Ice. Icing a few times per hour is a smart strategy to reduce pain and inflammation. Technique. Be mindful of how you are moving your arm, use proper ergonomics, and use a brace for a short time if necessary. Next Steps: Tennis elbow is usually not a condition that will go away on its own. However, we've found two key strategies for reducing the pain associated with tennis below. The first is creating a plan of care that includes at-home exercises to strengthen your supporting muscles. The second is performing chiropractic adjustments, when necessary, to improve the motion and movement of your elbow joints. So, if you or someone you know is living with tennis elbow, give us a call. Together, we’ll create an individualized care plan focused on helping you find lasting relief, naturally. Science Source(s): Tennis Elbow. Orthoinfo by the American Academy of Orthopedic Surgeons. 2021.

Bottom Line: Knees hurt? You're not alone. Chronic knee pain is thought to affect up to 25% of adults and can significantly limit your mobility and quality of life. Your knee is a hinge-joint that primarily moves back and forth (flexion and extension) and allows some twisting or rotation. Every step you take places stress and strain on your knees, so it's no surprise that trauma, misalignment, and degenerative changes can all take their toll. Why it Matters: The cartilage in your knee is designed to last a lifetime if you take care of it. Yes, knee pain may not be entirely preventable, but there are steps you can take to keep your knees as healthy as possible. Did you know… for every pound you are overweight, your knee must absorb an extra 4 pounds of pressure when you walk, run, or climb stairs. That’s why watching your weight is at the top of the list. Here are a few additional ways to keep your knees healthy and strong… Warm-up before exercising. Stretching your quadriceps and hamstrings before and after you exercise is a smart way to reduce the chance of a flare-up of knee pain. Find adequate foot support. Every step you take transfers force from the bottom of your foot to your knee. Therefore, your shoes should provide the support you need to keep your knees healthy for at least 10,000 steps per day. Maintain a full range of motion. Ensuring your low back and hips are moving freely is essential to overall knee health. Next Steps: It’s not uncommon for people with back issues to find themselves struggling with knee pain after limping around for a few weeks. Cases like that are just one of the many reasons we encourage our patients to be proactive with their health. The joints of your body should be surrounded by muscles that have a balance of strength and flexibility through their full range of motion, allowing you to move well. We encourage you to use the strategies above to help reduce your chances of knee pain. And whether you’re already a patient or still thinking about that first visit, be sure to call our practice if you’ve been living with knee pain or restricted motion. We’re here to help you get out of pain and back to doing what you love, naturally. Science Source(s): Chronic Knee Pain. Healthline. 2021.

Bottom Line: While figuring out the difference between hip and SI (sacroiliac) joint pain can be extremely confusing, being able to identify which one is the culprit is crucial when you’re looking for relief. Your SI joint connects your tailbone (sacrum) and your pelvis. It’s very fibrous and have a limited range of motion - just a few millimeters. Your hip, on the other hand, is much less stable with a wide range of motion, allowing the leg to move freely in every plane. Why it Matters: While the hip and SI joint are very different in structure and function, they share similar pain patterns, which often makes it difficult to tell one from the other. In fact, it's common to have SI joint pain mimic low back pain. Bending backward usually aggravates SI joint pain as a result of the compression that happens in the joint as you move. Hip pain is more likely to occur when you walk or if you try to bring your knees to your chest. Let’s take a closer look at each. Low back pain is often characterized by pain that radiates into the buttock or leg and may travel down to the foot. SI joint pain usually accompanies difficulties standing, walking, climbing stairs, or getting out of the car. Hip pain typically occurs when walking and putting weight on or rotating the leg. Next Steps: Have you felt discomfort and aren't exactly sure if it's your low back, SI joint, or hip? It's important to find a chiropractor and get a complete evaluation. Why? Our hips tend to wear as we age, and if your doctor is only looking at a hip X-ray to determine a plan of care, you may find yourself getting treatment for a problem that you don't have. At our practice, we take a holistic approach to our evaluations. Our movement assessments ensure that we can pinpoint your individual challenges, giving you the best opportunity to find a care plan that will help you get out of pain, naturally. Science Source(s): Sacroiliac Joint Dysfunction. Spine-Health. 2021.

Bottom Line: Did you know… your shoulder is the most unstable and moveable joint in your body. Its wide range of motion is facilitated by four primary muscles and their tendons, which together are called the rotator cuff. If your shoulder becomes inflamed or an impingement occurs, you may make the mistake of avoiding using your arm to help it heal. It may surprise you to learn that controlled movement is one of the best ways to heal. Not moving your shoulder can actually contribute to more pain - or even lead to a frozen shoulder! Why it Matters: The most common source of pain in the shoulder is the tendons. Your tendons attach the muscles of the shoulder to the bones. If the sac of fluid that cushions your shoulder becomes swollen and painful as a result of repetitive motion, you may have bursitis. If a tendon in your shoulder becomes inflamed, you may have tendonitis. If a tendon gets pinched between or under the bones of your shoulder, it can result in shoulder impingement. Lifting overhead repetitively can cause impingement, and you may experience swelling and pain. If a tendon in your shoulder becomes torn, you guessed it – you have a rotator cuff tear. Your rotator cuff can become damaged due to overuse, injury, or age, and tears usually cause pain when lifting and may be accompanied by a popping sound. Next Steps: Your shoulder and spine work together. While it may seem like they are two completely different and independent areas of the body, research has shown that postural abnormalities can play a significant role in your likelihood of developing shoulder pain. Maintaining a full range of motion in your shoulder and in the spinal joints of your neck and mid-back can help reduce your chances of experiencing shoulder pain. If you’ve been living with shoulder discomfort or difficulty moving, take a moment to contact us for a complete evaluation. We'll work together with you to create a movement-based plan that gives you the best chance of finding long-term relief, naturally. Science Source(s): Immediate Effects of Spinal Manipulation on Shoulder Motion Range and Pain in Individuals with Shoulder Pain: A Randomized Trial. J Chiropr Med. 2019.

Bottom Line: One of the primary side effects of many prevalent headache medications is, well…more headaches! That's right. Rebound headaches are often caused by the same medications you use to find relief. Even taking medications for more than just a few days may trigger overuse, or rebound, headaches. Why it Matters: If you find yourself reaching for over-the-counter pain medications more than once a week, you may be putting yourself at risk for rebound headaches. Most headache medications aren't designed to be used frequently because they simply address the symptoms, not the cause of the problem. As you take medication, your body can become sensitized, meaning you need to take more medication to achieve the same result. This can lead to a downward spiral and cycle of chronic rebound headaches. The good news? Taking care of yourself and creating healthy habits each day can prevent most headaches. Here are a few ways to naturally reduce your risk of headaches... Get enough sleep - going to bed and waking up at the same time each day helps your body maintain a natural rhythm. Reduce your stress - plan, manage your daily schedule, and make stress-busting activities like yoga or meditation a part of your lifestyle. Exercise regularly - movement and exercise releases endorphins that help your brain and body feel good and block pain signals. Next Steps: Medications aren't very effective at reducing the frequency or severity of headaches. Masking the symptoms with drugs can work now and again, but it's not a sustainable way to find long-lasting relief. To find lasting relief, you'll want to follow the latest healthcare guidelines that recommend movement-based care, such as chiropractic. We believe everyone should have the opportunity to live their life free from chronic headaches, and we’re here to help! Science Source(s): Medication Overuse Headaches. Mayo Clinic. 2020.

If you notice that your headaches are becoming more frequent and intense, it can be troubling. Daily headaches can make it challenging to have a high quality of life and can affect your work and home life. The good news is that many of the most common types of headaches can be reduced or even eliminated by changing just a few of your daily habits. Why it Matters: Stress and tensions are two of the biggest triggers for tension headaches. Chronic headaches can cause your nervous system to become sensitized, meaning each day it takes less and less "stimulus" to kickstart a headache. Sensitization can become a vicious cycle, especially if your days are filled with repetitive motions. One of the best ways to reset your system and decrease sensitization is through movement. Whether you prefer yoga, stretching, or massage, movement of your spine and body can ease the tensions associated with headaches. Here are the most common symptoms of tension headaches: Dull, aching pain in the head and neck. Pressure and tightness across the sides, front, and back of your head. Tenderness in your shoulders, head, and neck. Next Steps: Movement and exercise are key to life and one of the most powerfully simple ways you can break a cascade of daily headaches. If you're struggling to get moving because of the pain, let us know. We're happy to work with you to develop a comprehensive plan to help you reduce the frequency and severity of your headaches starting today! Science Source(s): Tensions Headaches. Mayo Clinic. 2019.

Your head hurts. Could it be coming from your neck? You may be surprised to learn that neck pain and headaches are tightly linked together. A headache that starts from an issue in the neck is called a cervicogenic headache. A cervicogenic headache is characterized by a dull pain that radiates from the neck to the back of the head. At times it may spread around the side or front of your head. Why it Matters: Cervicogenic headaches are common if you spend long hours at the computer each day. Neck stiffness and tender muscles around your head and shoulders often come along with cervicogenic headaches because of the position that many of us sit in all day. That added stress and strain on your upper back and neck muscles adds up. Without taking proactive steps to address the cause, you may notice that the headaches become more frequent and intense. Keep this in mind... Cervicogenic headaches can begin due to tightness in the shoulders, a stiff neck, or poor posture. Chiropractic adjustments can reduce the severity and frequency of headaches. Over 70% of people with cervicogenic headaches find significant relief with chiropractic adjustments. Next Steps: To break the cycle of daily cervicogenic headaches, you need to address the underlying cause. Staying well hydrated (with water!), stretching at least every hour, and setting your workstation up ergonomically are all important to reduce your headache risk. If you still notice that headaches are bugging you, or you’re experiencing neck pain or limited neck range of motion, call us for a complete evaluation so we can create a plan of care to help you not only get well, but stay well! Science Source(s): Chiropractic Spinal Manipulative Therapy for Cervicogenic Headache: a Single-Blinded, Placebo, Randomized Controlled Trial. BioMed Central. 2017.