Osteoporosis Mediation

“Osteoporosis Mediation Watchout From Our Burlington Clinic”

You better think twice if you are taking MEDICATION FOR OSTEOPOROSIS……..

Recent reports tell us that BISPHOSPONATES, very popular osteoporosis drugs, are now linked to esophageal cancer.

In fact, they may actually double the risk!

It is already common knowledge that bisphosphonates could cause severe problems for your esophagus, like inflammation and ulcers especially if you do not take the drugs exactly correctly, which is more difficult than you would think.

And do not forget bone death & abnormal fractures to mention a couple more potential problems.

With cancer added to the list, it is appalling that the FDA still says that the benefits outweigh the risk.

They don’t.

These drugs are not worth the risk especially when there are safe & very effective natural alternatives.

Do your research!

 

Click Here To Book A Free Initial Consultation With Dr. Brad At the 2501 Guelph Line Clinic

Horizontal Births

“What You Need To Know About Horizontal Births From Our Burlington Clinic”

While the dangers and disadvantages of giving birth while lying on one’s back is more widespread, this is still the main position in which the majority of women in North America give birth.

If you are going to have a baby anytime soon, please consider the following disadvantages of pushing while lying on the back….

The pelvic outlet is reduced, which creates less room for the baby.

Less urge for the mother to push.

Baby takes longer to descend… lying on the back makes more of an uphill route that the baby needs to manoeuvre.

Less oxygen to the baby due to increased pressure from the weight of the uterus & the baby itself on the inferior vena cava.

( this is a major artery in the mother that feeds the baby )

More difficult for the mother to reach down & assist in the birth of her own baby.

Increased pain for the mother.

The uterus has to work harder to create contractions to bring the baby down.

Contractions may slow or stop altogether.

Increased risk of aggravating or creating new hemorrhoids.

Greater risk of perineal tears & lacerations.

Increased insecurity on the part of the mother, as she cannot see what is being done to her.

Greater risk of shoulder dystocia ( where the baby’s shoulder gets lodged behind the mother’s pubic bone resulting in difficult labour) due to the decreased pelvic outlet.

You can search this site for a posting entitled Pregnancy & Vertical Birth to learn what other options are available to you.

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Pregnancy And Vertical Birth

“Must Know Information About Pregnancy And Vertical Birth From Our Burlington Clinic”

While the awareness about the dangers & disadvantages of giving birth while lying on one’s back is more widespread, this is still the main position in which the majority of women in North America give birth.

[ The dangers & disadvantages of Horizontal Birth are outlined in our Tip of the Week postings. ]

Here is something every mother should consider if they are planning on having a child or they are currently expecting a child.

Vertical birth is any position where the baby is actually dropped out of the birth canal as opposed to being pushed out of the birth canal.

This can be achieved by assuming the following positions….. i) hands & knees, ii) standing, iii) kneeling & iv) squatting. Squatting is the easiest on the mother especially when she is supported and/or in water.

In fact, the squatting birth was the way for centuries & centuries until medicine thought there was a better way.

Let’s investigate the advantages of pushing while upright and /or squatting:

Squatting increases the size of the pelvic outlet thereby creating more room for a larger baby or a baby with a presentation issue ( base posterior, breech etc.).

Gravity helps the baby descend.

The force of the uterus during pushing is helped by being upright – gravity assists in the uterus being able to contract & tilt forward.

The baby is better able to present naturally in the mother’s pelvis & rotates into more favourable positions ,if needed, while the mother is upright.

Less pain is felt by the mother as the baby descends past the tailbone due to the fact that there is no pressure ( by a bed ) on this part of her body.

Perineal tissues stretch more easily often reducing the need for postpartum repairs and/or discomfort.

The mother is able to assist in the delivery of her baby, as well as see her own baby being born.

The tail bone is much more flexible in this position & moves with the descent of the baby’s head.

The mother is able to maintain eye contact with care providers if she desires & there are no surprises in touch.

Sitting on the toilet is another favourable position as this is the place where we unconsciously relax our pelvic floor muscles. Some mothers worry about having their babies fall in ( which is rare), but putting a chux pad under the seat will offer some reassurance, as will having another person – the partner, preferably—help with the delivery of the baby.

Most mothers will instinctively start to stand as the head emerges.

Squatting low over a pillow, cushion or mat is a wonderful way to birth, as the baby can slide right out & the mother can easily pick up her own baby after taking in the entire experience.

This compared to babies that are ‘thrown’ up onto the mother’s tummy, seems like a more gentle way for mothers to make the transition after such physical work.

And moreover, just because the cervix is completely dilated, does not mean a mother needs to push ( it is almost normal to have small, involuntary pushes at the peak of contraction to help with the last few centimeters of dilation ).

The uterus will bring the baby down on the pelvic floor with contractions, while the mother breathes or copes with these contractions. After awhile, there will be an overwhelming action of the mother’s body to bear down.

Active pushes by the mother should only occur when the mother feels them, and not between contractions.

Holding of the breath while someone else counts will only fatigue the mother, as well as create the risk of fetal distress due to the decreased oxygen.

The whole idea is to listen to her body.

Some pushing stages take 20 min and others may take 3 hours.

These are all variations of normal and the mother should try a variety of positions that feel good for her.

It is important to stay hydrated and emptying the bladder will help the baby move down into the pelvis as well as helping the uterus contract after the baby and placenta are delivered.

Warm compresses over the perineum may offer some comfort, but hot compresses over a long period of time may swell the perineal tissues. For long pushing stages, cold clothes to stroke the forehead the back of the neck are recommended.

And I cannot stress enough the huge benefit of having regular chiropractic adjustments during pregnancy.

There are several benefits to the mother which only have a positive effect on the fetus.

Some of these being less spinal pain & discomfort ( in the mid and lower back especially ), less digestive upset, less leg pains and cramps, better spinal flexibility & better posture throughout the term.

Most mothers who have regular care throughout their pregnancy report that the birth process itself is quick & easy, and c-sections are rarely required.

Remember that a few weeks before birth, the body is flooded with a hormone called relaxin which is to allow the birth canal and pelvis to relax and open easily.

This hormone remains in circulation for a few weeks after delivery.

Adjustments are critical during this period so when the hormone does dissipate & everything tightens up again, good spinal and pelvic alignment is maintained which will help to prevent post-partum spinal & pelvic pain.

Not to mention that a healthy lower back in the mother means that her uterus is functioning optimally which is so very important as this is the baby’s home for 9 months.

If you have any more questions about chiropractic and pregnancy, please call 905 335 5433.

Remember that consultations are always free.

We are here to help families build vibrant,healthy,drug-free lives.

Click Here To Book A Free Initial Consultation With Dr. Brad At The 2501 Guelph Line Clinic

 

Breast Feeding From One Side

“Here’s What Our Burlington Clinic Recommends When Your Baby Is Only Breast Feeding From One Side”

Often times newborns who are being breast-fed will fuss or will not breast feed at all on one side.

And this is usually the same side all the time.

The reason for this is that there has been a degree of birth trauma causing a pinched nerve or kink in the baby’s neck.

This will make lying on one side or turning the head to one side uncomfortable or painful resulting in fussy feeding or no feeding at all.

This is not good for the baby or the mother.

Gentle chiropractic adjustments to relieve the pinched nerve and correct the kink in the neck will allow the baby to position properly & comfortably feed from both sides.

We have helped many new-borns with this problem and other related conditions such as colic.

If this is the case with your baby, please give us a call.

We can help.

Click Here To Book A Free Initial Consultation With Dr. Brad At The 2501 Guelph Line Clinic In Burlington

Curing Nail Fungus

“Some Helpful Tips On How To Cure Nail Fungus From Our Burlington Clinic”

If your nails, toe nails especially, are turning yellow, becoming brittle & lifting, you have nail fungus.

The most common treatments available today are either oral medication or topical medication.

These do not always provide favorable results, so here are some easy things you can do to help cure nail fungus.

Buy 2 things at the pharmacy …. 3% hydrogen peroxide & a jar of mentholated rub ( the kind you would rub on your chest when you are congested with a cold).

Pour ¾ of a litre of distilled water into a clean basin. Add ¼ litre of the peroxide. Dip your bare toes into the solution & leave there for 30 min. Discard this water.

[ This is ok for your un-affected toes also. It will help keep them healthy.]  Do this every evening before bed. Dry thoroughly & it is best to sleep in bare feet.

In the morning [after your shower] dry your feet thoroughly and apply the mentholated rub to the affected nails. With a Q-tip, scoop out enough of the rub and apply to the top of the nail and all along the end of the toe between the nail & the skin – ie. pack it underneath the front of the nail as far as you can comfortably. Use the Q-tip to do this & then discard once you have finished.

Then put your socks on. And don’t worry about your socks – just turn them inside out when you wash them.

Also, if  & when you go for a pedicure, always & I mean ALWAYS insist on fresh, clean & sterilized instruments.

Be patient. The fungus has been there a long time (years ) before you see any visual evidence. But if you stick with it, you will see new healthy nail growth within 3 to 4 months.

Click Here To Book A Free Initial Consultation With Dr. Brad at the 2501 Guelph Line Clinic

Treating A Sprained Ankle

“Best Treatment For A Sprained Ankle At Our Burlington Clinic”

The term sprain means to wrench a joint with partial rupture of the ligaments.

The ankle joint is one of the most frequently sprained joints in the human body.

Sports injuries, obesity, walking injuries & previous sprains that were not treated appropriately are the most common source ankle sprains.

Here is what you need to know if you have or had a sprained ankle so you can treat it effectively & prevent re-occurrences.

When you sprain an ankle you have typically rolled over on your foot putting an undue force into the ankle joint.

The ankle can either collapse inwards or outwards ( which is the most common ) tearing the ligaments that secure & hold all the ankle bones together. Remember that ligaments are what attach bones together.

They typically are very tough with very little capacity to stretch.

That is why they are more likely to rupture or tear when stressed too far & this is when they become sprained.

A stretched ligament without rupture is a ligamentous strain as opposed to a sprain.

The treatment for a strained ligament would be similar to a sprained ligament but the consequences of mistreating a sprain are far greater than mistreating a strain.

To sprain a ligament means to rupture or partially tear. Complete ligamentous tears often require surgical repair depending upon which joint & which ligament is involved.

But, a sprained ligament can heal successfully if the injury is managed appropriately right from the onset.

How to differentiate: a broken ankle will not swell as much as a sprained or strained ankle joint.

There will be pain, some swelling ( sometimes none ) and usually joint deformity.

This means that something doesn’t look right when comparing to the other un-injured side.

And of course, it will probably be very difficult to put any weight on the joint.

A strained ankle joint may not be evident for some time (hours) after the injury.

Soreness & stiffness with or without swelling are usually evident & there typically is little discoloration (bruising) with a strain.

With a sprain however, swelling is pretty much immediate.

Weight bearing on the injured joint is pretty much impossible & within a day or two, the rainbow of discoloration(bruising) will begin.

The swelling & eventual bruising that occur when ligaments are sprained are from the bleeding that occurs when the ligament is ruptured or partially torn.

Understand that when you sprain or tear a ligament it bleeds so the first thing that needs to be addressed is the bleeding.

Ice therapy is the first thing that is recommended.

Whether or not to put ice or heat is a question many people have when trying to treat their own injuries. With bleeding & inflammation comes heat.

If you apply heat to an injured area that is already bleeding & inflaming, you will only make the problem worse.

In other words, the bleeding & the inflammation will be accelerated.

There is absolutely no benefit to applying heat to a sprain.

In fact, it will only make the problem worse.

Ice therapy is the best thing to do when you have sprained an ankle.

Putting your foot & ankle into an ice bath if you can would be the most effective.

Make sure that the ice water covers the whole ankle & leave it in there for as long as you can tolerate.

If you have to take it out every few seconds for a break until you have acclimatized to the temperature, that is ok.

Just get it in the ice bath as much as you can.

Try to give it a solid 20 minutes every hour over the first 2 days [except when sleeping – rest it comfortably on a pillow or two].

If an ice bath is not possible, apply a bag of ice or a flexible ice pack directly to the side of the ankle that has been sprained.

Again, leave it on there as long as you can keeping a goal of 20 minutes every hour in mind.

You do not have to wrap the ankle unless you are attempting to move around.

And, use a cane or crutches if you absolutely have to walk.

If you can stay off your feet for the first 48 hours , this would be ideal to setting forth good healing.

Unless someone has taught you how to wrap a sprained ankle, you would have to consult with a physio or chiropractor to learn how & I would be more than happy to assist you with this.

The bottom line is that your wrap must simulate (replace) the support offered by the injured ligaments without being too tight to cause more discomfort.

And, I will say it again that you should always use a cane or crutches to take as much weight as possible off of the sprained ankle joint if you need to walk.

After 2 or 3 days once the bleeding & swelling has started to subside, the treatment plan needs to change.

By this time the swelling has subsided but you will notice the bruising may become more severe ( black & blue) & it will probably travel into the foot or the tips of your toes.

This is normal & due to the effect of gravity & blood flow.

But, this old blood may cause a little discomfort in the areas where it pools.

Again this is normal & will subside on its own in a few days so do not be concerned.

Now, this is the point where proper management of the injury will make all the difference between complete & partial healing. Most people do not follow through once the ankle feels better after the initial swelling & most of the bruising has subsided.

Remember what ligaments do: they hold & attach bones together.

Just because swelling & bruising are no longer present does not mean that the ligaments have completely healed.

And, as with any sprain there is usually misalignment of the bones that make up the joint.

So here is where continued treatment will make the difference between partial & complete healing.

COLD LASER THERAPY (low level laser therapy) will help repair the sprained ligaments, repair any damage that may have occurred to the joint capsule & prevent post-traumatic scar tissue from forming in the injured ligaments ( see the page posted on this web-site dedicated solely to the benefits of Cold Laser Therapy).

This is essential to preventing a weak & wobbly ankle joint that will be prone to subsequent sprains, require constant wrapping & feel very uncomfortable & even limiting under load for fear of pain & instability.

CHIROPRACTIC ADJUSTMENT of the ankle will help re-align any of the small ankle bones that were displaced as a result of the sprain.

Most people do not realize that as with any sprain, the bones that comprise the injured joint are usually misaligned to one degree or another as a result of the extreme & misdirected force placed upon the joint.

You cannot rupture &/or tear ligaments without affecting the alignment of the bones those same ligaments attach to.

If the bones of the sprained joint are not sitting in their correct anatomical position, this will not allow the injured ligaments to heal properly, the joint will not be structurally stable , it will likely develop post-traumatic osteoarthritis & it will be prone to re-injury.

Remember that the degree of recovery drastically decreases with subsequent sprains ( 2nd, 3rd …) so it is vital that the first injury is treated diligently.

Treating a sprained ankle following this 3 part formula ( ice, cold laser therapy, chiropractic adjustment )will allow quick, proper & complete healing & all without the potentially dangerous side-effects of drugs & medications.

These do nothing to promote healing of the injured tissues & will probably cause you stomach upset & irritation of your liver & kidneys.

If you would like more information on how we can help you recover from a sprained ankle, or you would like to have a free consultation please call 905 335 LIFE (5433).

Remember, we are always here to help in any way that we can.

Click Here To Book A Free Initial Consultation With Dr. Brad At The 2501 Guelph Line Clinic

Milk Alternatives For Newborns

Alternatives To Breast Milk Or Cow’s Milk For Newborns

Often times milk can cause digestive upset in newborns.

The mother’s breast milk can often times cause digestive upset because of toxins or the wrong diet.

And cow’s milk can cause major digestive upset for everyone, not just newborns.

Remember that calves require 4 stomachs to digest their mother’s milk.

So how could anyone think that cow’s milk would be fit for human consumption when we have just 1 stomach?

If you are struggling with the bottle feeding stages with your baby ( gas, fussiness, poor appetite, runny stools etc.), here are some tips for you.

I do not agree with formula.

A lot of them have artificial products in them & a lot of them contain high levels of sugar.

Some have very little nutritional value.

I do not agree with soy milk because a lot of people have a sensitivity or allergy to soy & some research shows that it can impair brain function.

Rice milk is OK, but contains no protein which is obviously required for growth.

Aside from human breast milk, your best alternative is goat’s milk.

Goat’s milk is the closest in composition to human breast milk, has all the nutrients your baby requires & will not cause digestive upset as there is no lactose.

You can now find it in most grocery stores, especially in the organic or health food section.

Click Here To Book A Free Initial Consultation With Dr. Brad A The 2501 Guelph Line Clinic

Growing Pains

“Getting Rid Of Growing Pains With Burlington Chiropractic Care”

What to do if your child is suffering from  GROWING PAINS ….

Growing pains is a common complaint of children at various stages of growth & development, especially during the pre-teen & early teenage years.

They most commonly affect the legs & can be isolated to the knee joint specifically.

Growing pains have been attributed  to just that – growth. But  I would like to offer you a different perspective.

Why is it that not all kids complain of growing pains?  If it did truly hurt to grow, then wouldn’t all kids suffer from growing pains?

Remember that leg pain is also called sciatica. Sciatica comes from having pinched nerves in the lower back area. These nerves form what is called

the sciatic bundle which travel all the way down the leg right to the foot. When these nerves are pinched due to poor spinal alignment, leg pain often results.

It has been my experience that growing pains are the same as sciatic leg pains, except that they are affecting children.

You may ask… ‘ how can my kid have poor spinal alignment?’

Easy – childhood is when we suffer our most & biggest traumas. Have you ever witnessed your child falling hard on their butt, even once?

This is enough to cause a spinal problem.

Chiropractic care is by far your best choice to help your child’s growing pains. We have had phenomenal results.

If your child is suffering, call us today. We can help!

Click Here To Book A Free Initial Consultation With Dr. Brad At The 2501 Guelph Line Clinic

WSIB Treatment Information

Chiropractic And The Workplace Safety And Insurance Board (WSIB) And The Treatment Of Work-Related Injuries”

If you have been injured on the job & your employer is registered with the WORKPLACE SAFETY & INSURANCE BOARD ( WSIB ),you are entitled to CHIROPRACTIC BENEFITS for the treatment of your injuries.

WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW…..

• You are entitled to a minimum of 12 WEEKS of care.

• You may be entitled to an extension of 4 – 6 weeks depending upon the extent of your injury or injuries.

• It is important to file a report of your injury immediately with your company nurse or human resources rep.

• You do not need a medical referral for chiropractic care if you have been injured on the job.

• Chiropractors are primary health care providers & YOU CAN REFER YOURSELF.

• If you consulted with your family medical doctor or a walk-in clinic doctor first, and you then decide to go for chiropractic treatments or this doctor recommends chiropractic treatments, YOU WILL NEED A REFERRAL NOTE FROM THAT DOCTOR FOR CHIROPRACTIC CARE.

• We have filed numerous claims with the WSIB over the years on behalf of our patients.

• Our staff are extremely competent at processing your claims properly & in a timely fashion.

The doctors at Life Chiropractic are very experienced & highly competent in treating work-related injuries.

WE CAN HELP THE FOLLOWING WORK-RELATED INJURIES….

• Sprains & strains of the cervical spine (neck) joints.

 

• Soft-tissue (muscle) injuries of the cervical spine (neck).

• Minor injuries to the disc tissue of the cervical spine (neck).

• Whiplash injuries to the neck. ( if you drive for a company & are involved in a motor vehicle accident while on the job, you are entitled to WSIB benefits.)

• Sprain & strain injuries of the shoulder, elbow, wrist, hand or finger joints.

• Any minor dislocations of the shoulder, elbow, wrist, hand or fingers joints.

• Soft-tissue injuries to the muscles surrounding the shoulder, elbow, wrist, hand or fingers.

• Sprains & strains of the thoracic spine joints ( mid-back & between the shoulder blades ).

• Sprains & strains of the rib-cage joints.

• Minor dislocations of the ribs.

• Lifting injuries to the lumbar spine (lower back).

• Sciatic leg pains as a result of a lifting injury to the lower back.

• Sprains & strains of the lumbar spine joints (lower back).

• Soft-tissue (muscle) injuries of the lumbar spine (lower back).

• Minor injuries to the disc tissue of the lumbar spine (lower back).

• Sprain & strain injuries of the hip, knee, ankle or joints of the feet.

• Any minor dislocations of the hip, knee, ankle or joints of the feet.

• Soft-tissue injuries to the muscles surrounding the hip, knee, ankle or feet.

• Sprain & strain injuries of the sacro-iliac joint.

• Minor dislocations of the sacro-iliac joint.

If you are not sure of the exact nature of your work-related injury, please call our office to make an appointment & we will assist you in determining the correct diagnosis.

If you are not sure if we can help you with your work-related injury, there is no charge to speak to the doctor.

All you have to do is call & make an appointment for a free initial consultation.

If your injury is not one that we can help, we will refer you to the appropriate doctor or specialist immediately.

Remember that chiropractic treatments will help you heal faster , will help you heal better & get you back on the job sooner.

Click Here To Book A Free Initial Consultation With Dr. Brad At The 2501 Guelph Line Clinic

Cold Sore Treatment

“The Best Remedy I know Of To Cure Your Cold Sores Here In Burlington”

Cold sores are caused the herpes virus.

What is important to understand is that there is no medication that will kill a virus.

Anti-biotics kill bacteria only, & other medications may suppress a virus but not kill it.

So, the best way to get rid of those unsightly & annoying cold sores is to kill the virus.

And what can actually kill off the cold sore virus is COLD LASER THERAPY ( low level laser therapy ).

Cold laser therapy is a beam of billions of photons of visible & non-visible laser light that is injected into the infected tissue.

The laser can penetrate deep enough to actually kill the root of the virus & minimize or prevent the blister from occurring at all.

The treatments are totally painless, they last 6 – 8 minutes & a cold sore can be eliminated in usually 6 – 8 treatments.

Most patients choose to have maintenance treatments afterwards ( once per month ) to ensure no further outbreaks.

We have had tremendous success treating cold sores with Cold Laser Therapy at Life Chiropractic Centre and for more information & patient testimonials, please search this web-site for a post regarding COLD LASER THERAPY.

Or you can call us directly at 905 335 LIFE (5433 ) to schedule an appointment for a free initial consultation.

Click Here To Book A Free Initial Consultation With Dr. Brad At The
2501 Guelph Line