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What’s the Difference Between a Headache and a Migraine?

What is the Difference Between a Headache and a Migraine?Tension headaches and migraines are both considered types of headaches; with tension headaches being the most common.

The most frequent reason for a tension head ache is muscle tension and is generally associated  with postural problems. Tension headaches tend to be caused by stress, exhaustion, noise and eye strain. Tension headaches are frequently linked to disk problems or degenrative bone disease within the neck or spinal column.

A migraine headache or vascular headache is known by a throbbing or pulsating pain.  Migraine headaches are often incapacitating and are associated with nausea or vomiting, disrupted sleep, pain in the neck and head area, sensitivity to light, sound and certain odors. Certain foods, like aged cheese and red wine, can trigger headaches and migraines, so take a look at what you are eating.  An easy way to track potential trigger foods is to start a food journal.

Your headache may be a migraine if you have a combination of these symptoms:

  • Moderate to severe pain
  • Sensitivity to light, noise or odors
  • Blurred vision
  • Nausea or vomiting
  • Loss of appetite
  • Sensations of being very warm or cold
  • Fatigue or Dizziness
  • flashing dots or lights

If you think your  headache might be a migraine, please see a health care practitioner for your treatment options. You want to make sure that you have your neck and upper and lower back checked by your health care practitioner to rule out any structural causes caused by tightened muscles in the the neck and back regions.

Sometimes headaches can signal a more serious problem. You should talk to your health care practitioner about your headaches if…

  • You have several headaches per month
  • You have nausea, vomiting, vision, or suffer from numbness or tingling
  • You have a severe headache with a stiff neck or pain around the eye or ear
  • You have a headache with confusion, loss of alertness or loss of speech
  • You have a headache after a blow to the head
  • You used to be headache-free, but now experience frequent headaches

 “Although the exact cause of migraine headaches isn’t completely understood, medical researchers believe that migraine headaches are caused by altered blood flow and abnormal levels of naturally produced substances in the brain. When blood flow is decreased, certain arteries dilate and cause pain producing chemicals to be released. Additionally, the dilation causes an increase in the natural substance levels. This makes the blood vessels lining the brain swell and creates pressure on nearby nerves.  These nerves send pain signals to the body that are typically felt around the eye or temple region and can extend to the face, sinus, jaw, or neck.“

A health care practitioner can determine if your headache is a migraine, and can prescribe the best treatment option – Chiropractic, Acupuncture or Physiotherapy for your unique symptoms.

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How Acupuncture Can Help With Allergies

How Acupuncture Can Help With Seasonal Allergies Acupuncture is an effective option for allergy symptom control. Although it does not, in my experience, stop symptoms from returning the following year, it does reduce the body’s reactivity, leaving you less dependent on medications, and able to enjoy your spring and summer more.

What are allergies?

“Allergic rhinitis, or hay fever, is an example of misplaced immunity. It is a learned response by the immune system wherein rapid physiological changes resulting in itchy eyes and throat, sinus congestion and sneezing, asthma, and even diarrhea are produced. Typically, exposure to an allergen such as tree pollen elicits a massive release of IgE antibodies which attach to white blood cells known as mast cells. These cells are mostly located in the lungs and upper respiratory tract, the lining of the stomach and the skin. When these cells are stimulated, they release a number of chemicals including histamine which produce the allergic symptoms.”

My treatments allow patients who normally live on anti-histamines all season long the ability to go off them if acupuncture is administered regularly during the season when they are affected. Typically treatments begin with the onset of symptoms and are repeated once per week for 3 weeks, then once every two weeks for the remainder of the season.

Once symptoms are under control patients report improved energy and less reactivity to pollens. In part it is because they no longer require energy sapping anti-histamines to function, but also because their immune system is no longer using up so much energy to react.

An additional benefit to acupuncture for hay fever is that it helps prevent all the secondary infections allergy sufferers are prone to – such as colds, conjunctivitis, or chronic sinusitis.

With the allergy season getting started, consider acupuncture. It is a safe, natural and drug-free method of effectively addressing seasonal allergy symptoms.

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At The First Sign Of A Migraine…

At The First Sign Of A Migraine...Migraines can cause debilitating pain, which can lead to a decline in your quality of life and in severe cases, depression. Incorporating a healthy lifestyle with a few simple preventative techniques may stop some migraines before they start.

Self-treatment will not always work, but here are a few tips that may  help reduce the severity of your next migraine.

At the first sign of a migraine:

Remove yourself from your current activity and seek a quite darkened room. Migraines often increase sensitivity to light and sound.

Apply hot or cold compresses to your head or neck.  Ice packs will numb pain, while a hot pack or heating pad will help relax tense muscles.

Apply gentle pressure to your scalp or temples, which will help alleviate muscle tension.

Drink a caffeinated beverage; in small amounts, caffeine can help relieve migraine pain in the early stages.

Healthy Lifestyle:

Daily exercise will encourage your body to release certain chemicals that block pain signals to your brain. These chemicals can help alleviate anxiety and depression, which can make migraines worse. Remember that exercising too vigorously can trigger migraines.

Stress and migraines often go hand in hand, so simplify your life where you can. Delegate what you can, and divide large tasks into manageable chunks – use your time wisely.  If you feel overwhelmed, take a break, try to relax with deep breathing.  This requires inhaling and exhaling slowly and deeply for a minimum of 10 minutes every day.  This type of deep breathing will also help to relax your muscles.

Getting a good nights sleep will also help to avoid migraines. Make sure that you are waking up and going to bed at the same time every day, including weekends, and minimizing distractions in your bedroom by not watch television or working in bed.

Keep a migraine diary – this will help you find out what triggers your migraines. Note when a migraines starts, what you were doing at the time, how long they last and what, if anything, provides relief. Eventually you may be able to prevent migraines by changing patterns in your daily life.

Migraine diagnoses:

While no specific test can determine whether your headaches are migraines, you can help your practitioner make a diagnosis by keeping a migraine diary.  Your migraine journal should include the location, severity, frequency, and duration of your headaches. You should also make note of any prescribed medications you are taking.

Lifestyle choices can help reduce the frequency and severity of your migraines, as well as medication. However, there are other forms of treatment which include massage, acupuncture, chiropractic, Laser and eToims.  Please talk with our health care practitioners to decide which type of treatment is right for you.

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6 Tips To Prevent Chronic Back Pain

6 Tips To Prevent Chronic Back PainA healthy back is straight, moves easily and is free of pain.  The most common area for chronic back pain is the lower back; also called the lumbar spine.

Back pain is defined as either acute or chronic. Practitioners diagnose low back pain as acute if it lasts less than a month and is not caused by serious medical conditions. If the pain persists, it is considered chronic back pain. Almost 20 million (2 in 3) Canadians will have at least one episode of back pain in their lifetime.

Warning Signs of Chronic Back Pain?

  • If the pain lasts longer than month.
  • The pain can be anywhere in the back. It can be in one area only or spread across a wide area.
  • Your back might be stiff and the muscles swollen. This combination of pain, stiffness and swelling is called inflammation.
  • Some injuries will cause muscles spasms in the back, and pain or weakness in a leg.

Back pain can develop anywhere from the neck to the lower spine. The pain can be localized or spread across a wide area and radiate from a central point. Muscle spasms may occur at the site of the pain. Some people also get pain or weakness in a leg as a result of back injury.

What causes Chronic Back Pain?

  • Poor posture is the most common cause of back pain.
  • Injury due to lifting heavy objects is also a frequent cause of back pain.
  • Being overweight and not exercising enough can increase your risk of back injury.
  • If your back is weak you can get back pain when you get upset or feel stressed.
  • Some types of arthritis can cause chronic back pain.

How to prevent Chronic Back Pain

  • When you lift a heavy item keep it as close to your body as possible. Keep your back straight and use your legs to do the lifting.
  • Use helpful devices such as a cart to carry your grocery bags.
  • Maintain a healthy weight to avoid putting extra stress on your joints.
  • Be aware of your posture
  • Wear shoes that support your feet; this will help keep your back and legs straight.
  • Sleep on a firm mattress and support your neck properly with pillows.

Disciplines that treat Chronic Back Pain – Acupuncture | Chiropractic | Massage | Physiotherapy

Treatments for Chronic Back Pain – eToims | Laser | Spinal Decompression | Shockwave Therapy

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8 Tips To Help Control High Blood Pressure

8 Tips To Help Control High Blood PressureHere are 8 lifestyle changes you can make to control your high blood pressure.

Watch your waistline

Blood pressure often increases as weight increases, so losing just 10 pounds (4.5 kilograms) can help reduce your blood pressure. In general, the more weight you lose, the lower your blood pressure.

Exercise

Regular physical activity — at least 30 to 60 minutes most days of the week — can lower your blood pressure 4 to 9mm Hg.  If you haven’t been active, increasing your exercise level can lower your blood pressure within just a few weeks. Make sure to talk with your care practitioner about developing an exercise program that’s right for you.

Avoid being a “weekend warrior” , because those sudden bursts of activity could actually  put you at risk.

Eat healthy

Eating a diet that is rich in whole grains, fruits, vegetables and low-fat dairy products and limits saturated fat can lower your blood pressure by up to 14 mm Hg.

Reduce sodium

Even a small reduction in the sodium in your diet can reduce blood pressure by 2 to 8 mm Hg.   Limit  your sodium intake to 2,300 milligrams (mg) a day or less. Remember to read food labels, and that processed foods are high in sodium.

Alcohol consumption

Alcohol can be both good and bad for your health. In small amounts, it can potentially lower your blood pressure by 2 to 4 mm Hg. But that protective effect is lost if you drink too much alcohol — generally more than one drink a day for women and two a day for men.

Avoid tobacco products

We all know the dangers of smoking,  but did you know that the nicotine in tobacco products can raise your blood pressure by 10 mm Hg and for up to an hour after you smoke.

Sleeping

People who sleep five hours or less a night may be at higher risk of developing high blood pressure or worsening already high blood pressure.  Sleep helps your blood regulate stress hormones and helps your nervous system remain healthy. Over time, a lack of sleep can hurt your body’s ability to regulate stress hormones, leading to high blood pressure.

Reduce your stress

Stress or anxiety can temporarily increase blood pressure. Take some time to think about what causes you to feel stressed such as work, family,or finances. Once you know what’s causing your stress, consider how you can eliminate or cope with stress in a healthier way such as getting a massage, acupuncture or start a yoga class.

As with any major health change, please consult a health care practitioner before you start your new health routine.

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What is Myofascial Pain Syndrome?

What is Myofacial Pain Syndrome?Myofascial pain syndrome is a chronic pain disorder.  With myofascial pain syndrome, the pain affects the connective tissue (fascia) of a muscle or group of muscles. With myofascial pain, there are areas called trigger points. A Trigger Point is a hyper-irritable spot within a taut band of skeletal muscle or muscle fascia which is painful on compression. These trigger points can refer pain to other areas and often restrict the flexibility of the affected muscle.  If left untreated, they can create new trigger points.

What are the symptoms?

The main symptom of myofascial pain syndrome is ongoing muscle pain, in areas such as the low back, neck, hips, and shoulders. You might feel the pain or the pain may get worse when you press on a trigger point. Symptoms of myofascial pain may include:

  • A muscle that is sensitive or tender when touched
  • Muscle pain that happens when pressure is placed on a trigger point
  • Pain that is aching, burning, stinging, or stabbing
  • Reduced range of motion in the affected area

People with myofascial pain syndrome often have other health problems, such as tension headaches, depression, sleep problems, and suffer from fatigue.

New Ways to Treat Myofacial Pain: 

eToims ~ Electrical Twitch Obtaining Intra-Muscular Stimulation (eToims) is aimed at alleviating pain and dysfunction caused by muscle and nerve injury.  It involves the use of an electric current to produce a twitch in the muscle that is strong enough to stimulate or excite the deep fibers of a muscle.  Basically “jump starting” the muscles to release, relax, and allow blood to follow to the muscles and nerve so that they can “breathe”.

Class IV K-Laser ~ Laser Therapy or “photobiomodulation”, is the use of specific wavelengths of light (red and near-infrared) to create therapeutic effects. During each painless treatment laser energy increases circulation, drawing water, oxygen and nutrients to the damaged area.  This creates an optimal healing environment that reduces inflammation, swelling muscle spasms, stiffness and pain.  As the injured area returns to normal, function is restored and pain is relieved.

IMS ~ Trigger point dry needling, also referred to as intramuscular stimulation (IMS) and/or intramuscular therapy (IMT) is an invasive procedure in which an acupuncture needle is inserted into the skin and muscle. Intramuscular therapy has been very successful for patients with chronic low back pain and sciatica symptoms.

Physiotherapy | Trigger Point Therapy

Trigger point therapy involves applying pressure to the trigger points for a sustained period, followed by passive and active stretch and heat where indicated. The goal is to deactivate the trigger points and teach the patient how to prevent and manage recurrences. When these approaches are combined with mobilization and posture retraining techniques provided by a physiotherapist they provide a long-lasting and patient-managed way to reduce pain and improve function.

Myofascial pain often goes away with appropriate treatment and life style changes. Please contact our healthcare practitioners and discuss what treatment is right for you.

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Living Without Chronic Pain

Living Without Chronic PainYour quality of life can be a constant struggle if you are dealing with chronic pain which can lasts for weeks, months, even years. Combining lifestyle changes with treatment will help manage your pain, and in many cases eliminate the pain all together.

Lifestyle Tips:

Deep breathing and meditation are techniques that help your body relax, which eases pain.

Listening to soothing music can lift your mood, reduce stress and make living with chronic pain more bearable.

Exercise will increase your endorphins, and these “brain chemicals” will help to improve your mood while also blocking pain signals. Exercise has another pain reducing effect — it strengthens muscles, helping prevent re-injury and further pain.

Pain makes sleep difficult, however, alcohol or prolong use of sleep aids can make sleep problems worse.  Try a warm bath or shower before bed.

Find a friend, family member or support group that understands what you’re going through; you’ll feel less alone.

Keep a journal of your daily “pain score” use a pain scale from 1 to 10. This will help you track your pain and will be very useful when consulting a practitioner.

Treatment Options:

Massage is a therapeutic method that involves muscle manipulation and pressure to promote deep tissue and muscle relaxation, improved blood flow, and the release of stress and tension.  Massage for chronic pain works by releasing trigger points, restoring normal movement and removing harmful toxins from the body.

Acupuncture is a therapeutic method that involves the whole body. Pain is a feeling triggered in the nervous system, and alerts us to injuries and illnesses that need attention.  Acupuncture can help reduce your pain and will release body toxins, stress and tension.

eToims is aimed at alleviating pain and dysfunction caused by muscle and nerve injury. It involves the use of an electric current to produce a twitch in the muscle that is strong enough to stimulate the deep fibers of a muscle.

The electric current produced by the eToims Technique penetrates deep enough at the trigger point to produce a strong contraction in the muscle. Basically “jump starting” the muscles to release, relax, and allow blood to follow to the muscles and nerve so that they can “breathe”.

Chronic pain is a vicious cycle that creates painful trigger points, and shortened muscles that lead to more pain.  Please speak with one of our health care practitioners to discuss what type of therapies will work for you.

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Diversified Health Explains Sprains & Strains

Diversified Health Explains Sprains & StrainsDiversified Health Clinic explains the difference between a sprain and a strain; which is one of the most frequently asked question regarding an injury.

Sprains:

A sprain is an injury to a ligament, the fibrous tissue that connects bones to other bone. Ligament injuries involve a stretching or a tearing of this tissue.

A sprain typically occurs when people fall and land on an outstretched arm,  land on the side of their foot, or twist a knee with the foot planted firmly on the ground. This results in an overstretch or tear of the ligament(s) supporting that joint.

The usual signs and symptoms of a muscle sprain include pain, swelling, bruising, and the loss of the ability to move and use the joint.

Strains:

A strain is an injury to either a muscle or a tendon which are the tissues that connects muscles to bones. Depending on the severity of the injury, a strain may be a simple overstretch of the muscle or it can result in a partial or complete tear.

A strain is caused by twisting or pulling a muscle or tendon. Strains can be acute or chronic. An acute strain is caused by trauma or an injury such as a blow to the body; it can also be caused by improperly lifting heavy objects which over stresses the muscles. Chronic strains are usually the result of prolonged overuse or repetitive movement of the muscles and tendons.

The usual signs and symptoms of a strain include pain, muscle spasm and muscle weakness. There can also be localized swelling, cramping, inflammation and some loss of muscle function.

Now that Diversified Health Clinic explains the difference between a sprain and a strain, remember to treat the injury as soon as possible with Rest, Ice, Compression and Elevation for the first 24 to 48 hours after the injury.

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Diabetes – The Silent Killer

Diabetes - The Silent KillerDiabetes is a chronic condition that stems from the body’s inability to sufficiently produce/properly use insulin which the body needs to use sugar as an energy source. Diabetes can lead to serious complications and premature death.

Complications from diabetes can include; blindness, numb and tingling feet, poor circulation, slow-healing wounds, gangrene, amputation, heart disease and death.  However, in most cases diabetes can be controlled with an active lifestyle and a healthy diet.

Risk factors for diabetes:

If you are aged 40 or older, you are at risk for type 2 diabetes.  If any of the following risks factors apply to you, please talk with your health care practitioner.

  • A parent, brother or sister with diabetes
  • Health complications that are associated with diabetes
  • Had gestational diabetes (diabetes during pregnancy)
  • Impaired glucose tolerance or impaired fasting glucose
  • High blood pressure/High cholesterol or other fats in the blood
  • Being overweight

Symptoms for diabetes:

Signs and symptoms of diabetes can include the following:

  • Unusual thirst
  • Frequent urination
  • Weight change (gain or loss)
  • Extreme fatigue or lack of energy
  • Blurred vision
  • Frequent or recurring infections
  • Cuts and bruises that are slow to heal
  • Tingling or numbness in the hands or feet

It is important to recognize, however, that many people who have type 2 diabetes may display no symptoms.

How is diabetes treated?

People with diabetes need to make a lifelong commitment to their health, which includes the following:

  • Education: Be informed about your condition.
  • Physical Activity: Regular physical activity lowers your blood glucose levels, promotes weight loss, and enhances overall health.
  • Nutrition: What, when and how much you eat play an important role in regulating blood glucose levels as well as maintaining a healthy weight.
  • Medication: Type 1 diabetes is always treated with insulin. Type 2 diabetes is managed through physical activity and meal planning.
  • Lifestyle: Learning to reduce your daily stress level, including maintaining a blood pressure level at or below 130/80.

If you are living with diabetes, become a fact finder! Knowing as much as possible is your best defence against diabetes. Find out how your body uses food and what role insulin plays in this process and build a team of experts with your health care practitioners to help you win the fight!

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Are your holiday decorations making you sick!

Are your holiday decorations making you sick! During the winter months most of us spend more time indoors, which exposes us to allergens and irritants like dust mites, pet dander, and household cleaners; and for individuals who suffer from allergies, this can make their lives miserable.

For most of us, the holiday decorations are up for several weeks during December collecting dust and mold spores and then are placed back in their boxes , only to collect more dust the next year.

To keep the allergens to a minimum, take the artificial greenery, including the tree, outside and give it a good shake (or vacuum) before packing it away.  Be sure to remove the dust from all other holiday decorations, with a quick wipe with a damp cloth.

Besides dust mites, mold spores can cause additional problems for allergy suffers, because mold spores can grow anywhere that has moisture and oxygen.

Here are some suggestions to keep mold and dust allergies in check during the winter months.

~Turn on exhaust fans when taking a shower to reduce humidity. When using a humidifier or dehumidifier make sure that you maintain an indoor humidity level of 30 – 40 percent.

~Use a HEPA vacuum to reduce pet allergens and remove dust mites.

~Change the furnace filters regularly, this will help prevent the recirculation of indoor pollutants such as dust mites.

~Wash sheets, including the pillow cases and pajamas in hot water to kill dust mites.

~Wash your hands after playing with pets, and avoid having your pets sleep on the bed.

~Check for signs of mold and identify areas that smell musty or may be at risk for mold growth, such as shower curtain or window frames.

If the allergy symptoms continue, talk to your health care practitioner about treatment options.

During the winter months, make a commitment to vacuum and dust at least twice a week, change the bed linen once a week, change your pillowcase twice a week, use eco-friendly cleaners and brush your pets 3 to 4 times a week. This commitment will keep the allergens in your home to a minimum, and ensure that your home is a happy and healthy place this holiday season.

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