If you suffer from tension-type headaches (TTH)—the most common kind of headache—you’re not alone. 1 in 4 people worldwide experience these headaches. They often feel like a tight band around your head and are frequently accompanied by neck pain. In fact, 90% of people with TTH also have neck pain.

That’s no coincidence.

Many patients are still being prescribed medications like butalbital, a barbiturate that’s often used for headache relief. But here’s the problem: it’s not that effective, it’s known to cause dependence, and it’s been linked to making headaches worse over time—a condition known as medication overuse headache (MOH).

But there’s good news. A recent study published in Health Science Reports found that patients with tension headaches who received chiropractic care were significantly less likely to be prescribed butalbital or develop MOH.

This study followed over 6,200 adults with tension-type headaches and compared two groups – one that received chiropractic care and the other did not.

Those that received chiropractic care found the risk of developing medication overuse headaches was less than half in the chiropractic group. As well, people receiving chiropractic care had better outcomes and a more consistent approach to managing their headaches naturally.

As a chiropractor in Newmarket, I see firsthand how chronic headaches can impact people’s lives—and how often patients are looking for safe, effective, long-term solutions.

This study supports what I’ve seen in clinical practice for over 20 years: –

• Chiropractic care can reduce the frequency and intensity of tension headaches
• It can help patients avoid unnecessary medications and the side effects that come with them
• It addresses the root causes of the pain, particularly in the neck and upper spine

Medications

Butalbital and similar medications can offer short-term relief—but at a cost. They carry serious risks, including: cognitive impairment, dependence and withdrawal, headaches that get worse over time, and people become less responsiveness to other treatments.

Not good.

Headache Relief in Newmarket

Chiropractic care can provide a non-pharmacologic approach that can help reset the way your nervous system and muscle’s function, particularly around the neck and upper back. This is the area which is often at the heart of these types of headaches.

If you’ve been relying on medication—or are simply tired of living with chronic headaches, book a consultation at Chiropractic on Eagle. We are the Newmarket chiropractor for headaches you have been looking for. We’ll assess your spine, look at your posture, and put together a plan to help reduce your headaches naturally.

No band-aid fixes. Just real solutions.

The post Chiropractic Can Reduce Headache Medications appeared first on Chiropractic on Eagle, Dr. Jon Saunders.

What is Sciatica?

Sciatica refers to pain that radiates along the path of the sciatic nerve, which extends from your lower back through your hips and down each leg. This similar when you have neck pain that refers down your arm, but this involves the low back and leg nerves. Common causes include herniated discs, spinal misalignments, and degenerative disc disease. Without proper care, sciatica can lead to chronic discomfort, reduced mobility, and a diminished quality of life.

Why Accurate Diagnosis is Crucial

Effective sciatica treatment begins with pinpointing its cause. At Chiropractic on Eagle, we conduct a thorough assessment to ensure an accurate diagnosis. Our comprehensive approach includes:

• Collecting a detailed patient history
• Performing physical and neurological examinations
• Utilizing advanced diagnostic imaging when needed

This meticulous process enables us to design a personalized treatment plan tailored to your specific needs, including an effective sciatica treatment in Newmarket.

How We Treat Sciatica: Our Unique Approach

Corrective Chiropractic Care

Corrective chiropractic care is at the heart of our treatment strategy. Spinal misalignments, or posture distortions, can put pressure on nerves in the lower back, leading to sciatica. Through precise, gentle adjustments, we reduce nerve irritation, alleviate pain, and support natural healing. Our goal is to restore proper alignment and improve spinal function for lasting relief.

Non-Surgical Spinal Decompression

Non-surgical spinal decompression is an advanced therapy that addresses disc-related sciatica. By gently stretching the spine, this technique creates negative pressure within the spinal discs, promoting rehydration and healing. This process relieves pressure on nerves, reducing pain and supporting recovery.

Effective Sciatica Treatment in Newmarket

With decades of experience and a patient-centered approach, Chiropractic on Eagle stands out as a leader in sciatica care in Newmarket. Here’s why patients choose us:

• Comprehensive Diagnosis: We take the time to identify the root cause of your sciatica.
• Personalized Treatment Plans: Each plan is tailored to meet your unique needs.
• Proven Techniques: Our combination of corrective chiropractic care and spinal decompression delivers effective, non-invasive results.
• Extensive Experience: With over 22 years in practice, we’ve helped countless patients overcome sciatica.

Optimize Your Recovery Today

Sciatica doesn’t have to dictate your life. At Chiropractic on Eagle, our mission is to provide you with effective, non-invasive solutions that promote lasting recovery. Don’t let pain hold you back—contact our us today to schedule a consultation and start your journey toward a pain-free life, using our effective sciatica treatment in Newmarket.

Book Now

The post Effective Sciatica Treatment in Newmarket, Ontario appeared first on Chiropractic on Eagle, Dr. Jon Saunders.

Headaches and migraines can be debilitating, disrupting daily life and causing significant discomfort. While chiropractic care offers great relief to many headache sufferers, adding in natural remedies to complement your chiropractic care can help. Headache supplements can play a crucial role in managing and alleviating headache and migraine symptoms. Here are five of the best headache supplements that can help provide relief:

1. Ginger

Ginger is well-known for its anti-inflammatory and pain-relieving properties. It contains compounds like gingerol that help reduce inflammation and block prostaglandins, chemicals in the body that trigger pain and inflammation. Studies have shown that ginger can be as effective as some prescription medications in reducing migraine severity.

How to Use: You can take ginger in various forms, including capsules, teas, or fresh ginger. A common dosage is 500 mg of ginger per day. Take a dose at the immediate signs of headache, as it sometimes can give relief in as little as 2 hours.

2. Magnesium

Magnesium is an essential mineral that plays a role in over 300 biochemical reactions in the body, including muscle and nerve function. Low magnesium levels have been linked to migraines, and supplementing with magnesium can help reduce the frequency and intensity of headaches.

How to Use: Magnesium supplements are available in several forms, but the best forms are magnesium citrate and bis-glycinate. The recommended dosage for migraine prevention is typically 400-800 mg per day. Note: Magnesium citrate can act as a natural laxative, so if you have a sensitive digestive system, you may want to choose magnesium bis-glycinate.

3. Coenzyme Q10 (CoQ10)

Coenzyme Q10 is an antioxidant that helps produce energy in cells. It has been found to reduce the frequency and severity of migraines, likely due to its role in maintaining mitochondrial health and reducing oxidative stress.

How to Use: The typical dosage for CoQ10 is 100-150 mg per day. It’s most effective when taken with meals to enhance absorption.

4. Omega-3 Fatty Acids

Omega-3 fatty acids, found in fish oil and flaxseeds, have potent anti-inflammatory effects. They can help reduce the inflammation that contributes to headache and migraine pain. Additionally, omega-3s support overall brain health, which can be beneficial for migraine sufferers.

How to Use: You can take omega-3 supplements in the form of fish oil capsules or liquid. Aim for a dosage that provides at least 2,000 mg of combined EPA and DHA daily per 40 pounds (18kg) of body weight.

5. Vitamin D3 and Vitamin K2

Vitamin D3 is essential for maintaining overall health, including immune and neurological function. Low levels of vitamin D have been associated with an increased risk of migraines. Vitamin K2 works synergistically with vitamin D3 to ensure proper calcium utilization and bone health, which indirectly supports headache prevention.

How to Use: A common dosage for vitamin D3 is 1,000-2,000 IU per day per 40 pounds/18 kg of body weight, often combined with 100-200 mcg of vitamin K2. It’s advisable to take these supplements with a meal that contains fat for better absorption.

Avoid These Foods

1. Alcohol

• Dehydration: Alcohol is a diuretic, which increases urine production and can lead to dehydration, a common trigger for headaches.
• Vasodilation: Alcohol can cause blood vessels to expand (vasodilation), which can trigger headaches and migraines.
• Histamine and Tyramine: Alcoholic beverages, especially red wine, contain histamine and tyramine, compounds known to trigger migraines in susceptible individuals.

2. Dairy

• Lactose Intolerance: Some individuals are lactose intolerant and may experience headaches as a secondary symptom due to digestive distress and inflammation caused by consuming dairy products.
• Triggers: Things like casein or tyramine, can trigger sensitivities that may lead to headaches and migraines.

3. Fried Foods/Processed Meats

• High Fat Content: Fried foods are high in unhealthy fats, which can increase inflammation and contribute to the development of headaches.
• Trans Fats: These foods often contain trans fats, which can disrupt normal blood flow and trigger inflammatory responses associated with migraines.
• Additives and Preservatives: Fried foods often contain additives and preservatives like monosodium glutamate (MSG), processed meats nitrates which can be headache triggers for some individuals.

While supplements can provide significant relief for headaches and migraines, it’s important to approach them as part of a comprehensive treatment plan. Combing the supplements with chiropractic care is the best approach for maximum headache and migraine relief. Book now to see if chiropractic can give you some headache relief.

To a Pain-Free Head,

The post Best Supplements for Headache and Migraine Relief appeared first on Chiropractic on Eagle, Dr. Jon Saunders.

Sleeping Position:

The way you sleep can have a profound impact on your spinal alignment and muscle health. The two most common sleeping positions are on your back and on your side, each with its own set of pros and cons.

• Back Sleeping: Sleeping on your back is generally considered the best position for spinal alignment. It helps distribute your weight evenly and minimizes pressure points. To support this position, choose a medium-firm mattress and a pillow that supports the natural curve of your neck. However, if you have sleep apnea, back sleeping may exacerbate the condition.
• Side Sleeping: Sleeping on your side can reduce the risk of snoring and alleviate sleep apnea symptoms. To maintain proper alignment, use a supportive pillow to keep your head and neck level with your spine. Additionally, place a pillow between your knees to prevent your top leg from pulling your spine out of alignment.

Car Seat Posture:

Many of us spend a significant amount of time commuting or driving for work and leisure. Neglecting proper car seat posture can lead to discomfort and chronic pain. Here’s how to improve your posture while driving:

• Seat Adjustment: Adjust your seat so that your knees are slightly lower than your hips. Your back should be firmly against the seat, and your hands should rest comfortably on the steering wheel.
• Lumbar Support: Use a lumbar cushion or the built-in lumbar support in your car seat to maintain the natural curve of your lower spine.
• Regular Breaks: If you’re on a long drive, take regular breaks to stretch and walk around. This can help prevent stiffness and pain.

Smartphone Usage:

Our smartphones have become an extension of ourselves, but they can wreak havoc on our posture. Constantly looking down at your phone can strain your neck and lead to the dreaded “text neck.” To maintain good posture while using your smartphone:

• Eye Level: Hold your phone at eye level to reduce strain on your neck. This may require you to raise your arms slightly, but it’s worth it for better posture.
• Take Breaks: Give your neck and upper back a break by putting your phone down periodically and doing some neck stretches.
• Ergonomic Accessories: Consider using a smartphone stand or holder that allows you to view your screen at eye level without holding it.

In conclusion, the importance of sleeping position, car seat posture, and how you hold your smartphone cannot be overstated when it comes to maintaining good posture and finding relief from pain. These seemingly small adjustments in your daily routine can have a significant impact on your overall well-being, helping you live a more comfortable and pain-free life. So, take a moment to evaluate your habits and make the necessary changes for a healthier, pain-free future.

Here for you,

Dr. Jon

The post The Importance of Sleeping Position, Car Seat Posture, and Smartphone Usage for Good Posture and Pain Relief appeared first on Chiropractic on Eagle, Dr. Jon Saunders.

Cervical instability is defined as the inability of the cervical spine under physiological loads to maintain its normal alignment or pattern of displacement so that there is no neurological damage or irritation, no development of deformity, and no incapacitating pain.

You have a chronic neck issue. Maybe it’s causing you neck pain, headaches, or in some cases it’s causing really bizarre symptoms and you’ve been told A) there’s nothing wrong with you, or B) there’s nothing you can do about it. But you know, deep down inside there’s something happening.

Symptoms

There is a vast list of symptoms associated with cervical instability, depending on the location and severity of the problem area. Here are some symptoms:

• Neck pain/headaches/muscle spasms
• Neck feeling weak or your head feels heavy or unstable
• Referred pain to head, arms, mid-back or upper limbs
• Eye pain
• Tingling &/OR weakness in upper limbs
• Cervicogenic Dizziness or vertigo – poor balance, postural control
• Clumsiness
• Tinnitus
• Fatigue, nausea, and memory issues
• Pseudo angina (chest pain not from the heart)
• POTS (postural orthostatic tachycardia syndrome)
• Syncope (fainting)
• vagus nerve compression symptoms
• many others!

Causes of Cervical Instability

Here are some of the main causes:

• UNDERLYING MEDICAL CONDITIONS
  • connective tissue disorders – rheumatoid arthritis, Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome, etc…
• TRAUMA
  • car accidents, sports injuries, concussion, etc..
• CERVICAL SPONDYLOSIS
• POOR POSTURE
  • sitting, phone use, etc…

How is Cervical Instability Diagnosed?

One of the best ways to do that would be with digital motion x-ray. The problem with that is it’s not that accessible to most people and you need a very specialized clinic to find someone that can do that for you.

However, the next best thing would be stress x-rays. This is where the patient stand and put their neck in different positions, in this case flexion and extension. Measurements would determine whether the bones are moving too much.

Treatment for Cervical Instability in Newmarket

With any intervention, it is always best to start with conservative first. Moving on to more invasive procedures should be only after a conservative approach has failed.

1. CONSERVATIVE

-corrective exercises, corrective traction, posture correction, cervical lordosis (curve correction), neck strengthening, neuromuscular retraining

-corrective chiropractic or PT – someone with experience

2. PROLOTHERAPY

-injections – need to find a specialized clinic

3. SURGERY

-last resort, for those with gross instability (fractures) or where conservative treatments fail

For more information, please watch below:

Stay well,

The post Cervical Instability appeared first on Chiropractic on Eagle, Dr. Jon Saunders.

Chronic inflammation is at the root of many diseases. This type of inflammation often progresses silently, it is the cause of most chronic diseases and presents a major threat to the health and longevity of individuals. Inflammation is considered a major contributor to several diseases.

The most common reasons for chronic inflammation are poor dietary choices, stress (increased cortisol which triggers inflammatory activity), and environmental toxins.

Some of the common signs and symptoms that develop during chronic inflammation are listed below:

-Body pain, joint pain, and muscle pain

-Chronic fatigue and insomnia

-Depression, anxiety and mood disorders

-Gastrointestinal complications like constipation, diarrhea, and acid reflux

-Weight gain or weight loss

-Frequent infections

–Nerve pain or neuropathy

>> Please click to download your anti-inflammatory shopping list and meal planning worksheet  <<

12 Steps to Decreasing Chronic Inflammation

1. Believe you can.  This will help you to be consistent with the necessary lifestyle changes
2. Start by adding good foods to your diet (don’t worry about eliminating yet)
3. Add in the essential supplements (omega 3’s, vitamin D3, and probiotics)
4. As you start to build momentum, start to eliminate/reduce the whites (refined carbs), juices/sodas, dairy, and bad fats
5. Reduce/eliminate processed (boxed) foods
6. Consider other supplements that you may require – magnesium or turmeric to help with inflammation
7. Increase your water intake
8. Increase your daily activity/exercise
9. Get adjusted by a chiropractor – keep your joints moving and in alignment to reduce pain and increase mobility.
10. Try to improve the quality of your sleep
11. Reduce your stress by engaging in things that make you happy – hobby, activity, etc…
12. Give yourself some grace

Very few people will be perfect when implementing the above steps and that is OK! Start with the easiest steps and build some momentum. Before long you will notice some improvement and will start to feel better. This will create some momentum and you will be on your way to decreasing your inflammation and living your best life.

Keep smiling,

P.S. Do you ant to read some more in-depth information? Click Here

The post Anti-inflammatory Diet and Supplements for Chronic Inflammation and Pain appeared first on Chiropractic on Eagle, Dr. Jon Saunders.

This promotes our ‘hunched’ forward posture with rolled-in shoulders, creating forward head posture and a rounded mid-back hump.  Long-term this posture causes us much pain and also contributes to the hump at the base of the neck you sometimes see in people as they age.

What Tissues Cause Pain in the Mid-back?

In our mid-back – the thoracic spine – the normal alignment is one that keeps our head over top of our mid-back (thorax).  When the thoracic spine rounds forward, or becomes more ‘kyphotic’, the muscles between our shoulder blades and along our spine become stretched.  Over time these muscles will weaken and become inflamed, causing pain.  As well, the ligaments that hold our mid-back spinal vertebrae in the proper alignment, can also become stretched and inflamed, adding to more pain between our shoulders. 

Furthermore, when the spinal bones stop moving normally between our shoulder blades, inflammation can build up. This usually happens in the small joints in our spine (facet joints) and where our ribs attach to our spine (costovertebral joints).  This means you will feel stiff, tight, and restricted in your mid-back.  Sometimes this can even cause difficulty in taking deep breaths.

Finally, when your mid-back is not moving well, or not in the proper alignment, it can cause problems in other areas as well.  Headaches, stiff neck, and even low back pain can be caused by a mid-back/thoracic spine problem.

What Can You Do To Help Your Pain?

To minimize mid-back pain, you need to address all potential causes.  A chiropractic exam would be a good place to start in trying to help fix your mid-back pain.  Further, is your problem predominately a muscle problem, a joint or alignment problem, or is the problem due to the bones not moving normally?  A skilled chiropractor can determine this rather easily.

However, there are a few things you can try to help reduce your mid-back pain at home.

For example, here is how you can use a foam roller to help with mid-back pain:

Here are some simple desk stretches that I find extremely effective:

Hopefully, you found the information and videos above helpful.  If your pain persists, please seek out professional help.

Here for you 100%,

The post Mid-Back Pain appeared first on Chiropractic on Eagle, Dr. Jon Saunders.

The mattress and pillow you use will also determine whether you wake up refreshed or sluggish.  Do you wake up stiff in the morning?  Look no further than your sleeping position or pillow selection. If you go to bed feeling fine and wake up in the middle of the night or in the morning not feeling your best, you need to address either your mattress, pillow, or sleeping position.

The videos below will show you the correct way to sleep, where and how to use your pillows, and when you should replace your mattress.

Best Sleep Position for Neck Pain and Headaches

Watch this video if you you have neck pain, headaches, migraines, or tingling in your shoulders, arms, or hands:

Best Sleep Posture for Low Back Problems

Watch this video if you suffer from low back pain, sciatica, spinal stenosis, degenerative disc disease, or a lumbar disc bulge or herniation:

Here is an older, but still good summary of the best sleep posture for spinal problems:

I cannot stress how important your sleep position is on allowing you to get the best night sleep and waking up feeling good in the morning. Try to implement some of the strategies in the videos above.

To a great night’s sleep!

P.S. Do you sit on a sofa or couch? Read this for the best sitting position. Also check out our YouTube Channel.

The post Best Sleeping Position appeared first on Chiropractic on Eagle, Dr. Jon Saunders.

Quality of life.  Seems simple enough.  But, what does that mean?  I can give my humble opinion based on 16 years of clinical practice and tens of thousands of patient interactions. 

Here is what most people don’t expect:  A miracle cure.  To never experience pain or discomfort ever again.  To be able to 100% reverse decades of abuse, bad decisions, bad luck, or disease. 

Most people are very reasonable and realistic with their health goals and expectations.  Even so, most have no idea where to start.  There are so many ‘trendy’ miracle cures out there.  Don’t fall for them, they don’t work.  Bring ‘the basics’ back into your healthcare routine – keep stress as low as possible, eat whole healthy foods, move more, sit less, and be grateful.  Simple, but it works.

What are your expectations with respect to your health?

Improvement?  Maintenance?  Both are respectable and achievable goals.  A question I often ask patients before making a recommendation for their care – “are you happy with your current quality of life?”  If the answer is “yes” – my recommendations will be drastically different than if the answer is “no.”  This is an important question to ask yourself.  And you need to be truthful with yourself, because if you want tangible improvements, it is going to take effort and work.  It may even be a grind for some.  But it will be worth it.

How about this?  To be able to move freely; get out of a chair; play a game of golf or tennis; or be social with family and friends?  All reasonable and possible regardless of where you are starting. 

How do you achieve your health goals?

Get a baseline.  Implement a realistic recovery plan.  Have a realistic timeline.  Do the work involved.  Be patient with the process.  Be an active participant, not just a passive by-stander.  Be hopeful.  And finally, be grateful you can get well again.

Remember, your chiropractic care should not stop after you get off the adjusting table.  It should be the beginning of the process.  Remember, keep your recovery as simple and stress-free as possible.  And please…

…raise your expectations 😊

The post Health Expectations appeared first on Chiropractic on Eagle, Dr. Jon Saunders.

Concussions are no fun.   I have suffered at least 3 concussions in my life.  When I was younger, at a public skate I was racing a friend and slipped and fell into the rink boards head first.  Back then, helmets weren’t required.  The 2^nd one was from a hockey hit during my teenage years.  The 3^rd and most recent was in adulthood.  I was chasing my nephew at a local park at dusk.  I ran up the slide after him and went forehead first into the metal cross bar that I didn’t see.  Ouch!

I had symptoms for 4 months.  Fatigue, dizziness, neck pain and headaches.  Frustrating to say the least.  What were the things I did to help myself heal?  Rest, limit screen time, limit any intense exercise, good nutrition, lots of water intake, and getting chiropractic adjustments.

Concussion Treatment in Newmarket

I have seen many patients with post-concussion syndrome and to say most patients are frustrated with their recovery would be an understatement.  The good news is there are many things someone can do to help with their recovery.

Signs and Symptoms

There are many signs and symptoms that vary widely for people who have had a concussion (brain injury):

• Headaches/pressure in head
• Fatigue
• Dizziness
• Neck pain
• Ringing in ears
• Nausea/vomiting
• Difficulty
  concentrating
• Appearing dazed
• Slurred speech
• Sleep disturbances
• Sensitivity to light and sound
• Irritability
• Many more!

It is important to get diagnosed correctly if you have hit your head, had whiplash, or trauma (like a fall) and experience any of the above signs or symptoms.  Please see your health provider or go to the emergency department immediately.

Recovery Tips

Recovering from a concussion is not fun.  Here are some tips to speed your healing:

• Rest – listen to your doctor; this includes physical and mental rest
• Limiting screen time
• Limiting anything that increases or worsens your symptoms
• Drink lots of water
• Increase your fruit and vegetable intake
• Increase your ‘good fats’ consumption – nuts/seeds/avocados/olive oil/coconut oil etc…
• Reduce or avoid sugary foods, alcohol, and caffeine

Chiropractic and Concussions

Often when there is trauma to the head or neck, and a concussion has been diagnosed, there may be some help available from your chiropractor in addition to other treatments you may be receiving.  The neck can often be injured when a concussion has happened.  A neck injury, for example whiplash, could be causing some of the related neck pain and headaches associated with concussions. 

A thorough chiropractic exam would help to determine if someone suffering from post-concussion syndrome may be helped.  Tight muscles and neck alignment issues, if found, can be helped. It is worth exploring!

A few things a chiropractor can help with:

• Adjustments to help with neck alignment
• Soft tissue therapy to release tight and tender muscles in the neck
• Stretches or traction if indicated
• Postural exercises to help restore balance

There are many available modalities to help you in your recovery.  One thing is certain, managing your concussion requires a team approach.  Chiropractic care may just what the doctor ordered.

Be well,

The post Chiropractic and Concussions appeared first on Chiropractic on Eagle, Dr. Jon Saunders.