|
Services
Technology
FAQ
Location
Contact Us
|
|
|
|
A Personal Message
From Dr. Ara Elmajian
Dear Friends,
Having recently returned from a wonderful vacation in Europe I have been reminded to practise what I preach. The main theme being - "have fun and take a break from the stresses of daily life as often as possible." Whether that is achieved by meditating, SKIING, dancing, laughing, playing music, or going on an adventure in a faraway place it gives our bodies, minds, and souls a reprieve from the negative effects of stress.
Last month I touched briefly on myofascial pain/myofascial therapy as a possible cause/treatment for headaches. It is also a type of pain that can occur in any skeletal muscle of the body causing part of the muscle to be in continual spasm (trigger points) which can cause pain in that muscle or refer pain to another part of the body.
In chronic situations of myofascial pain it is crucial to determine and deal with the "Perpetuating Factors" that may exist and interfere with the success of the treatment.
Recognizing and treating the underlying perpetuating factors has been a corner-stone of my philosophy and the development of our multidisciplinary team approach and it is the reason I am dedicating this month's main article to it.
Keep well and have some fun
Ara |
Myofascial Pain and Perpetuating Factors
I n the 1980's I had the great fortune to meet and study with Dr. Janet Travell M.D. She was a pioneer in the field of diagnosing and treating myofascial pain.
Under Dr. Travell's mentorship I became aware of the underlying perpetuating factors affecting myofascial pain and still today believe this to be one of the most significant aspects of treating pain and health problems in general. If you have been suffering from chronic or unresolved myofascial (muscle) pain or other health problems it is important for you to identify those factors that may be perpetuating your condition and impeding your treatment success.
There is a long list of them and they can be physical (poor occlusion, poor posture), nutritional (vitamin deficiencies), hormonal, emotional (stress, depression) and many others.
As an example - sleep impairment is becoming a common complaint in a growing number of the population. One particular and mounting problem in this area is the condition known as sleep apnea. Learn more about sleep apnea and the treatments available in the article "News from the Dental Team"
A consultation with any of our doctors and some follow up diagnostic tests will reveal if there are underlying perpetuating factors that should be considered. It could be one of your keys to obtaining optimal health.
Dr. Ara Elmajian
|
Herb of the Month - Hawthorn, for all matters of the heart!
With Dr. Melanie McIver
This lovely plant is a cardiovascular tonic extraordinaire! It has been used for hundreds (thousands?) of years to support the heart, blood vessels and circulation. Unlike pharmaceuticals, herbal tonics are unique in that the same plant can have opposite actions. For example hawthorn can be used to either increase or decrease blood pressure, depending on what the body needs. Herbs are intelligent this way.
Hawthorn grows here locally as a shrub or a tree, and the berries are perfect for harvesting in the fall. The blossoms and leaves also have similar medicinal properties. Try harvesting the flowers in the spring and the berries in the fall. Hawthorn can be used to support the heart muscle, to balance blood pressure, cholesterol, irregular heartbeats, weak blood vessels, and any issues of circulation. It is full of antioxidants and helps with connective tissue regeneration, and can even help to mend a broken heart.
|
|
News From the Dental Team - Sleep Apnea
What are snoring and sleep apnea?
Snoring is the sound of partially obstructed breathing during sleep. Although snoring can be harmless, it can also be a sign of a more serious condition known as Obstructive Sleep Apnea (OSA). When Obstructive Sleep Apnea occurs, the tongue and soft palate collapse onto the back of the throat and completely block the airway which restricts the flow of oxygen.
Patients who suffer with OSA have a decreased quality of life. They can suffer from morning headahes, excessive sleepines during the day, impaired memory and decreased sex drive. There are other symptoms as well but more importantly people with OSA are at a much greater risk of having a stroke or developing hypertension.
Treatment options range from conservative such as avoiding exercise, food and stimulants before bed to more aggressive - surgery. Some where in between is the CPAP devise which acts like a splint keeping the airway open and delivering air from a portable compressor via a nose or mouth mask. Some people have found this method very effective while others find compliance difficult.
There are oral appliances also avalilable that could be a good treatment option for some people especially if they can not tolerate the CPAP device. The most common oral appliance is a mandibular advancement device (MAD). It is made of upper and lower mouth guards joined together to position the lower jaw forward therefore opening the airway.
These appliances are available through our clinic and Dr. Charbonneau has advanced training in this field.
If you or your partner thinks you might suffer from Obstructive Sleep Apnea and would like to discuss your treatment options call our dental clinic and book a complimentary consultation with Dr. David Charbonneau.
| |
|
|
|
|
|
