The weather outside is frightful, and many people swear they can feel it coming in their bones. Roughly two-thirds (67.2%) of people with conditions like arthritis claim to feel an increase in joint pain connected to changes in weather. The reasons why aren’t well-understood, but there are a few things you can do to protect yourself from the effects of cold weather.
Why Does My Body Ache in Winter?
One theory is that drops in barometric pressure can cause tendons, muscles, and the surrounding tissues to expand. The expansion within the narrow confines of the human body is what is causing pain.
Other pains specific to winter are associated with a deficiency in Vitamin D. The reduced sunlight leading to lower vitamin D levels is crucial for bone and muscle health. Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD) can also cause fatigue and body aches. Cold weather also stresses the body, causing increased muscle tension and discomfort.
Why Does My Back Hurt When It’s Cold Out?
Cold temperatures can cause muscles to contract and tighten, leading to stiffness and discomfort. There’s also a tendency for people to be generally less active in the winter, which can lead to weaker muscles and a higher susceptibility to winter back pain. Cold weather can increase the thickness of the synovial fluid in your joints, which usually helps keep them lubricated, but when it thickens, it can cause pain.
If you experience anything out of the ordinary, an excess of pain, swelling, redness, or trouble using your joints, then it’s a good idea to consult your physician sooner rather than later.
How Do I Stop My Back from Hurting in the Winter?
Back pain is the worst, and as the cold weather restricts our movements, it can be particularly bothersome. Existing issues like muscle imbalances or strains are made even worse by cold weather, but here are a few hints to help you stay loose:
- Activity – Stay active! Engage in some gentle exercises to help with your strength and flexibility to ward off avoidable muscle aches.
- Posture – Pay attention to your posture and try not to go extended periods of time without stretching or readjusting yourself.
- Stay Warm – Wear layers and consider using heating pads to keep your back muscles warm and limber. Consider a warm bath to help relax tight muscles.
How Do You Get Rid of Muscle Pain from Cold Weather?
If you must brave the weather, or it’s already unfairly gotten to you despite staying in, here are a few winter back safety tips you can do to help manage your discomfort and pain.
- Heating pads – Heat helps your muscles relax, so apply heating pads to painful areas.
- Hydration/Nutrition – It’s important to stay hydrated and eat properly to support muscle health.
- Stretching – Stretching regularly can help maintain flexibility and reduce muscle tension.
Let Total Chiro Treat Your Cold Weather Aches and Pains
Total Chiropractic Care and Wellness is ready to treat and help ease any aches and pains caused by cold weather and winter activities. Using a variety of chiropractic care techniques, we can help return you to a full and healthy range of motion and restore your quality of life. Get in touch and make an appointment with Dr. Goldman.