6 Facts on Winter Weather and Back Pain
Winter Back Pain: Is it a myth?
Between cold temperatures and snow on the ground on Bellmore, winter brings a lot of discomfort. But it’s not only uncomfortable for our chiropractic patients who suffer from chronic or acute back pain. Winter can prove to be a detriment even to healthy spines. Though the correlation between spinal pain and winter weather is not based in scientific evidence, studies have proven that there is a connection. In this post, we will explore 6 well-known facts on winter weather and back pain.
1. Reacting to Cold Increases Back Pain
In terms of chiropractic health, a wintertime increase in back pain is not entirely due to the temperature. This back pain has much more to do with your body’s reaction to lower temperatures.
We on Bellmore may not experience the arctic temperatures that Alaska residents would. But, the temperatures still drop during the winter, as compared to the summer heat. In these comparably lower temperatures, it is common for back pain to intensify.
Back pain occurs when the body experiences a dip below the temperatures it has become acclimated to. A chiropractor can help you to prevent this pain with restorative techniques and lifestyle recommendations.
2. Injuries Are Sensitive to Changing Barometric Pressure
Beyond the cold temperatures, there are other winter weather-related conditions that may account for back pain.
Many people who experience chronic joint pain — whether in the knee, ankle, back, or another area — claim that this pain grows worse before a storm, or before a steep temperature decrease. This is especially common for patients with arthritis, or a similar joint-inflammation disease.
The only explanation for this phenomenon is that their bodies are recognizing and responding to the fluctuating barometric pressure.
Scientists and chiropractors are unable to explain this correlation. But, keeping this point in mind will help you to predict periods of pain, and take precautionary measures. A chiropractor can assist you in recognizing this pain, and taking preventative measures.
3. Seasonal Mood Changes Can Cause Back Pain
Seasonal affective disorder, or SAD, causes depression during certain parts of the year. This mood disorder is most common during the winter.
In addition to snow and colder temperatures, winter days are much shorter than other days. And, as studies have shown, less sunlight can cause people to enter a depressed state.
Depression can lead to psychosomatic symptoms, one of which is back pain. So, winter depression can cause — and sometimes catalyze — more intense back pain. With the help of your chiropractor and a psychologist, you can overcome both of these struggles to live a comfortable lifestyle during the winter months.
4. Inactivity will Increase Back Pain
Summer is a wonderful time to be active. Warm weather and bright, sunny days make summer the ideal time to engage in physical activity. There’s no better time to meet up with friends for a jog, swim or tennis match.
During the winter, however, the opposite is true. The cold temperatures are more likely than ever to keep people inside and inactive. The only way to become (and stay) active during the winter is inside your own home, or at a gym. And, a sedentary lifestyle is one of the most common causes of back pain.
A lack of exercise is one of the primary catalysts of back pain, especially during the winter. Exercising reduces spinal stiffness, promotes mobility, and causes fluid exchange among the vertebrae. Most of all, though, it stretches the muscles. When your body is inactive during the winter, your back will grow increasingly stiff. Thus, your body will be more likely to experience back pain.
To prevent this, take a proactive approach to exercising. Whether you accomplish this with an indoor exercise bike, treadmill or gym, it will limit your back pain. Consistent spinal adjustments from Dr. Brenner will help as well.
5. Winter Means Increased Physical Hazards
While the winter weather does make people predisposed to back pain, there are other potential hazards as well. Slippery surfaces — such as snow, sleet and ice — are a recipe for disaster, especially in the dark.
Falling on the wrong part of your body can cause a severe back injury. But, slipping with pre-existing back pain can cause it to become much worse. When your back or the surrounding muscles are already injured and tight, the threshold for further injuries is much lower. For example, mechanics who encounter back hazards as part of their work will likely have a more difficult time in these scenarios.
A chiropractor can help you to navigate these injuries in a way that prevents further back pain.
6. Bad Shoveling Technique is Bad for the Spine
Shoveling snow is necessary to prevent it from freezing into a sheet of ice. But, the actions involved in shoveling can be catastrophic for your back, without the proper care.
Shoveling is a particularly straining and repetitive action, the two traits that are the worst for your spine. Digging the shovel into the snow and twisting to throw it will cause muscles to tighten in a particularly unhealthy fashion. It will also increase pressure on the spinal joints and discs. This is especially true when your back is hunched into an awkward and uncomfortable position.
To shovel correctly, keep your knees bent, and dig into the snow in front of you, rather than to your side. Also, use an ergonomic shovel. Keep one hand close to the blade of the shovel, and the other further up the handle. Rather than twisting, turn your whole body to dispose of the snow. Instead of shoveling massive amounts of snow, limit each load to a reasonable amount.
A chiropractor can assist you in developing the proper shoveling technique.
Dr. Brenner: A Bellmore Chiropractor
Dr. Brenner can help you to overcome the physical and mental stresses that winter brings. WIth the right guidance, you can enjoy the winter without feeling restrained by your back pain. Contact us to schedule an appointment or learn more.