Brrr . . . Avoiding Back Pain Because of the Colder Weather

When you leave your home in the morning, you feel a little chill in the air. It’s almost that time of year again when you need to put on extra layers and have pumpkin spiced drinks. But perhaps it’s also a season when your back pain returns; you’re not alone in this struggle. Would you like to know how you can avoid back discomfort or injury this winter so you can enjoy the season? Here are some interesting facts you should know about cold weather and back pain.

Lower Temperatures Mean Higher Risk of Spinal Injuries

No matter where you live, a drop in the thermostat could increase your chances of suffering from an injury to your spine. Although researchers haven’t been able to identify a specific connection, there is a marked rise in these types of injuries during colder months. This could occur because muscles, tendons, and joint become more stiff and tight with chillier weather.

Unfortunately, living in a warmer area doesn’t necessarily mean that you are safe during this time of the year. Your body adjusts to the climate you live in and can have a similar response even if you are located in the southern states.

Colder Weather Shouldn’t Keep You from Exercising

Although you may want to curl up in a blanket with a good book all day, make sure you’re staying active during the winter months. Movement will help your body stay limber and flexible, and remaining stagnant will only increase your odds of injuring yourself. Even if you only dedicate 30 minutes a day to  walking or another activity, it can help you avoid getting injured this winter.

In addition, you should consider adding stretching to your daily routine. By taking a few minutes every day to stretch your muscles, you can ease the tension in your body and thereby reduce your risk of injury.

Dreary Weather May Cause Depression, Which May Make You Injury Prone

It’s no secret that gloomy conditions can have an impact on your mood, but how does that affect your spine? Depression, even the seasonal type, can make your nervous system more sensitive, potentially raising your risk of injury or pain. You may not be able to change the weather to be more encouraging, but you can fight the winter blues through self-care and stress-relieving techniques like meditation, coloring, or writing in a journal.

In the end, understanding the relationship between cold weather and back pain can help you be better prepared and prevent unnecessary pain. You don’t have to be shoveling snow in order to suffer an injury, so be careful out there, even if you live in Florida! By staying active, stretching, and practicing self-care, you can reduce the chances of experiencing a back injury and enjoy the cooler weather.

About the Author

In Naples, Dr. Chad Wills has been practicing chiropractic care for more than 20 years. He is only one of two chiropractors in Lee and Collier counties who are certified in Chiropractic Biophysics. He takes pride in customizing treatment to every patient and finding out the root cause behind their discomfort. If you have back pain this winter, don’t hesitate to schedule an appointment by contacting Wills Chiropractic through his website or by calling 239-331-6060.