The frigid winter months are approaching quickly, bringing exciting things such as holidays, winter sports season, and an escape from the heat and humidity of summer. However, the cold weather can also mean a return of back pain. The drop in temperature causes your muscles, tendons, and ligaments to tighten resulting in your nerve roots being pulled. This pulling can cause pain ranging from slight discomfort to a debilitating condition.
A study involving 135,000 construction workers demonstrated the negative impacts cold weather has on the body. The results of the study concluded that the individuals who worked outside in cold weather had increased back pain compared to those who worked inside.
4 Ways to Relieve Your Cold Weather Back Pain
Don’t let back pain get in the way of enjoying the change in season. Use these four helpful tips to help ease your back pain.
Warm Up
A nice warm-up stretch or exercise such as jogging to get your day started can help prevent cold weather pain from striking. Stretching improves your circulation and loosens your muscles. Jogging is another great way to get your blood flowing and muscles relaxed.
Physical Therapy
Physical therapy is a great way to get to the root cause of your back pain. At Bay State Physical Therapy our physical therapists help reduce your pain and restore your function by focusing on your posture, spinal mobility, strength, and flexibility to create a personalized care plan made just for you. During your care, your PT may also utilize specialty services such as cupping and dry needling to lessen pain and therapeutic exercises that will help you maintain your function after discharge.
Bundle Up
When out and about in cold weather you want to make sure you have sufficient layers on. Choose fabrics that wick moisture away from your body and be sure to protect your fingers and toes to prevent tissue damage. Cold air can seep in through the underside of your jacket and around your neck. Zipping up your jacket and wearing a scarf is a good way to prevent cold air from reaching your skin.
Get Your Dose of Vitamin D
When it’s cold outside we tend to want to hunker down inside to stay warm, but this can result in a vitamin D deficiency. Often referred to as the “sunshine pill”, vitamin D has anti-inflammatory properties, and according to Spine Universe, has also been shown to reduce exercise-induced muscle damage and subsequent levels of muscle soreness following intense workouts. Some great ways to get vitamin D, even when you don’t venture outside include ensuring you have a well-rounded diet that includes vitamin D-rich foods such as salmon, mushrooms, and eggs.
Enjoy the Cold Weather Without Back Pain
Don’t let back pain cause you to miss out on cold weather fun this season. Follow these helpful tips to keep your back feeling great! Whether you want to go for a walk outside around the neighborhood or enjoy winter sporting activities, Bay State Physical Therapy can help you overcome back pain.
To learn more, call your nearest Bay State Physical Therapy location or complete the form below to request an appointment.
Resources:
- https://atlantaspineinstitute.com/why-does-my-back-seem-to-hurt-more-as-cold-weather-comes/
- https://spineclinics.co.uk/does-cold-weather-affect-back-pain/
Tags: Low back pain, cold, Back Pain, PT first, Arthritis pain, chronic joint pain, active, injuries, winter, Physical Therapy, muscle pain, Active physical therapy, weather
