Spring is (almost) here and the sky is (sometimes) oh so blue. But it’s still cold. And according to our Fareham chiropractor, that could mean worse back pain for you.
Have you ever wondered why your back pain seems to get worse every time the temperatures drop? Ever experienced a surge in your symptoms on those damp, miserable days? What exactly is happening inside that body of yours?
First of all, there is a name for the condition, and it’s called “cold allodynia”. While chiropractors and scientists have not been able to identify the exact cause or reason behind the condition, there are many ideas floating around.
According to the team at Homewood Chiropractic Clinic, back pain related to cold weather may be linked to barometric pressure on the joints. The body’s nerve endings contain many receptors that detect things like temperature, texture and pressure. It is believed that these intelligent nerve endings can also pick up on changes in barometric pressure in the air and respond with a pain reaction. With decreased pressure, it is thought that the body’s tissues may expand and press against the joints and structures in the back. If you suffer from an existing condition such as arthritis, this pressure may make it even worse.
Some ideas also suggest that cold weather-induced back pain may be caused by undiagnosed trapped nerves. If you’ve experienced an injury or surgery and you notice worsening of your pain during cooler temperatures, it could be that the nerves in your body may be out of place.
Back pain during cold weather may even be caused by something as simple as tense muscles surrounding the nerves. It is no big secret that the cold weather can make your muscles contract and seize up, after all.
So what can you do to manage your back pain during those fresh, frosty days (apart from jetting off to an exotic, sun-promising location, of course!)?
The first thing you can do is to keep warm and layer up. Layers are extremely helpful in combating the effects of cold weather, so don’t shy away from putting on an extra few items of clothes. Believe it or not, body belts are also a good way to keep your body warm during the colder months – they’ll also help you to slim down too. Simply pop into your nearest fitness store to pick one up, slip it on before you venture outside and you’ll have a much warmer (and slimmer!) core.
According to our Homewood chiropractor, regular stretching is another great way to minimise the damage of cold weather to your spine. Stretching helps to keep your body loose and limber, which in turn, reduces the risk of injuring your spine when Jack Frost causes your muscles to clench up and shiver.
While cold weather back pain may make it tempting to move to a warmer climate, it won’t help your condition in the long run. Remember that the weather itself doesn’t cause your back pain, but instead, aggravates it.
If you suffer with ongoing back pain during cold weather, it’s important to seek regular chiropractic help. A good chiropractor will be able to use proven techniques to help relieve your symptoms and work with you towards a pain -free future.
By taking this simple advice on board, you can help to reduce the risk of back pain caused by the cold weather.
Our chiropractors at Homewood Chiropractic Clinic in Fareham are here to help you be as healthy as possible. If you want advice, a check up or you may be suffering back pain or discomfort callus on 01329 280 283 to book an appointment.
Our Experience Counts: 55 Years in Fareham
Serving the people of Fareham, and surrounding areas of Southampton, Portsmouth, Hampshire and the local areas of Whiteley, Hedge End, Locks Heath & Portchester
