As the chill of winter sets in, many of us experience an increase in aches and pains.
From stiff joints to nagging backaches, the colder months seem to exacerbate discomfort and limit our mobility.
While the exact reasons behind this phenomenon are not fully understood, experts believe that it is a combination of factors.
In this article, we will delve into the possible causes of intensified pain during the colder months and discuss how chiropractic care can offer effective relief.
Hypothesised reasons we feel more pain in winter
- Atmospheric Pressure: Changes in barometric pressure, which is the weight of the air pressing against our bodies, can affect joint and muscle tissues. Cold weather often coincides with lower barometric pressure, which may cause tissues to expand slightly, leading to increased pressure on nerves and resulting in heightened pain sensitivity.
- Reduced Physical Activity: Winter weather often discourages outdoor activities, leading to decreased physical movement and a more sedentary lifestyle. This lack of exercise and reduced muscle flexibility can contribute to muscle stiffness, joint immobility, and increased discomfort.
- Altered Blood Circulation: Cold temperatures cause blood vessels to constrict, limiting blood flow to the extremities and vital organs. This reduced circulation can result in muscle tension, decreased nutrient delivery to tissues, and increased pain perception.
- Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD): Winter is also associated with a higher prevalence of Seasonal Affective Disorder, a mood disorder characterised by feelings of depression and fatigue. Research has shown that a decreased mood can exacerbate existing pain symptoms and make coping with winter-related discomfort more challenging.
A Solution for Winter Pain
Chiropractic care offers a holistic and non-invasive approach to managing pain, regardless of the season.
By addressing the root causes of discomfort and focusing on optimising spinal alignment and nervous system function, chiropractors can help alleviate pain and improve overall well-being.
Here’s how chiropractic care can benefit individuals experiencing winter-related pain:
- Spinal Adjustments: By adjusting the spine, we promote proper joint movement and relieve irritation or pressure on nerves. By restoring spinal balance, chiropractic adjustments can reduce pain and enhance overall body function.
- Muscle Relaxation: Adjustments alleviate muscle tension and promote relaxation. This can improve blood circulation, increase flexibility, and reduce pain symptoms.
- Lifestyle Guidance: We provide guidance on maintaining an active lifestyle, even during the colder months. We can recommend specific exercises, stretches, and ergonomic modifications to help individuals manage pain, maintain joint mobility, and promote overall physical well-being. We can also offer advice with other lifestyle factors that may impact pain perception, helping individuals cope with winter-related pain more effectively.
If you are concerned about specific pain or dysfunction during winter, and you’d like to know more, please call us on (02) 6257 9400.
If you would like some more information about the spine and nervous system and how it relates to other aspects of your health, please check out the other articles on our Facebook page or go to our website: www.spinecentre.com.au.