When the weather outside is frightful, your joints may be your first indicator of winter. When it comes to winter weather and achy joints, there are some studies about how the cold makes our nerves and blood vessels constrict, decreasing our circulation, and how the barometric pressure dropping can stiffen the joints. While cold weather may contribute to joint pain in several ways, there are steps that you can take to get ahead of the pain and manage it throughout the season.
At Northwest Injury Clinics, we understand that joint pain can be debilitating, and our team of experienced injury professionals is dedicated to providing you with the personalized treatment plan that you need to thrive this winter.
The Science Behind Cold Weather and Pain
The exact reason our joints and muscles give us trouble throughout the winter season can’t be narrowed down to one reason. The multiple weather factors, physical factors, and even our physical habits all play a part in the aches and pains that our bodies go through each winter.
Low Barometric Pressure: Barometric pressure reflects the weight of the atmosphere pressing on our bodies. When the weather changes, this pressure fluctuates, and sudden shifts can lead to noticeable aches and pains as our bodies respond to these invisible forces.
Cold Temperatures: Cold temperatures cause blood vessels and muscles to tighten and constrict as the body works to maintain its core temperature. These contractions often lead to a sensation of stiffness and tension, which can contribute to chronic pain.
Physical Exercise: As colder weather brings in snow and ice, we spend more time indoors, not exercising and moving our bodies. Reducing our physical activity can lead to more stiffness and increased aches and pains.
Even during the winter, it’s essential to maintain your physical activity and maintain joint health. If you are experiencing increasing aches and pains, contact Northwest Injury Clinics today.
Common Winter Injuries
Cold, snow, and ice are a part of living in areas that get stunning winter weather. While it can be challenging to stay healthy at this time of year, people are often suffering from the same common winter weather injuries. Such as:
- Slip & Falls
- Back Injuries
- Neck Injuries
- Heart Attacks
- Hypothermia
- Car Accidents
The strenuous work of living in the snow can lead to dangerous falls, injuries, and major health problems. If you’ve suffered a winter weather injury, it’s vital that you seek professional medical attention. Don’t let injuries settle, as they will only get worse. Ensuring that you seek medical attention will ensure that you receive a comprehensive medical treatment plan.
Tips for Preventing Winter Weather-Related Injuries
You can’t make the weather warmer, but you can take steps to prevent the effects that you will suffer due to the changing weather. Easing and resolving winter weather aches and pains starts with a few simple tips such as:
- Stay active and Stretch regularly
- Dress warmly
- Use heating pads and heat treatments on stiff muscles
- Utilize physical therapy treatments
You are more likely to feel the aches and pains in the colder weather, but when it’s time to shovel the snow off the driveway, you can aggravate old injuries or even make new ones. Try dressing warmly, ensuring you maintain your physical exercise routine, and try some massage or chiropractic therapy to give it that extra attention it may need this year.
Finding Relief from Winter Pain
Finding relief from the aches and pains of winter can be more than over-the-counter medicines. While they can help with winter discomfort, exploring innovative wellness methods may provide lasting relief from seasonal aches and pains. Chiropractic care and massage therapy offer excellent starting points for healing and recovery.
Massage Therapy
While massages are seen as an indulgent way of relaxing, they offer more than just pure pampering. Massage therapy is a powerful technique that works to relieve tension and aches from your body’s ligaments and muscles to promote optimal function and reduce pain. At Northwest Injury Clinics, our licensed massage therapists are skilled in helping patients recover from injury, promote healing, and alleviate any aches and pain.
Chiropractic Care
When the temperature drops, you can see an increase in various health problems. Even your mental health suffers during the winter! Chiropractic care techniques can help improve circulation, strengthen your immune system, and regulate hormone production to alleviate seasonal depression. Chiropractic care can do more than just treat your winter weather injuries. It is designed to enhance your overall health.
Schedule an Appointment with Northwest Injury Clinics
Taking control of your health can be a little more challenging through the winter season, but with Northwest Injury Clinics, you’ve got a whole team working on your recovery. At Northwest Injury Clinics, we’ve made it as simple as possible to get you the best comprehensive care as possible. Contact our team of professionals to provide you with the individualized care you need this winter.
