Cold Weather and Back Pain

Does cold weather affect back pain? When it comes to cold weather and pain, there are different schools of thought. Some say that the weather during the cooler part of the year increases their back pain. Then, there are others who say they experience less back pain when the outside temperature is lower.

In general, most persons who experience back pain say the pain increases in cold weather.

Let's take a look at how you can better manage back pain during a cold snap.

Exercising in Cold Weather

Exercising is an essential part of back pain management. If you are experiencing back pain, and not exercising, it is one of the first natural remedies you should turn to.

Yes, exercise is a natural remedy just as much as lotions and potions. But, there are some dos and don'ts which apply when you exercise with back pain.

First of all, you should put on a back support. The right kind of back support gently helps to support your muscles and improve your posture.

Putting on the right clothing helps as well. That does not mean you should wear clothes that make you too hot. As you get dressed, bear in mind you are going to get warm when you exercise. Wearing layers of natural fiber clothing is important. That way, any moisture has a chance to escape.

If it has been snowing, or if it is slippery underfoot, make sure you wear appropriate footwear. The last thing you want to do is to risk a fall.

Relaxing Your Muscles

When you come back home, it is a good idea to take a bath or warm shower. Warm water helps to relax both your tendons and muscles.

Adding muscle relaxing lotions such as arnica and jojoba oil can help a great deal. Rosemary helps to increase circulation. We often underestimate the benefit of increasing circulation when we are in pain.

Should I Take An Extra Supplement?

Many back pain sufferers swear by taking an extra supplement during the winter. It may just help. Before you do so, make sure you review your daily supplement routine.

For instance, if you are already using an Omega 3 supplement, you should not add CBD oil. Both thin the blood and may do you more harm than good.

MSM is another supplement that works great for back pain. It is not recommended you take it all of the time, but it is perfectly safe to take it for a few months.

Should I Stay Indoors More?

It is tempting to think that staying indoors or being less active during cold weather helps. Yes, it is nice to stay inside with the central heating on. But, reducing movement is the last thing you want to do.

It can quickly make matters worse. Instead, try to be as active as you can. As long as you wear a back support, exercising outside helps you.

What about exercising inside? There is absolutely no reason why you should not exercise inside. If you have a local gym or sports centre near you, check out what exercise classes they offer. In particular, look out for exercise classes such as yoga and pilates.

Swimming is another exercise that improves back pain If you can, try different strokes. Perhaps you could do the backstrokes for 50 meters and then change to the breaststroke for 50 meters.

Sitting Down With Back Pain During Winter

Sitting indoors is absolutely fine. Since the Coronavirus pandemic, sitting outside and drinking coffee with our friends seems to be the new normal. If you experience back pain, sitting outside is the last thing you want to do.

Not only do you risk other ailments, but you also risk making your back pain worse. It will feel like the cold “gets into” your body. Many say that my bones start to ache.

What is happening here? It simply means the cold is reducing your circulation when you sit down. Slow or low circulation lets inflammation take hold which leads to more pain.

When you want to go out for coffee with your friends during the cool part of the year, don't sit outside. Opt for a cafe with good ventilation but that is still nice and warm.

Lifting Heavy Objects in Winter

Back strains are much more common in winter. If you know that you have a back problem, be very careful how you pick things up in cooler weather.

Muscles and tendons are often slightly tighter during cool weather. If you pick something up suddenly, you are much more likely to pull a muscle or tendon. Once again, if you have a back problem, make sure you wear a back brace or posture corrector and don't lift anything too heavy.

Can I do Winter Sports With a Back Injury?

It all depends on what kind of back injury or back pain you are suffering from. It goes without saying that you don't want to take part in any winter sports that could involve falling.

Ice skating and downhill skiing are probably not the sports for you. But, if your back pain problem is not too severe, there is no reason why you should not go cross-country skiing.

In Scandinavian countries, many doctors recommend cross-country skiing when you experience back pain spasms. Of course, you should wear a support, but cross-country skiing is in general good for you. Most cross-country skiers have excellent posture.
Final Thoughts

Yes, it is tempting to say you are excused from activity during cold weather. But, there is no reason why you should not stay active. Stagnation is the worst enemy when it comes to managing back pain.

As long as you keep warm, wear a support, there is absolutely no reason why you should let the cold affect your healthy living routine.

Brought to you by Your Back Pain Relief