The temperatures are dropping more and more each day, the snow keeps piling up, and your back and neck pain seem to be getting worse. If you are wondering whether the colder temperatures may be to blame, it could certainly be contributing to your pain.
This condition is called cold allodynia and while there hasn’t been a whole lot of research done on the medical condition, it is a real thing that affects so many people each year when the temperatures drop. While there isn’t much for you to do to change the fact that your body results in pain due to colder temperatures, it can be beneficial for you to understand why this is happening.
If you suffer from cold allodynia, it could be due to the barometric pressure on your joints. Nerve endings may pick up on changes in barometric pressure in the air, which can cause pain in some people. Nerve endings pick up on things such as temperature, texture, and pressure, so it makes total sense that cold weather could indeed contribute to pain in the body.
Another theory suggests that tense muscles surrounding the nerves could contribute to back pain. Cold weather can make muscles contract and tense up, which can result in pain.
If you suffer from cold allodynia and moving to the Caribbean isn’t an option at the moment, you can control your symptoms in several other ways. The first step in preventing back pain during the colder months is to bundle up as much as possible before heading outdoors. Layers are extremely important in keeping your body safe from colder temperatures. Bring a fleece blanket with you if you will be sitting outdoors, or even drape the blanket over yourself while driving in the car.
Many fitness stores sell body trimmer belts which can actually help to warm the body while also helping you to shed pounds. Just wear the belt around during the day and it will help to keep your core warm, and you can even lose a few pounds at the same time!
Another step in preventing body pain during colder temperatures is to practice muscle strengthening and stretching. Stretching on a regular basis is extremely important since the body is more prone to accidents during the colder months. Be sure to stretch before you partake in any outdoor activities, especially shoveling snow or hanging up your holiday lights!
If you find yourself suffering from pain after a day in the cold, give yourself some time to recover. A warm cup of green tea can help, or just relaxing in a hot bath. Give yourself some time to relax.
Regular visits to your chiropractor can help to alleviate back pain, but exercise, a healthy diet, and muscle strengthening and stretching are also extremely beneficial.