With temperatures dropping, the urge to sit inside and curl up on the couch is becoming harder to deny, especially if you’re feeling stiff or sick from the cold. However, it’s important to make sure that you are taking care of your body and staying healthy throughout all seasons.
Joint Pain and Weather Injuries
Even if you aren’t in an area that is covered with snow or ice, the cold weather can create a number of issues. For example, letting your dog out on frosty grass can cause you to slip and fall in an instant. Not to mention, the bitter cold causes your body to tense up quickly hoping for relief. If you’re experiencing these cold weather side effects, try to stay active and exercise indoors. This can allow for a wider range of motion, helping to ease pain and relieve tension. If you sustain a back injury, seek treatment if your symptoms don’t go away after a few days of rest.
Common Colds and your Immune System
Sniffling and sneezing is practically the soundtrack to the winter months. While you certainly should consult your physician if this sickness gets too severe, it’s important to keep your immune system strong as well. Getting enough sleep is a major factor in your immune system strength. This, along with be able to exercise and healthy eating can lead to less sniffling and more happiness! If you’re unable to get a good night’s sleep because of back pain, or if your back pain limits you from exercising, talk to one of our spine specialists.
Seasonal Affective Disorder and Mental Health
Back pain can have a direct impact on your mental health and cause psychological distress. In addition to lack of freedom to be outside due to cold, and the shorter periods of sunlight, symptoms of anxiety and depression can intensify. Finally finding relief from back pain can improve your quality of life, and help make winter a more pleasing season.
Stay Healthy
As always, keeping a healthy lifestyle is important at any point in the year, and can help keep you and your immune system in tune. Schedule an appointment with our back doctors at the Spine and Scoliosis Specialists.