"Winter is here. I can feel it in my bones..."

Over the years there is a reoccurring comment I hear from my older patients that makes me smile.  

“The weather is changing, I can feel it in my back/bones”

The reason it makes me smile is because at its core the interplay between weather and back pain isn’t supported by the research (https://doi.org/10.1093/pm/pnw126 ) however I’ll see a busy week of sore backs in the periods of changeable weather.

I have always considered the link between cold weather and episodes of back pain is because we tend to change our plans.  Because we typically have such lovely weather in Perth when we experience anything from a light chill to storms we will cancel our plans and spend some time on the couch.  

The link between the weather and our experiences of pain is attributed to the following

( https://doi.org/10.1097/j.pain.0000000000001776 )

1. Confirmation bias - I have a sore back and the weather is changing so they must be released.

2. Change in our normal routine - Decrease in activity, vitamin D exposure, sleep, and patterns of daily life.

3. Weather can actually affect our bodies - Wet and cold weather can affect scar tissue like what is found in patients with a lot of arthritis or injuries AND low pressure can affect nerve fibres and joint laxity leading to pain earlier.

My advice.

1. Be aware of the changes we are making in our daily activity levels and the impact inactivity and sitting has on our bodies. 

Adding 10 sit-stand exercises while you are waiting for the printer or the kettle to boil is often enough to reduce your stiffness.  Also, don’t cancel plans. (see exercise at bottom of this page)

2. Take note of your diet. 

The cool weather is sometimes an excuse for adding more refined foods to our diet which has links to inflammation and joint pain.

3. Consider Vitamin D and magnesium as supplements through the cool months.

They have an influence not only for pain but also mood regulation.

4. Chiropractic. 

I find most of my patients don’t find they are getting new problems with the weather changing, it’s their more chronic/ongoing niggles that seem to come to the surface a little earlier.  For all of us leading an active healthy lifestyle improves our spinal health, the opposite is true in that when we are moving less we tend to stiffen up quicker.  Many of my patients will come in for treatment a little sooner to keep their bodies working at their best.

To book an appointment with Dr. Chris or any of our Chiropractic Team, please give us a call on 9455 2959 or book online.

Sit / Stand Exercise Video