It’s not the best news, but it’s undeniable: winter is coming. Unfortunately, the cold also means increased risk for joint and low back injuries. Cold weather means oxygen doesn’t travel as efficiently to our muscles, meaning you’re more likely to be sore for seemingly no reason at all. For many, it’s a terrible prospect for the next several months.
Think about it like this: when you go out in the cold for a run, you feel more sluggish starting off. It takes longer for you to build up momentum and everything feels rusty until you really hit your stride. You might not be able to go as far or as fast. And, to top it all off, you might feel pained after your jaunt, even if it’s nothing beyond your usual exertion.
Needless to say, winter is a rough time of year for staying in shape. Just because it’s cold doesn’t mean you should stop exercising, though. It’s important to stay in shape during this time of year, to avoid everything from depression to weight gain.
A smart thing you can do to stay healthy and in-shape this winter is to complement your regular workout with chiropractic care. The team at Stability Health Center in Seattle, WA helps patients combat their wintertime aches and pains with quality chiropractic, so they can stay fit during this difficult season.
Winter’s effects on your body
Any wintertime activity can be potentially troublesome, from shoveling the sidewalks and clearing off your car to running and even walking your dog. As mentioned, your muscles will take longer to get loose due to the distribution of oxygen. Because of this, muscles need to work harder, making it more likely you’ll suffer muscle strains and tears.
Your joints are at risk during the winter as well. That classic line about how an arthritic knee flares up when the weather changes isn’t just an old wives’ tale – it’s actually true! Researchers theorize that changes in barometric pressure can have adverse effects on the joints.
What you can do to stay limber
While there are plenty of ways to find yourself with sore muscles or strained joints, there’s also plenty you can do to ensure your muscles and joints don’t fall victim to winter injuries:
- Stretch and do light cardio before working out or exerting yourself in the cold air;
- Dress in clothes appropriate for the weather to avoid muscle contraction, which can also affect joints;
- Treat yourself to a warm bath or long, hot shower to loosen muscles;
- Stay up to date on taking supplements that encourage muscle and joint health.
Visiting a chiropractor is also a smart idea. For anyone suffering from lower back pain, a trip to the chiropractor can be a huge relief. Through spinal manipulation and complementary treatments such as targeted exercise, a chiropractor can help maintain spinal health, promoting better blood flow and oxygenation in a season where both are crucial.
Stay loose this winter and avoid injury
Don’t stay sedentary just because the mercury drops. With the guidance of a chiropractor, you can stay active and fit during the winter, without suffering painful muscle or joint setbacks. The seasoned team at Stability Health Center in Seattle, WA is helping patients stay safely active, to fend off everything from Seasonal Affective Disorder to unwanted weight gain.
Contact us today for a free consultation and learn more about Chiropractic BioPhysics (CBP): the program we use to assess and correct our patients for optimal wellness outcomes.
Chiropractic BioPhysics, or CBP, is one of the most scientific, researched, and results-oriented corrective care techniques. CBP-trained chiropractors aim to realign the spine back to health, eliminating nerve interference and addressing the source of pain, fatigue, and disease. As with all chiropractic care, CBP is gentle, painless, and non-invasive.
