Don’t Let Winter Get To Your Back

winter back pain prevention advice from our stoke chiropractic clinicThe temperatures are dropping, day light hours are getting shorter, and all things Christmas have hit our stores and shops. Winter is upon us.

It’s not unusual for patients visiting our chiropractors in Stoke to tell them that they are experiencing more issues with their back, such as feeling more stiff, less mobile and more painful.

There are many reasons that experiencing these types of issues can be the case during the winter months and in this post our Stoke chiropractor explains three common reasons. There is some good news and that is that there are some things that can be done to minimize the effects of winter on the spine. Maintaining and improving the health of your spine is possible even during the winter.

 

Three Reasons Why Winter Can Be Hard On The Spine

 

Why do many people feel that they experience more challenges with their back during the winter?  Here are three common reasons why:

Being less active

Let’s admit it, it can be an effort to stay physically active when it’s cold and dark outside. Snuggling on the sofa can be a lot more appealing. There’s also a lot going on for most people in the lead up to Christmas. It’s easy to start skipping on the exercise program even for the most committed of people.

However, staying active is one of the keys to maintaining a healthy back.

 

Colder temperatures

When temperatures drop, joints and muscles are often stiffer and the risk of injury to the back can increase as a result.

Before undertaking exercise, or physical activity, such as gardening, it is advisable to warm up the body and do some simple stretches. This is especially important during the winter.

 

Drinking less (and we don’t mean alcohol!)

It’s a common misconception that staying hydrated is only important when the sun is shining and the temperatures outside are high. However, it’s as important to stay hydrated during the colder months of winter not only for your overall health but for the health of your spine.

 

Improving and Maintaining The Health Of Your Spine During Winter

 

Make exercise and stretching a part of your daily routine

Our chiropractors at City Chiropractic Clinic can’t stress enough the importance of incorporating exercise and stretching into your daily routine. Often patients are concerned that this means going to the gym or undertaking some strenuous form of activity. However, for many people it can be as simple as walking more.

There are many posts on our website about the importance of staying active and a recent one covers the many benefits of walking and how walking can help improve your back health, read one of our  most recent posts Take Your First Step To A Healthier Back.

As with exercising, incorporating stretching in your daily routine can help keep your spine healthy. The British Chiropractic Association (BCA) designed a simple three minute programme to be done daily that helps improve balance, strength and flexibility in your spine. Follow along with the Straighten Up UK video below.

Note: Before starting on a new exercise routine, especially if you are suffering from a pre-existing medical condition, seek advice from your GP or other healthcare professional, as they can advise you of what is appropriate for your situation.

 

 

 

Sit less, move more

 According to the GetStanding.org organisation British people sit for an average of 8.9 hours a day. The hours we spend sitting mounts quickly during the day from relaxing, working, commuting or eating.

If you are spending many hours a day sitting, not only can this be harming your overall health, but it can also have consequences on the health of your spine.

Minimise your sitting time by moving around more. Set a timer to remind yourself to stand up, move around and incorporate a few stretches to help take the pressure off your spine.

 

Stay hydrated

It’s surprising just how much of a healthy human’s body is made up of water. It’s on average 60%. Just as many of the body’s systems rely on water to function optimally, the spine also relies on good levels of hydration.

It can be easy to forget the importance of keeping up your hydration levels during the winter months. Keeping a water bottle to hand is  a good reminder to keep your fluid levels up. However, drinking other fluids such as tea, coffee, lower fat milks and sugar free drinks all contribute to your daily fluid intake. Alcohol, however, does not!

Also beneficial is eating high water content foods. Some of the foods that contain the highest water content include: cucumber, tomatoes, spinach, mushrooms, melon, broccoli, brussel sprouts, oranges, apples, blueberries.

 

Visiting Our Stoke Chiropractic Clinic

If you are struggling with back pain, stiffness or loss of mobility our chiropractors at City Chiropractic Clinic in Stoke are here to help you. To book an appointment with one of our experienced chiropractors call 01782 848 184 or book your appointment online on our website here.

 

What a few of our patients have to say …

Dr Burca explained everything with thorough detail and very quickly identified where my tensions were. She will not just explain exercises to assist with the adjustments but will quickly see if your form is wrong and say how to correct it. Her and the whole team and receptionists are very warm and friendly. Thank you.” Rachel G (Google 5-Star Review)

 

Been visiting here a few months now and I can honestly say that I have been a whole lot more comfortable than I have in months, well worth the money, you can’t put a price on the relief, Dr kamouth is very understanding and tentative, I shall continue to visit.” David S (Google 5-Star Review)

 

The practice fitted me in at short notice ( kind of emergency) and Dr Mo did his usual job of getting me upright and and pain free before I left the building – my strongest recommendations.” Andy Y (Google 5-Star Review)