Causes of back pain when the weather turns cold
According to Dr Kumardev Arvind Rajamanya, an orthopedic surgeon at Aster Hospital, Whitefield (India), cold weather and back pain are closely related because low temperatures cause the muscles supporting the back to become tense. This tension leads to muscle spasms, which increases the likelihood of back pain when performing daily activities.
In addition, in winter, in order to feel warmer, many people often sit and work in the wrong posture, such as hunching over, to keep warm, which contributes to neck pain and back pain.
A study published in the National Institute of Mental Health found that seasonal changes can cause mood swings, also known as seasonal affective disorder (SAD). One of the symptoms of SAD is aches and pains, and so this can also be a cause of back pain.
How to prevent back pain caused by cold weather?
Move often: To avoid back pain due to poor posture, you should avoid staying in one position for long periods of time. Change positions frequently to avoid muscle stiffness.
Dress in layers: To limit back pain in cold weather, you should wear layers of clothing to keep warm and limit exposure to cold air to help prevent excessive muscle contraction.
Warm bath: Take a warm bath, especially before bed, to relax your muscles and relieve muscle stiffness and back pain.
Use a room heater: Using a room heater to maintain a warm environment and prevent muscles from becoming too stiff in cold weather will significantly reduce back pain.
Maintain good posture: Try to maintain good posture, avoid slouching or sitting in the wrong position to keep warm as this can cause back pain.
Heat: If you have conditions such as arthritis or spondylosis, use a heat compress to maintain muscle flexibility and reduce stiffness. It is also an effective treatment for back pain.
Drink enough water: You should provide enough water for your body to reduce muscle fatigue, thereby minimizing the possibility of back pain and muscle stiffness.
Balanced diet: You should divide your meals into small and frequent meals to avoid overeating, especially greasy or fried foods that can affect the body's metabolism and lead to inflammation and back pain.
