Well, so far the Treasure Valley has been exceptionally warm this year, but we all know that winter is coming! Soon, you’ll know the drill: the inversion settles over Boise, the foothills get dusted with snow, and suddenly, everyone is shivering all the way to the grocery store in their cars. (Seriously, I just got to my destination and now my car is finally warm?!?) happens every time…
While we all love a good powder day up at Bogus Basin as much as the next Idahoan, there is one downside to these freezing temperatures that we see frequently in our clinic: neck pain during winter.
If you’ve woken up with a stiff neck that just won’t quit, or you feel like the Tin Man needing an oil can every time you try to check your blind spot on your morning I-84 commute, you aren’t imagining things. Cold weather really does impact your body, specifically your muscles and joints.
At Thrive Chiropractic, we believe in treating our patients with a holistic approach, ensuring every aspect of your health is addressed. Let’s dive into why the winter chill is a pain in the neck (literally) and what you can do to get back to feeling like yourself.
The Science of the Shiver: Why Cold Weather Hurts
So, why does the drop in temperature lead to a rise in pain? It usually comes down to a few physiological reactions. When the temperature drops, your body’s natural response is to conserve heat. It does this by reducing blood circulation to the extremities (like your fingers and toes) to keep your vital organs warm.
However, this constriction of blood vessels also reduces blood flow to your muscles, tendons, and ligaments. With less blood flow, these tissues become less elastic and more prone to injury. Think of a rubber band: when it’s warm, it stretches easily. When it’s frozen, it snaps. Your neck muscles act in a similar way.
Additionally, we have to talk about barometric pressure. When winter storms roll through the valley, the atmospheric pressure drops. This can cause the tissues in your body to expand slightly, putting extra pressure on your nerves and joints. If you already deal with chronic issues or inflammation, this pressure change can significantly amplify your pain.
The “Turtle” Effect and Poor Posture
Have you noticed how you walk when it’s 20 degrees outside? You likely hike your shoulders up toward your ears and tuck your chin down into your scarf or collar to stay warm. We call this the “turtle” effect. Holding this tense position for prolonged periods, while walking downtown to see the Christmas lights or scraping ice off your windshield for instance, can lead to severe muscle strain.
Furthermore, winter often drives us indoors where we spend more time on our phones and computers. Poor posture from hunching over devices (hello, “tech neck“) combined with cold-stiffened muscles is a recipe for disaster. This misalignment affects the cervical spine, the delicate vertebrae in your neck that support the weight of your head.
Winter Hazards: Slips, Falls, and Fender Benders
Winter in Boise also brings treacherous conditions. A slip on an icy sidewalk or a minor car accident on slick roads can cause whiplash-like injuries. Even a low-speed impact can cause the head to whip back and forth, straining the soft tissues and potentially causing a herniated disc or misalignment in the spine.
If you’ve been in a fender bender, even a minor one, it is crucial to get checked out. Our team treats the root cause of your pain to get you out of pain and back to wellness faster.
Signs You Need to See a Chiropractor
How do you know if it’s just a little cold-weather tightness or something that requires professional help? Watch for these symptoms:
- Limited Range of Motion: You struggle to turn your head side to side or look over your shoulder.
- Persistent Stiffness: A stiff neck that doesn’t improve after a hot shower or gentle stretching.
- Radiating Pain: Pain that shoots down your arms or into your upper back.
- Headaches: Tension in the neck often leads to tension headaches.
- Pain with Movement: It hurts to move the neck muscles in specific directions.
Note: If you have a stiff neck accompanied by a high fever, headache, and sensitivity to light, seek immediate medical attention, as this could be a sign of meningitis, which is unrelated to weather.
How Thrive Chiropractic Can Help
We understand that you want to enjoy the winter season, not suffer through it. At Thrive Chiropractic, our mission is to empower individuals and families to achieve optimal wellness through natural, holistic, and proactive chiropractic care.
Here is how we can help you tackle winter neck pain:
1. Chiropractic Adjustments
We provide personalized chiropractic treatments that target the root causes of discomfort and pain. By gently correcting misalignments in the spine, we can restore proper function to the nervous system and improve your range of motion.
2. Muscle and Joint Therapies
To combat the effects of the cold, we offer diverse therapies. We utilize x-rays to ensure the safe adjustment of the spine. We also offer the latest chiropractic therapies to aid in efficient healing like spinal decompression therapy, ultrasound therapy, and low-level laser therapy. These chiropractic treatment options help reduce inflammation and stimulate deep tissue healing.
3. Therapeutic Ultrasound and Massage
For those deep, frozen knots, we offer therapeutic ultrasound and massage therapy. These therapies increase blood flow to the affected area, warming the muscle and joint tissues and promoting relaxation.
4 Frequently Asked Questions About Winter Neck Pain
- Can cold weather cause permanent damage to my neck?
Cold weather itself generally doesn’t cause permanent damage, but it can exacerbate existing conditions or make you more susceptible to injury. For example, if you have a pre-existing herniated disc, the muscle tension from the cold can make the symptoms much worse. Regular chiropractic care can help manage this susceptibility.
- What can I do at home to relieve a stiff neck?
Keep your neck warm! Wear a scarf, use a heating pad for 15-20 minutes at a time to increase blood flow, and stay hydrated. Gentle stretching, like trying to move your ear toward your shoulder can help, but never force it if you feel sharp pain. If the stiffness persists, come see us.
- Is neck pain always muscular?
Not always. While muscle strain is common, pain can also stem from the cervical spine joints (facet joints) or discs. If you have been in a car accident, or if the pain is sharp and radiating, it is likely more than just a muscle issue. Our team provides personalized chiropractic treatments that target the root causes of your discomfort.
- How does chiropractic care help with “winter blues” and pain?
Pain, coupled with cold weather can certainly ruin your mood. We believe that true wellness comes from within. Chiropractic care removes interference in your nervous system. When your spine is aligned, your body communicates better, your immune system functions better, and you simply feel better, both physically, and mentally. We understand how the two are connected, so we want everyone to feel better when they walk out our door!
Thrive in Your Health This Winter
Don’t let a stiff neck keep you from enjoying all the beauty Boise has to offer this season. Whether you are dealing with chronic pain or acute joint issues, our methods are designed to promote healing and improve your overall quality of life.
We are conveniently located in the heart of Boise, situated on Orchard Street, close to the freeway, offering easy access and ample parking. Plus, we are open six days a week, including Saturdays, so you can find a time that works for you.
Ready to melt away the tension? Call us today or set up an appointment through the site to get started. You can trust that you are in capable and caring hands when you choose Thrive Chiropractic in Boise!
Start Your Path to Better Health Here
