Our home of Boise has a semi-arid climate with hot summers and cold winters. The high temperatures in the summer can cause dehydration, heat exhaustion, and sunburn. In the winter, the cold temperatures and low humidity can cause dry skin, chapped lips, and increased risk of colds and flu. Additionally, the low humidity can exacerbate respiratory issues such as asthma.
It is important for residents here in Boise to stay hydrated, protect themselves from the sun, and dress appropriately for the weather to minimize the negative effects on their health. That also means, effects internally from such varying temperatures & that means back pain.
Oh yes, the weather can affect your back. Changes in temperature, humidity, and barometric pressure can cause the muscles and joints in your back to expand or contract, which can lead to pain or discomfort. Cold, damp weather can cause stiffness in the muscles and joints, making it more difficult to move. The dry air in the winter can cause your skin to dry out, leading to itching, cracking, and even bleeding. This dryness can also cause your body’s tissues to lose elasticity, which can lead to pain. On the other hand, hot, humid weather can cause the muscles to relax and can exacerbate existing muscle or joint pain.
Additionally, prolonged exposure to UV radiation from the sun can cause inflammation and pain in the back. It is recommended to dress appropriately for the weather, stay hydrated, and protect yourself from UV radiation to minimize any negative effects on your back.
How can a chiropractor help with weather related back pain?
We may be able to help with seasonal aches and pains caused by changes in weather because we are trained to diagnose and treat musculoskeletal conditions, including those related to the spine and joints. We use a variety of techniques, including manual adjustments, to realign the spine and improve the function of the nervous system. This can help to reduce pain and improve mobility in the affected area.
Chiropractors may also provide advice on how to manage pain and prevent it from recurring, such as ergonomic recommendations, exercises, and stretching. They can also recommend lifestyle changes to help reduce pain and improve overall health, such as diet and exercise recommendations, and stress management techniques.
It’s important to note that while a chiropractor can help with aches and pains, it’s always a good idea to consult your primary care doctor first to rule out any underlying conditions that may be causing the pain.
Cold-Weather Back Pain Common Causes
There are several back injuries that happen as a result of cold weather. We typically see:
- Strains and sprains: Cold weather can cause muscles and ligaments to tighten up, making them more susceptible to injury. This can lead to strains and sprains, which are common types of back injuries.
- Disc injuries: Cold weather can cause the discs in the spine to shrink, making them more vulnerable to injury. This can lead to disc herniations or bulges, which can cause pain and discomfort.
- Osteoarthritis: Cold weather can exacerbate symptoms of osteoarthritis, a degenerative joint disease that can cause pain and stiffness in the back.
- Frozen shoulder: Cold weather can cause the muscles and tendons in the shoulder to tighten, leading to a condition known as “frozen shoulder” which can cause pain and stiffness in the shoulder and back.
- Rheumatoid arthritis: This autoimmune disorder can cause pain, stiffness and inflammation in the back, it’s common to have flare-ups during cold weather.
It’s important to dress warmly and stay active during cold weather to help prevent back injuries. If you do experience pain or discomfort in your back, it’s important to seek medical attention to determine the cause and develop an appropriate treatment plan.
Hot Weather Back Pain Common Causes
There are several common back injuries that can occur as a result of warm weather. Some of the most common include:
- Strains and sprains: Warm weather can lead to increased physical activity, which can cause muscles and ligaments to be overworked and more susceptible to injury. This can lead to strains and sprains, which are common types of back injuries.
- Dehydration: Warm weather can cause the body to lose fluids through sweating, leading to dehydration which can cause muscle cramps and spasms and can lead to back pain.
- Sunburn: Prolonged exposure to the sun can cause sunburn, which can lead to inflammation and pain in the skin and muscles.
- Overuse injuries: Warm weather can lead to increased physical activity, which can cause repetitive use injuries, such as tendinitis or bursitis, which can cause pain and inflammation in the back.
- Osteoporotic fractures: Warm weather may lead to more outdoor activities and sometimes leading to fall or accident, especially in older adults with osteoporosis, a condition characterized by low bone density and increased risk of fractures.
It’s important to stay hydrated, protect yourself from the sun, and to pace yourself during warm weather activities to help prevent back injuries. If you do experience pain or discomfort in your back, it’s important to seek medical attention to determine the cause and develop an appropriate treatment plan.
Call Thrive Chiropractic at 208-345-2222 today to schedule an appointment and see how they can help with weather related aches & pains.
