As the colder months approach, many Americans are preparing for their annual struggle with the pain and stiffness that is associated with the cold weather of winter. While some have postulated that the belief in the intensification of pain during certain months, especially winter, is more superstition than actual fact, there is both, empirical and pragmatic evidence that reveal that joint and muscle stiffness do intensify during winter months. According to a recent article published by Quality Health, there can be a number of reasons why the changing of seasons impact the intensity of pain and stiffness, with those who struggle with chronic pain.
What Happens to the Body When Cold Weather Rolls In?
There are certain conditions, including lupus, rheumatoid arthritis, osteoarthritis and other joint-impairing conditions, which are negatively affected by cold weather. One of the primary causes of joint stiffness and pain during the cold months is the fact that cold weather causes the arteries in the body, especially those in the extremities, to constrict blood flow, in order to shunt blood to the core of the body, which increases warmth. Unfortunately, for individuals who are struggling with chronic conditions that impact the joints in those extremities, the pain and stiffness can range from annoying to unbearable when this happens.
Some Common Remedies to Help with the Pain & Stiffness
If the pain and stiffness are of the mild variety, it can generally be mitigated through mild stimulation. In other words, participating in activities that will stimulate blood flow to those extremities will help reduce the pain and stiffness in the joints. This is an ideal method for treating winter stiffness for the individual who does struggle with limited mobility.
The idea in dealing with pain and stiffness, specifically during the winter months is to find solutions to the pain that are sustainable for the long term, which eliminates the use of drugs as a coping mechanism. The use of pain medications should be avoided whenever possible, primarily due to the fact that they only mask the symptoms, as well as the fact that most prescription-strength pain medications are highly addictive. One of the most rapidly expanding addiction populations are individuals who have become addicted to pharmaceutical-grade pain killers. Also, these pain killers can numb the pain to the point that a person might further injure themselves without being aware of it.
Chiropractic Therapy as a Treatment Option
Although the wide range of benefits associated with chiropractic therapy is relatively unknown, many people have trusted chiropractors to help them manage their pain for years. Chiropractic therapy not only assists in achieving proper structural alignment of the skeletal frame, but it is also responsible for stimulating better circulation, which has an immensely powerful impact capable of reducing pain and stiffness in joints and muscles. Seeking the assistance of a highly qualified chiropractic practitioner can be the difference between spending the winter in pain and discomfort, and actually being able to enjoy the season.
While no therapeutic mechanism will be ideal for everyone, chiropractic therapy has proven to be highly efficacious in reducing pain and stiffness that can be experienced during the winter months.