In the winter it is very common to experience joint pain due to low humidity and cold temperatures. These conditions can cause inflammation and stiffness in the joints, which can aggravate the symptoms of existing problems. The chiropractic It is a very beneficial treatment for joint pain and contractures in winter, as it relieves inflammation and improves mobility.
Winter and joint pain
Winter is one of the harshest seasons of the year. The drop in temperatures, rain, humidity and snow cause increased pain in the joints. Some people who have suffered some type of trauma to their joints, who have arthritis, rheumatism or who have undergone surgery, may notice changes in barometric pressure or the approach of a storm.
We are going to know some of the most important reasons why joint pain, arthritis and the risk of contractures increase in the winter:
- When temperatures drop, our body fluids (water and blood) tend to thicken and their circulation is much more complicated.
- Joint tissues that contain water, collagen, and other substances tend to swell due to changes in temperature.
- Barometric pressure changes affect the gases deposited in the joint capsules, leading to increased inflammation.
- Finally, the colder temperatures induce us to move less from home, spending a lot of time indoors. In other words, it entails less use of the joints, causing stiffness.
Prevention
Some of the best preventative measures to improve joint pain or arthritis are:
- Drink water: In the cold months it is advisable to drink water daily, even before the hottest drinks.
- Avoid eating refined and processed foods and sugars
- Eating carbohydrates such as bread, pasta, or sweets made with bleached flour or sugars
- Do a lot of exercise, with which we will keep the joints lubricated.
- Do not consume excessive inflammatory foods
- chiropractic adjustments: Chiropractic care helps keep the body in proper alignment. It also helps communication between the brain and the body to be 100%. Allows the body to better adapt to changes outside.
Tips to reduce joint pain in winter
El chronic joint pain it is a very difficult disease to bear. Its aggravation occurs with the drop in temperatures and the changes in barometric pressure produced by winter. From the chiropractic center of BarcelonaAt Family Chiropractic, we want to give you some helpful tips for reducing joint pain this winter:
- Healthy diet: Although the celebrations of the Christmas holidays are usually very copious, we must try to avoid excesses. Weight gain puts extra pressure on the joints and causes joint pain.
- Abundant layers: Cold is one of the causes of joint pain. Therefore layers of clothing are a great help. Especially the most problematic areas for joint pain, such as hands and knees. This way we will keep them warm and we can avoid unnecessary pain.
- Maintain high level of Vitamin D: Having low levels of Vitamin D increases sensitivity to arthritis and joint pain. In addition to the fact that it poses a high risk of developing osteoporosis. Vitamin D is obtained from sunlight and in winter its consumption can be regulated by eating tuna, salmon, orange juice and egg yolks.
- Staying very active: Practicing some sport helps reduce joint pain. If they are inactive it is much easier for contractures to occur and seize. The most advisable exercises to avoid joint stiffness are: Hamstring stretches, pelvic tilts, hip movements, lateral bends and shoulder rolls.
Finally, remind you that chiropractic adjustments are one of the best treatments to reduce or relieve joint pain and contractures caused by severe winter weather conditions.