We’re deep into winter now and there are at least eight more weeks of it to go, which means that people with chronic back pain may start to struggle unless they put measures in place to address their symptoms.
Back pain is worse in winter because muscles, ligaments and tendons all start to stiffen and tighten up during cold weather, with blood flow reduced and circulation compromised.
Vasoconstriction – where muscles constrict when it’s cold – happens to conserve heat, but this can result in stiffness and reduced flexibility, which can put additional strain on the spine.
Joint inflammation can also be caused by falling barometric pressure, putting pressure on nerves and increasing any pain you may be in.
We’re also less active at this time of year, which can lead to a weakening of the muscles and less spinal support, making us more susceptible to pain.
Furthermore, it’s not uncommon for people to hunch over more at this time of year and pay less attention to their posture while trying to stay warm, which can put more pressure on the lower back.
How can physiotherapy help with back pain?
When you book a physiotherapy session, your therapist will carry out a physical assessment to find out what’s causing the pain, then devise a tailored treatment plan to address your symptoms and bring you relief.
Techniques employed include massage, manual therapy, hot and cold therapy, gentle exercises, stretches and postural correction work.
By combining passive therapist-led therapy with patient-driven exercises, you will likely be able to find out what’s causing your issues and how best to resolve them over the long term.
If you’d like to find out more about how physiotherapy could help you with your back pain, get in touch with the Clear Physio team today.
