Do you feel more pain when it’s freezing cold? There are some biological reasons for that. We have sensors that pick-up information about our body and our environment and send that information to our brain. When we are exposed to something potentially dangerous like extreme temperatures — hot or cold — these sensors send a warning message to our brain. We experience that warning message as pain.
In the case of Osteoarthritis, cold weather increases the pressure inside our bodies. Colder temperatures can shrink the tissues in our joints like our knees and hips, which can cause them to pull on the nerve endings and cause joint pain.
There is also a psychological element that comes with cold weather. If you’re someone whose mood is negatively impacted by cold weather and a lack of daylight, you might find that you have enhanced feelings of pain and may be suffering from Seasonal Affecting Disorder (SAD).
Here are some natural ways to help you endure the winter. Try to get as much “natural light” as possible. Daylight is shorter during winter, so use comfortable LED lamps. Also, regular exercise is proven to strengthen your cardiovascular system and helps produce endorphins (the body’s natural painkillers). Of course, a diet that includes plenty of fruits and vegetables will energize you as opposed to a diet full of processed food which will make you lethargic.
Finally, reach out, many people are suffering from physical and psychological pain during these cold months. Letting people know you care can make a difference in how bearable or unbearable their winter days will be.
Dr. Thomas Canseco – Chiropractor
Fit Vida Chiropractic/ Disc Centers of America Reading
610-750-6804
4453 Penn Ave Sinking Spring, PA 19608
