4 Ways to Boost Your Spine Health in the Cold
By Brandi Goodman
The health of your spine can be impacted by the cold. You're more likely to experience injury in the winter months when the ground stays wet and slippery. Your joints and muscles don't get the warming up they need before you complete activities. Just walking into the cold may cause aches as your body stiffens. Consider a few ways to boost your spine health in the cold so you can experience a safer winter season.
Stretch Before Any Activities
You need to stretch your body before you perform any activities. Whether you plan on going skiing or sledding or simply want to get outside to shovel, you need to stretch. Reach toward the sky and stand on your toes to get a stretch in your spine. Do a few squats and lunges to prepare your legs.
Break Often
When completing winter tasks, such as shoveling, it's important that you break often. Getting it all done in one sitting will undoubtedly result in discomfort. You should take frequent breaks and rest between sessions so your spine has time to recuperate. You may even want to consider only getting a small amount done now and finishing the rest a few hours later or even the next day so you don't overdo it.
Wear Layers
What you wear also plays a role in your spine's health. If you're out in the cold in summer clothes, then your body will get colder than necessary -- and fast. Wear layers so your body is protected from the weather yet you can still take something off should you need to, such as when you go inside. This means wearing a normal outfit followed by a sweater, jacket, scarf, gloves, hat, and boots. You can remove an item at a time as needed if you get too warm but will be protected in the meantime.
Strengthen Your Back and Core
A weak back and core will not bode well for your spine health in the winter. You should work to strengthen your back and core throughout the season so you're less likely to experience injury. A strong body can better handle strenuous activity and cold weather.
The cold may impact the health of your spine and your well-being overall if you aren't careful. Exercise caution all winter long and always do your best to boost your spine health. Preventive measures such as stretching can help to keep your body prepared so you don't end up with back pain or worse.
To learn more about your health, wellness, and fitness, see your local chiropractor at The Joint Chiropractic in Meridian, Idaho.