Warming Up Your Winter Spine With Chiropractic Tips
By Brandi Goodman
The winter season can be troublesome for your spine. Upon waking, you may already be more stiff and sore than usual due to the cold. Go outside and you'll be even more likely to experience an aching back and joints. You can warm up your winter spine with chiropractic tips in mind that will help keep your body flexible no matter how cold it gets.
Stretch Upon Waking and Before Activities
It's more important than ever to stretch out your spine. Immediately upon waking in the winter, you should be stretching to help ease out some of the stiffness and tension in your body. The cold can restrict blood flow and cause inflammation. Stretching out your spine and joints can help to reduce the effects. You should also be stretching before you complete any physical activities -- especially if they involve being outdoors in the cold weather.
Take Regular Breaks From Your Cozy Couch Position
Many people take the wintertime to cozy up on their couch under a blanket as often as they can. Though it's fine to have this time to yourself, it isn't OK to sit for hours without movement. You'll soon regret it when the aches set in and are hard to dismantle. You need to be taking regular breaks from your cozy couch position to get up and move so you don't let your joints stiffen. You also need to be sure you're still using proper posture and sitting upright so your slouching doesn't hurt your spine.
Watch Yourself Near Ice
Icy sidewalks are a common source of spinal and other injuries in the winter. You need to watch yourself near ice at all times. Be sure you're wearing the appropriate footwear -- boots with traction. Keep boxes and other items out of your view when you're walking outdoors so they do not obstruct your vision. You need to always be watching where you're going and avoid walking on icy patches so you can prevent slips and the sprains, breaks, and pain that often come with them.
Get Regular Chiropractic
Regular visits to the chiropractor will help you tremendously this winter. An adjustment does far more than ease some tension in your body. It can help promote sleep, boost your immune system, and keep your joints flexible, all of which are necessary for the winter especially. Get regular chiropractic care throughout the cold season so you can keep your body as healthy as possible.
Your winter spine needs extra care. Follow these chiropractic tips and see your local chiropractor at The Joint to help keep your spine healthy, pain-free, and functioning well. You'll have a much more efficient winter season if you do.
To learn more about your health, wellness, and fitness, see your local chiropractor at The Joint Chiropractic in Happy Valley, Ore.