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Here on Long Island, we’re most of the way through winter, and while the warmer weather will be here soon, we still have to navigate the cold through the near future. The older we get, the less likely many of us are to enjoy the colder weather. For example, we’re more prone to serious injury from slipping and falling on ice, which can result in pulled muscles, spinal misalignment, and more. 

Unfortunately, you don’t need to experience an injury to feel pain and discomfort in the colder weather. Many people experience joint and muscle aches in colder weather. Below, we’ll discuss the possible causes.

Why Does My Back Hurt When It’s Cold Out?

There are a few reasons as to why your back, as well as other areas of your body, can hurt more when it’s cold out. One cause of winter back pain is something you can control: lack of exercise. We often find ourselves being less active in the winter months. It’s important to resist that urge and to continue being active, doing stretches, and other activities to promote physical health.

One of the more unavoidable reasons for pain and discomfort in the colder weather is how it affects our circulation. Our blood vessels may constrict in the colder weather, meaning less blood flow to our extremities as our body focuses on keeping our vital organs warm. Colder weather may also cause the liquid around our joints to thicken, causing stiffness and discomfort. Many traditional chiropractic treatments such as spinal manipulation can help reduce the pain, but other options may provide better results.

How Does Scraping Help Your Muscle Aches?

Part of why you may be experiencing pain and discomfort in the colder weather is from damaged tissue beneath your skin affecting your soft tissue, like your joints, ligaments, and muscles. This could be from a previous injury, or wear and tear on our bodies. The cold weather could be further impeding your flexibility.

The Graston Technique® uses specially designed stainless steel tools that require separate training and certification beyond traditional chiropractic care. These tools comb over your body to pinpoint the affected areas, the hardened tissue, and fascial adhesions causing the pain and discomfort, which gets reabsorbed into the body.

East Bay Chiropractic Wellness Can Help You Recover Faster

Aches and pains related to the cold weather can add stress and discomfort to your day-to-day life, putting you at higher risk of sustaining an injury. It’s time for you to experience the relief that only professionals with a long track record of satisfied clients can provide.

For more than 35 years, East Bay Chiropractic Wellness P.C. has been providing a wide range of chiropractic services to locate the stressors within your body and target those areas to alleviate your pain so you can focus more on enjoying your life. We can work with you on pain management and restoring the range of motion through massage, stretching exercises, spinal adjustments, the Graston Technique®, and much more. Schedule your appointment today and start your journey to a more comfortable tomorrow.

A good night’s sleep is essential for people’s overall well-being, but many struggle due to discomfort, pain, and sometimes, improper spinal alignment. The key to a good night’s sleep is keeping the spine naturally aligned by using a combination of sleep position, mattress style, and pillow type. Additionally, chiropractic adjustments focusing on improving spinal health can help promote better sleep.

What Sort of Bed Do Chiropractors Recommend?

The old advice doctors used to recommend was for people struggling with back pain to sleep on very firm mattresses, but one survey of nearly 300 people found that people who sleep on extra hard mattresses actually have the poorest sleep quality. A soft mattress can conform to your body’s natural curves, which is great if your joints align comfortably but you may sink and twist yourself into a painful night’s sleep. Replace your mattress every 7-10 years, as it softens over time and may no longer support proper spinal alignment while you sleep.

What Mattresses Do Chiropractors Suggest?

Chiropractors recommend mattresses that offer balanced support and comfort. Memory foam and latex mattresses are popular choices, as they contour to the body while maintaining proper spinal alignment. These materials help reduce pressure points and provide support to the natural curvature of the spine, ensuring that the sleeper’s body is properly aligned throughout the night. Hybrid mattresses that use both memory foam and latex with innerspring coils are also recommended for those who prefer a bit more bounce while still benefiting from the contouring properties of foam.

A mattress that is too soft can cause the spine to sag, while one that is too firm may lead to discomfort, so chiropractors often advise choosing a medium-firm mattress that supports the body’s natural alignment. There is no singular choice for “the right mattress” as it is a highly individual choice based on one’s body and its needs.

Do Chiropractors Recommend Pillows?

The right pillow can help with neck strain, headaches, and shoulder pain. Chiropractors recommend using them, but finding the one right for your needs is generally up to you. The pillow should support proper neck and spine alignment while you sleep.

In addition to finding the right equipment for a good night’s rest, chiropractic adjustments can also help people find a more restful sleep by easing muscle tension, relaxing the body, and relieving pain and discomfort. The Graston Technique®, as a form of soft tissue mobilization, uses specialized instruments to break down adhesions and improve blood flow. The technique can help treat discomfort and promote relaxation.

What Is the Best Pillow for Spine Alignment?

The best kind of pillow depends on your sleep position. Back sleepers should use a medium-firm pillow to support the neck’s natural curve, while side sleepers need a thicker, firmer pillow to fill the gap between the neck and mattress. People who sleep on their stomachs tend to prefer a thinner pillow or none at all to avoid straining their necks.

What Is the Best Bed for Spine Alignment?

A medium-firm mattress tends to offer more advantages to people with non-specific back pain. Studies have shown these mattresses can improve sleep quality and have a lower risk of developing new back pain problems. Beds that have active control help with the orthopedic column alignment and sleep quality.

Explore the Benefits of Chiropractic Care at East Bay Chiropractic Wellness

East Bay Chiropractic specializes in the use of the Graston Technique® for treatment and pain management caused by soft tissue fibrosis and chronic inflammation. As the first on Long Island to be certified in the use of the technique and with more than 30 years of experience, you know you’ll be in good hands. Contact East Bay Chiropractic today to learn more about how we can help you.