December has begun, and winter is on its way. Do you have your winter gear ready? According to iSpine Pain Physicians, dressing for the cold is essential especially for those with neck, shoulder or back pain. That’s because frigid temperatures can not only exacerbate your symptoms, the Twin Cities chronic pain management center explains, but also put you at a higher risk of injury.

Cold Weather & Chronic Pain

Weather plays a crucial role in our day-to-day lives. It influences our plans, our mood, and even our pain levels. That’s because barometric pressure, or the weight of the atmosphere, drops with colder weather. Lower air pressure exerts less force on the body, thus allowing tissues to expand. In turn, expanded tissues may put pressure on one’s joints and trigger pain. So, with winter on the horizon, many Twin Cities residents may feel their chronic neck, shoulder and back pain start to worsen.

Cold weather can also increase pain indirectly. When temperatures drop, we often become tired and sluggish. We may skip a few workouts or indulge in too many holiday treats. However, both exercise and nutrition are necessary for chronic pain management.  

Lastly, frigid temperatures mean snow and ice. If you’re not dressed appropriately, these forms of precipitation become safety hazards.

Dressing for the Weather

Whether you’re going for a morning jog or just running errands, your chronic pain management plan requires you dress appropriately for the cold. According to iSpine Pain Physicians, you should wear three layers: a moisture-wicking inner layer, an insulating middle layer, and a protective outer layer. For the innermost layer, make sure you choose something made of synthetic fibers as cotton tends to trap moisture. Together, these layers protect your body from the cold, allowing you to combat the effects of low barometric pressure while remaining active.

In addition to outwear, you’ll need proper footwear. Preferably, find some sturdy boots with slip-resistant treads to help you navigate the snow and ice. Slip and falls can exacerbate chronic neck, shoulder and back pain symptoms as well as cause further injuries.

Don’t forget to bundle up this winter! For more chronic pain management tips to use this winter, visit iSpine Pain Physicians online. To schedule an appointment with one of their board-certified back pain specialists, call them at (763) 201-8191 today.