Do you deal with chronic pain throughout the year?
If you do, you might know that the cold weather can worsen your pain! So as we prepare to say goodbye to summer, you might already be dreading the increase in pain symptoms that you are doomed to experience this year.
Even though many people will swear to it, there is not a lot of scientific evidence showing a correlation between the cold and chronic pain.
That said, there are some connections between joint pain conditions such as rheumatoid arthritis and osteoarthritis and the cold.
If you experience chronic pain from dropping temperatures, you can combat it with heat! Heat therapy can be incorporated into your daily routine, and in turn can decreases stiffness and promote healing.
Consider taking these steps to help with your cold weather pains:
- Use a hot pack, warm towel, or heating pad and apply it to the painful area for 20 minutes at a time.
- You can also find over-the-counter heat wraps in the grocery stores or pharmacy. They will provide warmth and reduce pain.
- Many people swear by water therapy. Soaking in a warm bath or hot tub a few times per week, can temporarily reduce your chronic pain symptoms.
- Lastly, try to stay active! While it might be tempting to curl up in a blanket all winter, staying active can help reduce your pain.
The fluctuating temperature is unfortunately unavoidable this time of year. That said, there are a few things you can do to improve your pain! Click here to get some advice from a chiropractor in Vancouver WA.