{"id":12490,"date":"2023-02-21T21:53:49","date_gmt":"2023-02-21T21:53:49","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/blogs.cooperhealth.org\/ehealth\/?p=12490"},"modified":"2023-02-21T22:19:43","modified_gmt":"2023-02-21T22:19:43","slug":"4-causes-of-winter-back-pain","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/blogs.cooperhealth.org\/ehealth\/2023\/02\/21\/4-causes-of-winter-back-pain\/","title":{"rendered":"4 Causes of Winter Back Pain"},"content":{"rendered":"

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Many of us are happy that our backs are getting a break this winter, with little need to shovel snow. But if you still find yourself feeling achy, it\u2019s not your imagination. Colder temperatures cause physiological changes that make our joints and muscles stiff and painful, especially for those who have persistent inflammation or problems with their spines.<\/p>\n

\u201cExposure to cold causes the muscles, tendons, and ligaments that support the spine to tighten, putting strain on your spine and pulling on the sensitive nerve roots exiting the spine,\u201d explains Ravi K. Ponnappan, MD, FAAOS<\/a>, Division Head, Orthopaedic Spine Surgery at Cooper University Health Care<\/a>. \u201cThe result is pain, stiffness, and loss of mobility.\u201d<\/p>\n

Why Cold Weather Affects Us<\/h3>\n

Most spine pain is caused by strain or injury to the muscles, tendons, and ligaments that give support, not by a problem with the spine itself. Whether the strain is caused by injury, overuse, or weather, the result is the same. We hurt.<\/p>\n

When we get cold, our body attempts to protect itself with a process known as vasoconstriction. Blood vessels in our arms and legs narrow to reroute extra blood to vital organs, such as the brain, heart, lungs, and bowels, to keep them warm and operating correctly. Because of the decreased blood flow in our extremities, our muscles, tendons, and ligaments can become stiff. When this stiffening takes place in the spine, it places extra strain on the back, causing discomfort and pain.<\/p>\n

Four Causes of Winter Back Pain<\/h3>\n

While we expect to feel achy and stiff after shoveling snow or other exertion, there are four other causes of winter-related back pain.<\/p>\n

1.) Shivering: <\/strong>Shivering is a normal physiological response that takes place when the temperature drops below a comfortable level. The rapid muscle contractions can boost our body\u2019s surface heat production by about 500% and keep blood flowing to our vital organs. But shivering is a short-term solution for combating cold. After a few hours of rapid contractions, our muscles burn through their supply of glucose (fuel) and become tired, leaving them feeling stiff, cramped, or tight.<\/p>\n

2.) Barometric Pressure: <\/strong>Although there is no definitive scientific proof that a drop in barometric pressure can lead to back pain, anecdotal reports dating back to 400 B.C. state that people can \u201cfeel\u201d a storm coming on based on discomfort in their joints.One hypothesis for this suggests that when barometric pressure drops before a storm or the temperature changes drastically, there is less gravity in the environment to prevent additional swelling in joints that might already be inflamed from previous surgery, injury, or another condition. The nerves surrounding the joint interpret the increased swelling as pain.<\/p>\n

3.) Depression: <\/strong>The emotional impact of shorter, colder days can lead to depression, which is known to increase pain. Several factors contribute to depression during the winter, including the decreased amount of sunlight, which throws off our circadian rhythm and causes serotonin levels to drop. Serotonin is a chemical produced by nerve cells that helps to regulate attention, mood, digestion, and body temperature.<\/p>\n

Depression, whether mild or severe, causes fatigue, increased perception of pain, and decreased interest in daily activities. With depression, even a few days of inactivity can weaken the muscles that support the spine, resulting in back pain.<\/p>\n

4.) Lack of Activity: <\/strong>Cold weather and shorter days can keep us inside more and therefore less active.. This decrease in activity can result in weaker muscles and stiffer joints, which can lead to pain and soreness in our backs and other parts of our bodies.<\/p>\n

How to Avoid Winter Back Pain<\/h3>\n

\u201cAlthough you can\u2019t control the weather, you can take steps to reduce the chance of developing back pain during cold months,\u201d Dr. Ponnappan says. He offers these tips.<\/p>\n