And other tips for reducing back pain this season.
With the crunch of leaves under our feet and the crisp, cooler air, it’s safe to say winter is on the way, and while it’s a beautiful time of year, the cooler months can be difficult for people who suffer from back pain. If you’re one of the thousands of people who have problems with your back, there are some things you can do this season to keep supple and reduce pain.
1. Wear gloves
Wearing gloves to help avoid back pain might sound like a ludicrous claim - but there’s a reason behind it. Have your hands ever been so cold that you’ve stuffed them in your pockets in a desperate bid to keep warm? Us too. Well, did you know that haunching your shoulders and putting your hands in your pockets can negatively affect your posture, worsening your back pain in the process? Rather than using your pockets to warm your hands, dress in warm layers for the weather and invest in a decent pair of gloves.
2. Maintain good posture
Relating to the point above, maintaining a good posture can help alleviate back pain. The key to maintaining good posture is the position of your spine. Your spine has three curves at your neck, mid-back and lower back. Try to maintain these curves by keeping your head above your shoulders and the top of your shoulder over the hips. If you’re unsure of the correct posture, check with an osteopath who can talk you through it. Unsupported posture can put a strain on your back, leading to increased pain - so it’s definitely worth thinking about.
3. Pay close attention to your diet
In the colder months, many of us have a tendency to eat comfort foods, or sugary snacks, in order to boost our mood. But eating the wrong kinds of foods can have a huge impact on back pain because they raise the level of inflammation in the body. Try adding foods to your diet that are rich in magnesium, like seeds, nuts and greens like kale and spinach. Magnesium acts as a muscle relaxant, which may help your winter back pain. If you’re unsure of the types of food you should eat to reduce inflammation and help your joint pain, an osteopath will be able to guide you.
4. Boost your serotonin
Did you know, there’s a proven link between back pain and depression? If you’re finding the winter months tough, or are prone to seasonal affective disorder, think of ways to improve your mood. While you might not feel like exercising, it can be a very good way of strengthening your core muscles and boosting your happy hormones, serotonin, and endorphins, which in turn can reduce back pain. A reputable osteopath will be able to give you a tailored exercise guide that relates to you and your specific problem areas.
5. Invest in osteopathy
Osteopathy looks to restore the normal function and stability of your joints to help your body heal. Using a mixture of gentle techniques, they aim to make your skeleton, muscles, ligaments, and connective tissues work in a synchronised way. Here at Fiona Passey Osteopaths, we use various methods of physical manipulation, stretching, and massage to increase joint mobility, relieve muscle tension, enhance blood and nerve supply and help your body heal.
Interested in trying osteopathy for your back pain?
We see patients with all kinds of joint and mobility problems, from generalised aches and pains like lumbago, to rheumatic pain, sciatica, pregnancy back pain, muscular tension, mechanical back pain, and more. If you’re already suffering from winter back pain and are interested in how osteopathy can help, don’t leave the problem to worsen. Call our Halesowen practice on 0121 585 8555 or our Wombourne practice on 01902 894894 to arrange an appointment, or to learn more about how osteopathy may help you, click here.
