4 things to do if your pain is worse in the winter (2-min read).

How to Remove Pain in Winter

How to Remove Pain in Winter | So the distractions from the festive season have passed, everyone is back to work and temperatures hit -5 degrees. All of a sudden that mild neck and shoulder pain is becoming a little more bothersome and that arthritic knee is not as mobile as it used to be.

Can the cold aggravate pain?

In short, yes. When it's cold we snuggle up on the sofa, hit that snooze button a few too many times and ignore that notification we set for the gym. This reduction in mobility means our joints are not moving as much as they would which decreases circulation and causes stiffness. The nerve cells in the area become more sensitive, quickly catch onto the reduced mobility and send a warning signal to the brain.

This coupled with job deadlines, the hustle and bustle of London life and exhaustion can catalyse the pain.

Great, so what do I do about it?

The good news is there is plenty you can do yourself to mitigate this, such as:

• Motion is lotion (sorry I couldn't resist!): Movement is medicine, and if you don't move it, you lose it. Ok, I'll stop with the Osteopathic one-liners, but you get the point. Try not to skip the gym, put on your trainers and go for that run, or at the very minimum keep, those sore joints moving!
  
  
• Reduce your stress levels: Have a nice relaxing hot bath, go crazy and pop some Epsom bath salts in there. Have a 10-20 minute meditation or take some time to slow your breathing and centre yourself. Whatever it is that you find relaxing, make the time for it
  
  
• Keep toasty: When you're off to the café for your cappuccino and avocado on toast, make sure you wrap yourself up warm on your way there. Nice thermal clothes, a hat and scarf. If you're really feeling the cold a full set of thermals underneath will certainly keep you cosy
  
  
• Avoid smoking and alcohol: Smoking narrows the blood vessels and reduces circulation further and alcohol reduces your core body temperature

I hope those actions bring you some relief and help you through the winter months. If you're unable to shake the winter's chills and need some extra support, book an appointment with our clinic today.