Your Body and Cold Weather

When the weather gets cold, your body reacts in multiple ways. Blood vessels will restrict in order to keep the body at its normal temperature – this is why some people’s skin turns red in the cold. This may also cause muscles to stiffen and may result in physical discomfort. Breathing can become more shallow, and for some people, your blood can slightly thicken.
All of these changes can make it harder to exercise and stretch, get loose, and live a pain-free life. Living in cold weather for too long is not healthy and can be particularly problematic for people who suffer from certain disorders. For example, individuals with heart disease, breathing problems (such as asthma), or arthritis may find themselves in additional pain as a result of their various physical challenges. Cold weather can also increase your chances of injury, as your muscles and tendons contract, becoming less elastic and capable of absorbing blows. As a result, if you do suffer some sort of physical trauma, you are more likely to get hurt. Consulting your doctor and chiropractor can make sure that you are doing everything you can to protect yourself during activity. 

What You Can Do

Thankfully, there are many things you can do if you are struggling with the cold. Most important is obvious: Keep your body as warm as you can. You can do this by keeping yourself dressed appropriately, keeping your home and work at warmer temperatures, and keeping the heat on in your house overnight – even while you sleep. 
Dressing in layers is also a nice trick, as it can trap heat in multiple pieces of clothing, helping to ensure that your body is insulated against the colder weather. 
Chiropractic care can also help your body cope. Seeing a chiropractor can help to loosen tight muscles, stretch your limbs, and teach you exercises and stretches that can keep you loose and pain-free, even in the coldest of weather. As such, if you are struggling in cold weather and find yourself in more pain than usual, you may want to consider seeing a chiropractor for complete, holistic care. Contact us for more information about preparing for the cold and windy season in the bay area.