Winter is approaching also meaning cold air, warm fires, hot chocolate…and joint aches. The cold weather does seem to bring out joint pain and soreness in countless millions, but fear not: There are plenty of ways to keep your body going and pain-free, even in the cold weather.
Here are some of the best things you can do to take care of your joint pains and aches during winter.
1. Eat Right
As always, how you eat can have a big impact on your overall health. When it comes to joint pain, your diet can make a substantial difference. If you are suffering from winter joint aches and pain, you should look into making sure you are getting plenty of Omega-3 fatty acids, Vitamin K, and Vitamin C. A wide array of research indicates that these nutrients can make a big difference when it comes to reducing pain that you are likely to suffer from, be it in the winter or otherwise.
Of course, everybody is different, and you may have your own nutritional needs that should be met by alternative diets or supplements. Make sure to speak with your doctor or a nutritional specialist before making major changes to your diet.
2. Stretch and Exercise
An old saying goes, “Motion is lotion,” and there’s truth to this! A regular regimen of exercise and stretching can keep your muscles limber, increase your overall health, and reduce your pain. Keep in mind that you should make sure that your body is capable of enduring any exercise program, and it is always better to speak with a medical professional before starting any exercise program. However, if you are physically able to endure exercise, you should absolutely make sure that you are doing whatever you can to keep yourself fit and limber. Of course, remember, the benefits of stretching and exercise go well beyond pain reduction.
3. See a Professional
Thankfully, a wide array of professional care is available to help you address these issues. Chiropractic care is one such example, as chiropractors have a long and proven history of being able to help people remove the aches and pains that get worse over the winter. Remember, part of the reason these issues flare up in cold weather is that this type of weather can impact the functioning of your nervous system. Thankfully, chiropractic care can address nervous system issues, as well as underlying muscular or skeletal problems. If you have any of these issues – or if you find your pain gets worse in the winter – make sure to check out a chiropractor as soon as possible.
