The Woes of a Winter Wonderland

by Dr. Dave Edenfield

While NE Florida dodged a bullet this time when it comes to winter’s worst, this doesn’t mean that area residents will get off Scott free when it comes to dealing with aches and pains brought on by the cold.  (Aren’t you glad you don’t live in Atlanta?) Maybe we in Jacksonville don’t have to worry about shoveling snow (and all the back strain that goes along with it), but when the temperature turns chillier many Floridians begin to feel winter’s icy grip playing up and down their spine.  The reason that back pain is more acute during this time of year is due to the fact that cold weather brings on tension that acts as a catalyst for back and neck issues.  Another factor has to do with the fact that when the weather is cold, most people cut back on many of the physical activities that they normally perform in warmer climes.

As a rule, the less exercise you do the tighter your back becomes regardless of the temperature.  This can set up a vicious cycle, especially for people who tend to lead a more sedentary lifestyle.  Office workers in particular feel the brunt of the season since the very act of sitting in front of a computer can cause the back to tense up even in the warmer months.  One of the remedies I recommend to those who work at a desk is to get up and do some stretches every hour or so.  If you are more of an outdoors type and find the weather a bit too cool for comfort, take a drive to the mall and walk around it a couple of times. Particularly in the winter, any exercise is better than no exercise. (Playing a video game on Xbox does not count.)

Winter Weight Gain

Worst of all is the fact that winter sets in just after the Christmas holidays, when people tend to overindulge in food and sweets.  The problem with the calories consumed during the holidays is that a new year’s resolution alone is not enough to make them melt away.  If we don’t make an effort to work them off they will only accumulate over time.  When you consider the fact that according to the CDC 65% of adults and 18% of children in the US are considered overweight, the combination of overeating and inactivity during the depths of winter can combine into a perfect storm that can take their toll on the back.

If you do feel that you need to lose weight, do not rely on fad diets that can prove ineffective or even dangerous since they tend to adversely affect blood chemistry.  Everything from mood swings to decreased immune response can be caused by diets that urge people to shun certain types of food.  Besides, restricting food intake without adding exercise (and dietary supplements) also tends to disrupt the metabolism.  This is one of the reasons that most diets are doomed to failure, since it is much easier to put the pounds back on once the diet has ceased.  That doesn’t mean that dieting can’t help you shed some weight.  You just want to make sure it isn’t going to do you more harm than good.  (If you are considering going on a diet, especially if you are diabetic or are taking cholesterol or heart medication, consult your chiropractor first.)

Posture can also take a big hit during the winter months since most people tend to hunch their shoulders to ward off the cold.   Footwear such as boots while stylish is another factor that can add to the state of imbalance imparted to your spine brought about by the falling temperatures.  Many people also tend to pack more items into purses, briefcases and shoulder bags during the winter months, much like a bear preparing for winter hibernation.  The difference is that a bear once hibernated will not eat until it wakes up in the spring.

When it comes to beating back the woes of a winter wonderland, the enemy isn’t simply the cold, it is dealing with a profound lack of inertia.  So my advice is to my fellow Floridians is to keep moving and thank your lucky stars you don’t live in Chicago, home of the Bears.

Tips to Prevent Winter Back Woes
• Maintain a healthy diet and weight.
• Remain active during the winter months
• Warm up or stretch before exercising or after remaining seated for prolonged periods.
• Strive to maintain proper posture.
• Wear comfortable, low-heeled shoes.

Dr. Dave Edenfield  and Dr. Steven Warfield are part of the team of doctors and therapists at http://chiropractor-jacksonville-fl.com and http://endyourpain.orgwho are dedicated to helping you and your family lead  healthier, happier and pain-free lives.