How to Manage Sciatica Pain During the Colder Months

Many of us are living with various conditions and discomfort, and unfortunately, a lot of them can get worse as the weather gets colder. Sciatica is one of those particular conditions. If you are living with sciatica symptoms, you are no stranger to the overall sense of wellness degrading when winter rolls around. Therefore, we would like to discuss a few things you can do to manage sciatica pain during the colder months. Keep reading to find out more! 

What is Sciatica?

Sciatica, also known as lumbar radiculopathy, is a medical condition that describes nerve compression, typically in the lower back or lumbar spine. This condition may affect one of the spinal segment’s five sets of nerve roots. As a result, a patient may feel pain in the neck, lower back, buttocks, hip, and/or legs. 

What are the Signs and Symptoms of Sciatica Nerve Pain?

Those who are living with Sciatica often characterize it by having one or more of the following symptoms: 

• Pain that gets worse when sitting down 
• A sharp pain that makes it difficult to stand or walk
• Pain that travels down the leg and possibly into the foot and toes 
• Constant pain in only one side of the buttock or leg 
• Weakness, numbness, or difficulty moving the toes, leg, and or foot leg
• Leg pain that described as burning, tingling, or searing
• A sharp pain that may make it difficult to stand up or walk

The pain level of Sciatic pain and when it happens varies between patients; some say that it is mild and infrequent, and others describe it as irritating to constant and debilitating. It usually depends on where the pinched nerve is located. 

Does Sciatic Pain Really Get Worse During Winter? 

Different studies from across the world have indeed confirmed that many different conditions worsen in cold weather, including Sciatica. However, there are a few reasons patients may be in more discomfort during these dates, and they include: 

• Air pressure decreases when there is a significant temperature change. This external pressure has the potential to affect joints and muscles. 
• Cold weather, such as snow and ice, has different physical demands. Having to complete tasks such as shoveling snow or even walking on icy sidewalks can pose pore stress on different areas affected by Sciatica. 
• The muscles naturally stiffen in cold temperatures, leading to tightness around the spine.

Therefore, there is a direct correlation between the cold and the symptoms of Sciatica worsening. Therefore, if you suffer from Sciatica, it’s time to prepare. This winter, if you are experiencing pain, there are a few things that you can do; keep reading to find out what to do.

 Tips To Ease Your Sciatica This Winter 

1. Stretch and Keep Moving 

Before going out in the cold, there are a few simple stretches that you can do to ensure the different areas you suffer from discomfort don’t act up when about it. Some simple and easy stretches include: 

• Back extensions 
• Hamstring stretches 
• Gluteal stretches 
• Yoga poses 

A chiropractic specialist can give you a list of the different stretches to do and how to do them properly. Ensure that you do these in the mornings and in the evenings. 

2. Stay Warm 

Never leave home without extra layers! Therefore, be sure that you have enough layers, including at least, 

• Hats 
• Gloves 
• Scarves 
• Sweater 
• Undershirt 
• Thermal Jacket 
• More in Extreme Conditions 

 Also, before heading out, make sure to warm your body up before braving the cold. Remember to not just focus on the areas affected by Sciatica; protect your muscles from tightening up across your body. 

3. Avoid Sudden Movements 

Ensure that you take your time when completing even the simplest actions. Something as simple as quickly reaching for an object could bring shooting and sharp pains. Additionally, when stretching and exercising, avoid bursts of action and excessive bouncing. 

4. Stay Hydrated 

Everyone needs sufficient water, even if you don’t have Sciatica! It helps the body perform numerous amount of necessary actions, including: 

• Delivering nutrients
• Eliminating waste 
• Diluting acid build-up 
• Sustaining even body temperature

Those suffering from Sciatica need to ensure they are drinking at least 8 to 10 glasses of water every day, especially during winter. 

Chiropractic Techniques Are Proven to Provide Relief From Sciatica Pain

For many patients, traditional medicine is the go-to for any pain in their bodies. However, traditional medicine makes patients grow a dependence on muscle relaxers and pain relievers to ease their discomfort. In serious cases, patients need surgery which leads to long and painful recovery times, which means time away from work, family, and social gatherings. 

Various non-invasive and advanced chiropractic care techniques can provide relief by realigning the affected lumber vertebrae and or the connected disk. Once the direct reason for the pain is addressed, a chiropractic specialist will set you up with a physical rehabilitation program to ensure the Sciatica does not reoccur. 

Why Choose a Chiropractor for Sciatic Pain 

By eliminating the need for surgery, a chiropractic specialist will help prevent the possibility of complications from developing, which is imperative for older patients who don’t want to take the risk of an invasive procedure. In addition, chiropractors are highly trained to naturally target the source of sciatic pain without the need for dependence on muscle relaxers or pain meds. 

Each patient is unique; therefore, following a thorough assessment of your body, a plan will be developed to give your body a fighting chance to return to its natural alignment. Personalized treatments allow chiropractors to get to the bottom of your condition and provide you with a plan that truly works based on your pain and symptoms. You can avoid putting off the injury with pain meds and the pain and long recovery of surgery with expert chiro care. 

Say Goodbye To Extreme Sciatica Pain This Winter 

Exceptional Chiropractic Care at Advanced Spine & Sports Care 

Do you want to avoid demanding Sciatica pain this winter? Do you want a natural solution while getting help from personal and caring chiropractic professionals? Then choose Advanced Spine & Sports Care. Their chiropractic specialists will ensure you have all the tools and care necessary for a Sciatic “pain-free” winter. Book an appointment today. 

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