Cold Weather and Sciatica: How Temperature Affects Pain

When the weather changes, that cold feeling starts to creep into the bones, especially down the back, and sciatica symptoms can flare up in the worst way.

Cold Weather Can Make Sciatica Worse

Of the many patients I’ve treated, those with sciatica firmly state that cold weather worsens it. There are bonafide reasons why sciatica acts up when the temperature goes down.

Sciatica

It is a type of radiculopathy caused by pressure on one or more of the five nerve roots in the lower back. This is known as the lumbar region of the spine.

The nerves run from the lower spine under the buttocks and down each hip into the legs. Several conditions can compress these nerves at one or more spots along the way:

• Numbness
• Weakness in the
• Lower back
• Buttock
• Legs on one or both sides

Research Study

Cold weather affects sciatica because it affects different types of pain.

A study surveyed around 135,000 construction workers.

Researchers found that the men who worked in low temperatures reported higher cases of neck and lower back pain. This was compared with those working in warmer temperatures.

Cold Weather & the Spine

Pain and discomfort can increase because the muscles stiffen in cold weather. The spine’s muscles also become tight and tense. Tension and stress can worsen the pain and increase the risk of muscle strains or sprains.

Barometric Pressure

• Air pressure drops before a storm or when the temperature changes.
• These changes seep into the sensitive nerves of the lower back and cause swelling/inflammation and pain.

Physical Stress

Any movement can wreak havoc on a healthy spine. This is due to the cold weather causing individuals not to:

• Use correct posture
• Use correct movement when performing tasks/chores
• Hurrying tasks/chores

There is also the chance of a slip-and-fall accident or twisting your back.

All of this is the perfect set-up for spine and sciatic injury/s.

So How to reduce sciatic pain?

Keep Warm

• Wear warm clothing and in layers.
• A few thin layers can keep the body warmer than a single thick layer.
• Keep the lower back warm.
• Tuck your shirt into your pants to prevent a cold draft from your back when you reach for something, and then put a sweater over it.
• A couple of blankets or an electric blanket on your bed can help keep your muscles from tightening.
• Keep home as warm as possible.
• Run the car for a few minutes to preheat it before heading out.

Wear Proper Shoes or Boots

• Proper footwear should have enough tread to prevent slips and falls.
• Proper shoes for walking in cold weather. Don’t do the flip-flop thing; that’s just asking for foot/back problems.
• Orthotics can help with posture, pronation, and gait.

Warm-Up Before Starting Outdoor Activity

Stretch and loosen the muscles and joints before you go out to:

• Trim the lawn/bushes
• Take a walk
• Play with the kids

Take a few minutes to stretch and warm up inside before going outside.

Do It Right

As previously mentioned, use the correct form: lift with your legs, not the back.

• Move smaller amounts of landscaping, etc., in small increments instead of one or two heavy loads.
• Don’t twist your back while lifting.
• Face the direction you are going in.

Ask for Help

If sciatica affects the task, do not be too proud or afraid to ask for help. Stubbornness can lead to severe injury/s that could have been avoided.

Stay Active

When cold weather arrives, most people want to get on the couch, binge-watch their favorite movies, sleep, get snuggly, etc.

• Exercising and staying in shape is a top remedy for sciatica symptoms.
• Consult a chiropractor or physical therapist/trainer who can offer exercises that won’t present/exacerbate symptoms.
• Watch your weight when the cold weather kicks in, and keep up your exercise.

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Sciatica Rehabilitation, Causes and Symptoms

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NCBI Resources

Chiropractic care is a well-regarded alternative for addressing sciatica symptoms. Rather than being a singular injury or condition, sciatica encompasses a range of symptoms. A chiropractor can accurately identify the origin of a patient’s sciatic nerve pain to recommend the most effective treatment for their unique health concerns.

Spinal adjustments and manual manipulations can help carefully correct the spine’s alignment, restoring its natural integrity and allowing the body to heal without needing drugs, medications, or surgery. In certain individuals, sciatica may resolve itself, possibly occurring just once or a few times throughout their lifetime. However, it’s important to remember that symptoms may worsen if an injury and/or aggravated condition is not treated effectively.