Senior male patient sitting on bed while female therapist examining back at hospital ward
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.
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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.
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:
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.
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.
Any movement can wreak havoc on a healthy spine. This is due to the cold weather causing individuals not to:
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.
Stretch and loosen the muscles and joints before you go out to:
Take a few minutes to stretch and warm up inside before going outside.
As previously mentioned, use the correct form: lift with your legs, not the back.
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.
When cold weather arrives, most people want to get on the couch, binge-watch their favorite movies, sleep, get snuggly, etc.
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.
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The information herein on "Cold Weather and Sciatica: How Temperature Affects Pain" is not intended to replace a one-on-one relationship with a qualified health care professional or licensed physician and is not medical advice. We encourage you to make healthcare decisions based on your research and partnership with a qualified healthcare professional.
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Welcome to El Paso's Premier Wellness and Injury Care Clinic & wellness blog, where Dr. Alex Jimenez, DC, FNP-C, a board-certified Family Practice Nurse Practitioner (FNP-C) and Chiropractor (DC), presents insights on how our team is dedicated to holistic healing and personalized care. Our practice aligns with evidence-based treatment protocols inspired by integrative medicine principles, similar to those found on dralexjimenez.com, focusing on restoring health naturally for patients of all ages.
Our areas of chiropractic practice include Wellness & Nutrition, Chronic Pain, Personal Injury, Auto Accident Care, Work Injuries, Back Injury, Low Back Pain, Neck Pain, Migraine Headaches, Sports Injuries, Severe Sciatica, Scoliosis, Complex Herniated Discs, Fibromyalgia, Chronic Pain, Complex Injuries, Stress Management, Functional Medicine Treatments, and in-scope care protocols.
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Dr. Alex Jimenez DC, MSACP, APRN, FNP-C*, CCST, IFMCP*, CIFM*, ATN*
email: coach@elpasofunctionalmedicine.com
Licensed as a Doctor of Chiropractic (DC) in Texas & New Mexico*
Texas DC License # TX5807
New Mexico DC License # NM-DC2182
Licensed as a Registered Nurse (RN*) in Texas & Multistate
Texas RN License # 1191402
Compact Status: Multi-State License: Authorized to Practice in 40 States*
Graduate with Honors: ICHS: MSN-FNP (Family Nurse Practitioner Program)
Degree Granted. Masters in Family Practice MSN Diploma (Cum Laude)
Dr. Alex Jimenez DC, APRN, FNP-C, CIFM*, IFMCP*, ATN*, CCST
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