Cold Weather Can Cause Back Pain
If you’ve been experiencing pain in your lower back recently, the cause may be the cold weather
While summer heat relaxes the muscles, winter cold causes them to contract more. One of the areas most affected by these contractions is the upper back muscles, commonly known as “stiff back.” Prof. Dr. Mehmet Binnet explains that the muscles in this area can lose their elasticity and become stiff in cold weather, stating, “As a result, movements of these muscles and the surrounding ones become extremely painful. However, you can prevent this pain by better protecting these muscles during the winter months.””In fact, he suggests that you can prevent pain by taking better care of these muscles during the winter months.”
IT’S HITTING OFFICE WORKERS
Muscle pain, medically known as “fibromyalgia,” can be felt in the back region, the back of the neck, or in a more widespread area. Muscle pain occurs regardless of age or gender and often arises in office workers due to prolonged sitting. Additionally, anyone who overuses or misuses these muscles or has poor posture is at risk.
START YOUR DAY WITH EXERCISE
Prof. Dr. Mehmet Binnet says that a few simple stretching exercises done in the morning can help prevent back pain. Stretching exercises for the legs help the muscles lengthen, making it easier to move. Similarly, stretching exercises for the back—such as pulling both shoulder blades back—are also beneficial. Even doing this exercise for just 30 seconds, five times in the morning, is effective against back pain. Throughout the day, you can repeat this exercise every two hours while sitting: simply sit up slightly and pull your shoulder blades back.
HOW IS A STIFF NECK DIAGNOSED?
Patient symptoms play a key role in diagnosing muscle spasms. Furthermore, the condition can be easily diagnosed following a clinical examination. Prof. Dr. Mehmet Binnet explains what can be done if a patient is diagnosed with muscle spasms: “The goal is to soften the stiffened muscles by applying heat to the painful areas. Muscle relaxants and pain relievers, on the other hand, help alleviate symptoms.” “In addition, muscle stiffness can be minimized through manual therapy (hands-on physical therapy).”