Health: Don’t let winter aches and pains slow you down

Happy holidays, time with friends and family, the freshness of a new year - there are many things to look forward to with the arrival of winter. If you're among the millions of Americans, however, who suffer from chronic pain, winter can bring on a whole new set of problems and pains.

Whether you suffer from chronic ailments like arthritis or fibromyalgia, or simply experience the aches, pains and stiffness associated with past injuries or with aging, winter's cold and dampness can exacerbate these problems.

Here is some simple advice to minimize winter's impact on chronic pain and avoid new pains from injuries:

Hot and cold therapy

While arthritis and fibromyalgia can cause excruciating pain, both also respond well to positive influences like exercise, diet and hot/cold therapy.

To help minimize winter's impact on these two chronic ailments, be sure to stay active and maintain prescribed medications and therapies. Dress warmly when going outdoors, wearing layers that help trap heat near your body.

Shoveling safely

To avoid common winter injuries from shoveling snow or slips and falls, follow this advice:

- Stretch before you start, just as you would if engaging in a workout.

- Shovel while it's still snowing and shovel repeatedly throughout the snowfall. That way, you're not trying to move a large amount of heavy, wet snow when the snowfall is over and the accumulation greater.

- Use a small shovel - a large one may tempt you to overdo it - and let the stronger muscles of your legs do most of the lifting and pushing work. Bend at the knees to avoid excess strain on your back.

Other outdoor dangers

Raking leaves, shoveling snow, even sitting for long hours in the cold on stadium bleachers watching a football game - all can put undue strain on your neck and shoulders.

When performing outdoor physical activity that could strain your neck, be sure to take regular breaks, and let your strong leg muscles do as much of the work as possible. If you're sitting for long periods in the cold, dress warmly in layers and be sure to protect your neck with a warm scarf. Shift position often, standing up when possible, bending forward and gently stretching your neck, arm and shoulder muscles to avoid stiffness.

Finally, be aware of the risk and dangers of inclement winter weather. If you must walk on ice, take measures to ensure your footing is good, such as using special cleats that attach to your shoes or wearing thick-soled snow boots.

With a few precautions and the right therapy, you can enjoy winter months free of the aches and pains associated with colder weather.

source: metrowestdailynews