Don’t let the coming cold winter weather keep you indoors and sedentary – keep your spine active and healthy. Although San Antonio rarely sees cold winters, this year is shaping up to be a stinging winter with above average precipitation according to the Farmer’s Almanac, making it harder to leave the house and easier to stay inside.
Off Work and On the Couch?
Use this time off to increase activity you may have lost at work. Studies show that sitting down at a desk or on the couch can shrink the deep muscles that protect your lower back and help hold your body upright. Here are some at home exercises to maintain good spinal health if you are unable to get that morning/evening jog in due to cold temperatures: yoga, planking, small weight lifts, wall sits, and from an earlier blog post; some stretches to help alleviate lower back pain.
Try Eating Right
The coming holidays are without a doubt a special time for eating, and eating the right things can play a role not only in your mental health, but also in your spinal health. Here are some foods to avoid further inflammation or worsening back pain.
Are There Holiday Stresses on Your Spine?
Between spending time with family, traveling, and finishing up the school year, you could be doing a lot of strenuous activity. Whether you’re doing some shopping around San Antonio or traveling for long periods of time, do not forget to give your spine the attention it deserves. Remember to take breaks while shopping, make stops along the road to stretch, and keep a good posture while sitting on long plane trips.
Seasonal Affective Disorder Effects on You
The spine is connected to other important parts of the body – and can affect every part of it, and vice versa. Psychological distress has a huge impact on your spine and can drastically change the way you experience these back pains. Although San Antonio typically sees over 300 days of sunshine year round, many people experience seasonal affective disorder (SAD) in the fall and winter months. Keep friends, family, and other medium-energy distractions close this holiday season.
Avoid the Flu
The winter months are flu season for San Antonio. Stay healthy and take care of yourself this flu season is very important; get vaccinated. Apart from inflammation and muscle aches induced by the fever associated with flu-like symptoms, the flu also leaves the body fatigued and in need of rest rendering you inactive.
Texas Spine Clinic specializes in spine and back pain treatments. If your back hurts more during the winter, please schedule a consultation and start feeling better as soon as possible.
