It’s commonplace to hear people with back pain talk about how they can feel cold weather coming in their bones, but does cold weather really cause back pain? In short, yes. The cold affects the soft tissues that support the spine, including muscles, tendons, and ligaments, so it’s common for people to experience more back pain in the winter.
The Effect of Cold Weather on Soft Tissues
Exposure to colder temperatures causes soft tissue to become tighter, which adds pressure to the nerve roots in the spine, causing or exacerbating back pain. Those who work outdoors in the winter often experience more back pain than office workers and it’s not just because of the heavy lifting outdoor jobs often require.
Changes in Blood Flow
It’s common to feel a twinge of back pain after stepping out into the cold. This may be caused by a process known as vasoconstriction, in which the body diverts blood flow from the extremities and the supporting muscles around the spine to keep vital organs warm. The decrease in circulation caused by vasoconstriction stiffens soft tissues surrounding the spine and further irritates nerve roots, which is what causes the pain.
Muscle Cramping
The body’s natural response to severe drops in temperature is to shiver. Shivering is actually just a series of quick muscle contractions. After prolonged periods of shivering, people’s muscles can tighten up or become cramped. When that happens to the muscles surrounding the spine, it can cause increased back pain and leave people at higher risk of muscle injury or strains.
Increased Joint Inflammation
Those who already experience inflammation of the joints around the spine often complain about changes in barometric pressure preceding temperature drops, as well. Science has yet to explain what environmental mechanisms cause this connection but there’s plenty of anecdotal and scientific evidence to support the claim that changing barometric pressure causes back pain and other spine issues.
Winter Blues and Back Pain
People who live in cold climates often describe mood changes during the winter, including increased depression, low energy, and insomnia. Collectively, these symptoms are known as seasonal affective disorder (SAD). While SAD is a well-known phenomenon, not everyone realizes that seasonal depression is also linked to increased production of inflammatory cytokines. These may contribute to spine problems and back pain by increasing inflammation in the supportive tissues.
Winter Habits
When the weather takes a turn for the worse outside, most people stay indoors. That often translates to less time spent performing physical activities. A lack of exercise can weaken the muscles that support the spine, increasing the risk and severity of back pain. That’s why it’s important to stay active even during the winter.
Potential Solutions
It’s next to impossible for those who live in cold climates to avoid occasional exposure to cold weather but that doesn’t mean there’s nothing to be done about back pain. Bundle up in warm winter clothes before going out, keep the heat on in the house, and schedule an appointment with our office to address acute back pain following cold snaps.