When the weather changes to colder, most individuals begin to feel that they are experiencing a form of stiffness in their shoulders and neck. The winter may be full of warm-up sweats and warm drinks; however, it can be accompanied by more muscle tightness and aches in the joints, particularly in patients who have some orthopedic problems.
This is because cold weather makes muscles and ligaments tighter, leading to decreased flexibility and increased pain during movement, according to Dr. Rajesh Malhotra, who is one of the best orthopedic surgeons in India.
However, there is some good news about it - you can prevent shoulder and neck pain through winter with some easy changes in your lifestyle.
Why Shoulder and Neck Pain Worsen in Winter?
When it gets cold, our bodies automatically seek to save on heat. Blood vessels narrow and limit the flow to the muscles and joints. This results in rigidity, swelling, and even exacerbation of old injuries.
These are some of the main factors that make pain worse in cold seasons:
Diluted blood flow: Muscles and joints receive less oxygen, which slows the healing.
Lack of physical activity: The reduction of daylight can lead to less physical activity and increased time in the house.
Poor positioning: Sitting at home or working with the devices in an awkward position causes strain to the neck and shoulders.
Old injuries: Judgemental Joints that have been affected by arthritis or post-surgical surgery may feel more pained with the alterations in barometric pressure.
This is a common condition in middle-aged and older people that is characterized by wear and tear of the cervical spine. Such symptoms include radiating pain in the arms, numbness, and stiffness.
Frozen Shoulder:
It is also referred to as adhesive capsulitis and results in intense stiffness and pain, especially in winter, when joint movement is minimal.
Muscle Strain or Spasms:
Painful spasms can be caused by sudden exposure to cold, such as leaving a warm indoor environment.
Postural Pain:
Sustained working at a desk or staring at your phone may aggravate the tension in the neck and shoulder muscles.
Pro Tips from Dr. Rajesh Malhotra to Reduce Shoulder and Neck Pain This Winter
Keep Your Muscles Warm
Injury of cold muscles is more likely to occur. Wear warm clothes, particularly on the neck and shoulders. A warm wrap or soft scarf may help keep the body warm and alleviate stiffness.
Stay Active
Workouts ensure that muscles are flexible and the joints are well-lubricated. Yoga, light stretching, or brisk walking are good activities that enhance blood circulation and decrease inflammation.
Maintain Good Posture
When you are at home on your desk or working at home, ensure that your computer screen is at eye level and your shoulders are not tight.
Do not slouch; this will cause an extra burden on the spine in the neck.
In case the pain continues, refer to an orthopedic doctor Delhi near me who is close to you so that they can do the posture check and recommend therapy.
Don't Ignore Mild Pain
Minor pain is a frequent indicator of muscle straining at the beginning stages. Warm compress or over-the-counter pain relief creams can be used. Nevertheless, when the stiffness or tingling duration exceeds a few days, seek a specialist.
Have a regular massage or physiotherapy
Light massage enhances blood flow and helps loosen tight muscles. Chronic stiffness can be prevented, and the range of motion can be improved by physiotherapy, particularly when the weather is cold.
Stay Hydrated
During winter, we tend to forget that we should drink enough water. The flexibility of the muscles is influenced by dehydration.
Adding anti-inflammatory foods to your diet, such as turmeric, fatty fish, nuts, and leafy greens, will help in the health of your joints.
Manage Your Sleep Posture
A supportive pillow should be used so that your neck and spine are aligned. One should not sleep on a lot of pillows because this may cause strain on the neck area. A hard surface also gives superior positioning of the spine.
Use Heat Therapy
Hot showers, heating pads, or hot water bags may help relieve tightness and increase blood circulation. At the orthopedic clinic of Dr. Rajesh Malhotra, Delhi, many patients have expressed immediate relief as a result of constant heat.
When to See a Doctor?
In some cases, the pain associated with winter can be a sign of an underlying complication, such as a cervical disc problem, rotator cuff injury, or early arthritis.
Apply medical assistance when you have:
Aching in your arms or hands.
Sensations of numbness or tingling.
Unremitting stiffness without any improvement.
Weakness or restricted movement of the shoulders.
Dr. Rajesh Malhotra, who is considered one of the best orthopedic doctor Delhi near me, provides superior diagnostic and treatment services, medication, and physiotherapy to minimally invasive surgeries and spine correction services.
Advanced Spine and Orthopedic Care in Delhi
Neck and shoulder pains can be chronic and result from problems encountered in the spine. In such circumstances, the clinic facilitated by Dr. Rajesh Malhotra offers a full treatment of the spine in Delhi that includes:
Cervicogenic headache assessment.
Ergonomic correction and posture.
Image-guided therapy
State-of-the-art surgical care on demand.
His method is a blend of professionalism and individualised treatment - he assists patients to move back to a pain-free life safely and effectively.
Conclusion
The winter can be painful with shoulder and neck aches, but with good warmth, good posture awareness, and movement, you can prevent the stiffness and pain.
In case the pain does not end because of home care, do not overlook it. Long-term complications can be avoided by early consultation with an expert such as Dr. Rajesh Malhotra, who is among the best orthopedic surgeons in India.