Frosty days and bitter pain

Uncategorized Aug 13, 2018
It has been a common statement from patients that during these frosty Winter days, their headaches and migraines have increased. Their belief was that it was the cold that was making their pain worse, however it wasn’t actually the outdoor temperature that was the cause but rather their response to that drop in the thermometer that was leading to the increase in their pain.
 
During the coldest months of the year, we tend to hibernate. We spend more time indoors doing more stationary activities including reading books, watching television/Netflix and spending more time on out computers, rather than going outside for a walk, jogging or cycling. Due to these activities, our necks are getting less movement, promoting them to become stiff. Most indoor activities also promote a forward head carriage/chin poke posture which places strain on the upper 3 joints in the neck. The combination of these two elements provides the perfect environment for a headache/migraine to breed, since as we know the neck is vitally important in regards to headaches and migraines. A simple way to combat this is to ensure that you keep your neck mobile e.g. do neck circles and stretch regularly,  and be mindful of your posture e.g. don’t just slump down on the couch. Even if it does seem comfortable at the time, your neck won’t thank you for it later.
 
When we are cold, we also tend to shrug our shoulders, raising them towards out ears, round our shoulders and cuddle in on ourselves to try to conserve warmth. Although this posture is beneficial for heat conservation, it places strain through your neck and shoulders, once again promoting dysfunctions through the upper joints in the neck, leading to an increase in headaches and migraines. To combat this, simply ensure that you are wearing adequate layers when you go outside and wear a scarf to keep your neck/shoulder area warm.
 
The frosty days of Winter can be very icy but they don’t have to contribute to headaches and migraines. Staying warm and being mindful will help you fend off the pain.

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