Winter can be a difficult season in most parts of the country, from the cold temperatures to seasonal depression and even the higher risk of getting a cold or the flu. During this season it’s important to keep staying healthy at the forefront of your mind, and doing what you can with diet, exercise, and regular chiropractic appointments to ensure your quality of life stays consistent all winter long. Let’s talk about some of the common ailments that come with winter weather and how our team at Radix Chiropractic may be able to help.
General Muscle Stiffness
In cold weather, your muscles will naturally contract in an attempt to keep you warm. As you can imagine, when there is an instance of muscle tightness or compression it puts you at an increased risk of injury. A chiropractic adjustment will ease the pain and discomfort of stiff muscles by encouraging proper blood flow and nerve function from the spine through the rest of the body.
Preventing Seasonal Depression
The official term for seasonal depression is Seasonal Affective Disorder. This condition differs from a more serious case of depression because it only comes on during the cold winter months. The symptoms are consistent with standard depression including a consistent feeling of sadness that results in a loss of interest, appetite, motivation, and self-esteem. A chiropractic adjustment, along with diet changes and the correct supplements will be able to combat the effects of Seasonal Affective Disorder and allow you to enjoy the winter months.
Combat Cold Viruses and The Flu
One of the worst parts about winter is the increased chance of catching a cold or even the flu. While there are supplements you can take to boost immunity, the most powerful defense is going to be a healthy nervous system and a healthy spine. During a chiropractic adjustment, your spine will be corrected to allow for increased blood flow and nerve function. That nerve function is directly related to how effective your immune system will be at keeping illness at bay. Along with a good diet and exercise, your chances of getting sick will dramatically decrease.
Combat Inactivity
Similar to bears, most people adopt an attitude of hibernation during the cold winter months. The reason for this is that our bodies are naturally trying to store fat and nutrients in order to survive until the spring. The only problem with this line of thinking is that in our modern society, there are so many conveniences available that it becomes difficult to keep weight gain at bay, which is why you see so many people joining gyms right after the New Year. The first step in maintaining a healthy weight in winter is to establish an exercise routine and receive regular chiropractic adjustments. Even if your exercise is just a short walk each day, the benefits will be enormous compared to just sitting on the couch.
The winter can be a wonderful time, and there are dozens of activities that can’t be enjoyed at any other time of year, including skiing, ice skating, and snowshoeing, not to mention the holiday season. If you have any questions about staying healthy this winter or would like to come in for a consultation, contact us today!