When the bitterly cold temperatures set in, many of us retreat indoors and move less. We spend more time sitting at our desks, driving instead of walking, and curling up on the couch to stay warm. Before long, those extra hours of inactivity can leave our backs feeling stiff and achy, especially when we first get moving in the morning. But why does this happen, and what can we do about it?
Your Brain Learns the Hunch
Dr. Joel explains winter stiffness with a physics term: creep. Roll Play-Doh into a tube, lift one end, and watch the other end slowly sag. Your mid-back behaves much the same way. Hours at a desk, behind the wheel, or bent over your phone can reinforce a hunched posture, making it harder to straighten up.
Why Mornings Feel the Worst
While you sleep, spinal discs rehydrate, and your joints experience less loading. Combined with hours of limited movement, this may leave you feeling stiff when you get up.
Sleep position matters too. Curling up for eight hours keeps your body flexed, much like the position you may have spent your workday in.
Put More Effort Into Moving
Movement matters in every season. Winter just demands more intention. Try getting up every 20 to 30 minutes and spending at least 30 seconds to a minute doing the opposite of what you were doing: stand tall, reach overhead, and open your chest.
On sunny days, bundle up and walk outside. Even a short walk helps break up those long stretches indoors.
How a Bismarck Chiropractor Addresses Restricted Movement
Back discomfort doesn’t always originate where you feel it. When the mid-back and rib cage aren’t moving well, the lower back and neck may compensate.
At Adjust Life, we evaluate these movement patterns to identify areas that may be involved. Depending on your needs, care may include chiropractic adjustments, joint mobilization, soft tissue work, and fascial manipulation.
Definitely adjusting the spine, adjusting the ribs, making sure the shoulders stay back and then giving patients tools to help themselves during their regular workday.”
Dr. Joel Roloff, DC
Your first visit focuses on evaluating the problem and helping you understand what’s happening. From there, you’ll learn practical stretches, exercises, and better ways to sit, sleep, and move. Treatment frequency depends on your needs and progress, with visits becoming less frequent as you’re better able to manage things yourself.
Don’t Wait Until Spring
Mild stiffness may improve with movement and self-care. But if discomfort persists for several weeks, keeps returning, or worsens, consider an evaluation. New numbness, tingling, or weakness warrants earlier medical attention.
A good rule of thumb? Don’t wait until you’re worse than when you first thought about calling.
If winter has you feeling stiff and uncomfortable, reach out to our team at Adjust Life to find out what may be affecting your movement.