Let it snow
Winter activities are as numerous as those of warmer weather conditions, and just as rigorous. Snowboarding, skiing, snowshoeing, sledding; the list goes on. Even snow shoveling, as we learned, can impact your spinal health and trickle down to affecting your overall health. The same principles apply for all the above mentioned recreational sports and beyond.
When the temperatures drop, just the cold can intensify old joint problems and cause pain or dysfunction in your normal joint mechanics which may actually be pain free. A bigger worry is that when the body is cold the muscles and blood vessels contract to conserve heat, which lowers the functional capacity of many muscles, particularly if you are physically unfit. The ACA (American Chiropractic Association) is a big advocate of outdoor winter activity as am I. However, the importance of proper warm-up exercise of your muscular components coupled with regular chiropractic care for your spine, which those muscles attach to, can help avoid injury and costly health care bills. Remember your spinal column protects your spinal cord and the nerves that travel to all of your organs, tissues and cells within your body! If we interfere with the normal function of the spine then we are disrupting the normal function of the electrical system that controls the body, and that may lead to very serious health challenges. This is why during the cold winter months it is critically important to have your spine checked to determine if normal function of the spinal biomechanics and nervous system is present!
With our bodies hindered by the colder temperatures, it is even more important that our structural foundation is solid and aligned, ensuring optimal conveyance of messages to the body as well as maximum regulated blood flow. To get started today, give us a call at (208) 667-7434, visit our website at www.cdahealth.com, or visit us at our office at 370 E. Kathleen Ave. Suite 600 in Coeur d'Alene. As always, during the month of December we take part in Toys for Tots so you can help your spine and a local child all at the same time!