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Avoid Shoulder Pain Brought On By The Cold

The advent of winter introduces a long list of challenges. Cold weather, blistering breezes, icy sidewalks, snow-filled roads, and for some people, shoulder pain. A shoulder surgeon or rotator cuff specialist may notice an increase in hospital visits during the cooler months. Some individuals experience pain in the upper body so severe that it’s unbearable. While the causes of ‘winter shoulder’ vary from person to person, ways to treat and prevent it can be applied to most cases.

Common daily tasks tend to create extra tension in the neck and shoulders. Working at a desk, lifting kids, carrying groceries, typing on the computer—all these common activities can lead to body stress. Add cold weather to the mix and the body tends to tense up more, thus creating pain and discomfort in those tight areas. When you apply heat to tense shoulders, it can alleviate pain.

When your body is cold and there is wind blowing against it, it naturally compensates by slouching over to protect itself. This hunching position leads to bad posture. Bad posture tends to create tension in different areas around the body, including the neck and shoulders. Wear a scarf during winter or other cold days to keep the tension from increasing.

Stretching is also a great way to treat and prevent future flare-ups. This should be done daily. Doing so will allow your body to counteract the stress it incurs each day. It’s important to stretch the right way so you don’t strain muscles unintentionally or push your body beyond safe limits. For ideas on the best stretches that alleviate neck and shoulder pain, contact a shoulder doctor for expert advice.

Treatment from The Finest in Bay Area Orthopedic Surgery

If you live within the San Francisco Bay Area and find yourself experiencing significant shoulder pain during the winter months, call (415) 923-0944 to get in touch with an expert in orthopedic surgery.

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