Back problems in the cold

[zoebartlett]

This may sound weird, but every time it''s really cold outside, my back seizes up and I''m in really bad pain for a long time. It was only about 20 degrees today (I think) so there was definitely more than a slight chill in the air. My FI and I bought our Christmas tree after work today and while we stood outside choosing just the right one, my back started hurting. By the time we got back in the car maybe 10 minutes later, I could barely move. It''s been hours since that happened and I still can''t move right. I even needed help standing up earlier.

Has this ever happened to anyone else? Any suggestions?

 

[door knob solitaire]

Yes...go to a doctor. You are talking about your spine. You kinda need it. I had a bulged disk last year and speak from experience. Your back is nothing to mess with.

What time can I expect your post on your doctors appointment tommorrow?

 

[Kaleigh]

Yup please see your Doc. I am dealing with neck problems, so can relate to back problems. Best to get this sorted out, NOW...

 

[zoebartlett]

Really? I was just thinking of maybe a heating pad and tylenol. Okay, I promise to call my doctor in the morning. My back doesn''t hurt all the time, just in the cold. Could my muscles just be tensing up? It''s three hours later and it still doesn''t feel any better. I''ll let you know what happens.

 

[mimzy]

zoe, i know EXACTLY what you mean. everybody things i''m crazy for freaking out about my back hurting in the cold....but that''s totally what happens.

I''m no doctor my i''ve come up with a theory that your body is already tense from shivering to keep yourself warm and i think our natural reaction is to try to make the shiver response as discreet as possible so our muscles are sort of working against each other and they tense up and start to spasm. i have unrelated back problems too, which probably doesn''t help, but it is a very distinct pain when the cold hits. I would definitely recommend stretching,a heating pad and, if you can manage carry some of those handwarmers that skiers and hunters use in their gloves and boots to break open if you are in your car or something to put on your back.

it probably wouldn''t hurt to go to your dr. to get it checked out, but i''m not really sure if there is anything they can do. but i definitely recommend stretching and heat.

 

[laine]

I would probably go to the doctor to be sure, but chances are, they''ll recommend stretches, heating pad (maybe alternate with ice), ibuprofen and maybe a muscle relaxant. It sounds like your muscles are spasming which is what causes the pain (by pinching nerves, I think), and there really isn''t a whole lot they can do for that. It wouldn''t hurt to go in to make sure it isn''t something worse, just for peace of mind. Hope it gets better!

 

[zoebartlett]

Thanks everyone! My doc was out sick but I''ll try to go soon. I didn''t spend any significant time outside today and although it doesn''t hurt as severly, my back still hurts a bit. There''s one spot in particular that aches a lot but the rest seems better. I think it''s just my muscles reacting to me tensing up constantly when I''m cold. It seems like such a silly complaint doesn''t it? I''m sorry you feel the same way Mimzy, but I am glad to know that I''m not the only one who does this.