Why Old Injuries Flare Up in Winter: and How Chiropractic Care Can Help

As winter settles in here in Ankeny, many people notice something familiar: old injuries that haven’t bothered them in months, or even years, suddenly start acting up. If past back, neck, shoulder, or joint injuries feel worse during the colder months, you’re not alone. Winter places unique stress on the body, and those changes can bring old issues back to the surface.

At Elevation Chiropractic in Ankeny, Iowa, we see this pattern every year - and there are clear reasons why it happens.

Why Old Injuries Act Up in Cold Weather

Cold temperatures reduce circulation: When temperatures drop, blood vessels constrict to conserve heat. This reduces circulation to muscles, joints, and connective tissue, especially in areas that have been injured before. Less blood flow can mean increased stiffness, soreness, and slower tissue recovery.

Muscles tighten and lose flexibility: Cold weather naturally causes muscles to tighten. Areas with scar tissue from previous injuries don’t stretch as easily, which can make discomfort more noticeable and movement feel restricted.

Less movement leads to more stiffness: Winter often means less activity and more sitting. When joints aren’t moving regularly, they lose lubrication and mobility. For areas affected by old injuries, this can quickly lead to stiffness and flare-ups.

Weather changes can increase joint sensitivity: Many people notice aches when barometric pressure changes. While research continues in this area, patients frequently report increased awareness of old injuries during cold, damp, or stormy Midwest winter conditions.

How Chiropractic Care Can Help Old Injuries During Winter

Chiropractic care focuses on improving how the body moves and functions as a whole, not just treating symptoms. Old injuries often create compensation patterns that put stress on other parts of the spine and body, especially when movement decreases in winter.

Restoring joint motion: Chiropractic adjustments help improve mobility in joints that may have become restricted over time. Better movement reduces stiffness and helps the body move more efficiently.

Reducing muscle tension and imbalance: When joints don’t move properly, surrounding muscles often overwork. Chiropractic care helps reduce this tension, taking pressure off areas that tend to flare up in cold weather.

Supporting nervous system function: The spine protects the nervous system, which controls movement, healing, and adaptation to stress. Maintaining proper spinal alignment and motion supports healthy communication between the brain and body, key to managing old injuries.

Helping prevent winter flare-ups: Consistent chiropractic care throughout the winter helps keep joints moving, muscles relaxed, and the body better prepared to handle cold temperatures and seasonal stress.

Why Winter Is the Time to Be Proactive

Many people assume winter pain is something they just have to tolerate, but flare-ups are often your body’s way of asking for support. Addressing restrictions and tension early can help prevent small issues from turning into bigger problems as winter continues.

Stay Comfortable Through the Iowa Winter

Winter in Iowa doesn’t have to mean living with nagging pain from past injuries. Staying active, dressing for the cold, managing stress, and maintaining spinal health through chiropractic care can help your body adapt to the season.

At Elevation Chiropractic in Ankeny, Iowa, we’re here to support your body through every season- especially when old injuries start speaking up.

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