Shoulder pain increase in winter: Know the causes and preventive measures

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With the onset of winter, many people experience pain in their joints and various body parts. Dr Chintan Desai - a Mumbai-based orthopaedic and shoulder surgeon remarks that temperature changes have a big impact on one's body.

Dealing with shoulder pain can make simple tasks like bathing, getting dressed, driving and carrying groceries seem impossible. Even sleeping, which should be restful after a long day, can become frustrating as you toss and turn trying to find relief from the discomfort. For some people, cold weather makes shoulder pain even worse.

Here are the top reasons why your shoulder hurts more in cold weather:

1 Although many individuals may not experience physical discomfort in cold weather, it is important to recognise that those affected by winter ailments are not simply imagining their symptoms. There are various reasons why lower temperatures can lead to shoulder pain.

2 Hypersensitivity to cold weather, such as in the case of underlying conditions like rheumatoid arthritis (RA), can cause heightened sensitivity in the joints. Weather changes often result in increased pain for RA patients, accompanied by stiffness and swelling.

3 Humidity can also contribute to painful flare-ups. Moreover, the increased stress brought on by cold weather prompts people to hunch over and shrug their shoulders for warmth, exacerbating existing shoulder issues.

4 Changes in barometric pressure from cold weather can lead to soft tissue expansion as a result of reduced air pressure on the body, ultimately causing joint pain.

5 Cold weather can lead to inactivity, which can cause muscle stiffness and discomfort, especially in the shoulders.

6 As they become older, stiffness can become more pronounced, exacerbated by low temperatures. However, light exercises like yoga, along with regular shoulder stretches, can help alleviate this discomfort and maintain flexibility.

Tips to deal with shoulder pain during winter:

As the temperature drops, many people experience an increase in shoulder pain due to the cold weather. One effective tip to reduce this discomfort is to dress warmly and protect your shoulders from direct exposure to the cold.

Wearing layers and using a scarf or shawl can help retain heat and minimise the impact of the chilly weather on your shoulders. Use a hot compress as and when required after the doctor's suggestion. Another helpful approach is to practice gentle shoulder exercises and stretches regularly, especially during colder months.

This can improve blood circulation, flexibility and muscle strength, reducing the likelihood of shoulder pain in response to changing weather conditions. Incorporating omega-3 fatty acids into your diet through sources like fish or supplements may provide anti-inflammatory benefits that contribute to overall joint health and alleviate cold-related shoulder discomfort.