Stay supple in a cold spell
Keep that lower back mobile this autumn
COLDER, wetter fronts that have swept in recently might herald the start of the achy season for those whose joints are sensitive to changes in the weather.
People who live with conditions such as arthritis often report feeling more pain when a weather front is approaching, bringing with it a fall in barometric pressure — that is, a fall in the weight of the surrounding air.
Why would this hurt? Researchers believe it is likely that the joints’ membranes act as a barometer and expand as the air pressure drops.
This can increase the pressure of the fluids that lubricate the joints, causing more resistance to movement and increased pain as the nerves respond.
For those who tend to have lower back pain, it’s a time to take special care to keep the area mobile and relaxed. Continuous passive motion and oscillation therapy might help as they are proven to gently relieve lower back ache. And a fusion of these treatments can now be found in one small device that’s easy to use at home.
It acts by gently and rhythmically moving the tense area in a continuous circular motion — much like the kind of passive motion you may have experienced in a treatment room when having a massage to free up the lower back.
This allows tight muscles to relax and releases pressure between the vertebrae to ease discomfort.
The device can be easily lifted, stored and moved from room to room for use on the bed, sofa or floor, so that everyone in the family can benefit easily and comfortably, without straining themselves when getting in position.
It’s simple and effective — and all you need is ten minutes on it a day to enjoy a soothing and healing massage that could provide welcome relief.
We can’t stop changes in the weather, but being able to ease the lower back can help to minimise any aches and pains that the colder season brings.