For chronic pain sufferers, winter isn't always a wonderland

In the days of yore, winter was all about building snowmen and anticipating the gift giving come Christmas day.  But as one ages, frigid temperatures and bracing winds and enormous heaps of snow brought by this season all take a toll on the body.

Winter can be extremely harsh for chronic pain sufferers, who are sometimes curled up in their beds as the pain goes through the roof.  As a result, they miss out on the moments that could have made the season special.  The following are the most common body pain triggers, and some simple ways to avoid them:

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1.  Shoveling snow.  A lot of men complain of back, shoulder, and chest pains following an afternoon of clearing roofs and pathways from heavy snow with shovels.   Shoveling can be risky for people with cardiovascular problems, as it can put a strain in the heart, Dr. Sandra Fryhofer tells Prevention.com.  Those with heart ailments should ask someone to do the task instead.

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2.  Walking on ice.  Skiing, ice skating, snowshoeing, or simply traipsing to get a breathtaking view of the wintry scenery can put a strain on the muscles more than any other activity in any season.  The reason, doctors say, is that many people automatically stiffen as they try to avoid or break a fall.  Wearing the right footwear and walking with a shuffle step or other safer ways to tread through the snow can help eliminate muscle tension.

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3.  Cold weather.  Both medical researchers and patients have noticed that chronic pain, often as a result of conditions like osteoarthritis or fibromyalgia, or a previous injury, signals a change in the weather.  Hot packs, heat wraps, and heating pads can relieve the pain and heal the aching areas.

MidSouth Pain Treatment Center, headed by Dr. Michael Steuer, offers high quality medications and treatments for a wide range of chronic pain conditions. Visit the center’s website for more information on its services.