It’s not uncommon at this time of year (Image: Drazen Zigic via Getty Images)
Waking up stiff and sore now that the weather has turned colder? You aren’t the only one.
Research by Deep Relief has revealed that 90% of Brits surveyed say colder weather makes their aches and pains worse, while 83% say frost, ice and snow increase their discomfort.
Pharmacist Noel Wicks said: “It’s not just in people’s heads. A study by the University of Manchester, known as Cloudy with a Chance of Pain, involving more than 13,000 participants, found that higher humidity, lower atmospheric pressure and stronger winds were all linked to increased pain.”
The impact goes beyond the occasional twinge. Deep Relief’s latest Pain Census Report found that 41% of respondents struggle to get out of bed because of pain, while 22% experience back, muscle or joint pain most of the time.
Mr Wicks said: “Aches and pains can make life incredibly uncomfortable and day-to-day activities become harder. Putting some simple steps in place can make all the difference.”
Soup is one thing to add to your diet (Image: rez-art via Getty Images)
Pharmacist’s advice to ease aches and pains this winter
Tuck into chicken soup: Certain foods such as fatty and sugary foods can contribute to inflammation, making pain worse. “On the flip side, an anti-inflammatory diet full of colourful fruits and vegetables and protein-rich foods such as chicken, eggs, tofu and fish, can help to improve markers of inflammation in the blood and tissues and help maintain healthy muscles and joints,” said Mr Wicks.
A warming chicken soup – which can cost as little as 55p for a tin – stewed fruits and vegetable-packed stews are all great ways to support aching muscles and joints.
Sip tea: Staying hydrated is vital to keep joint tissue lubricated and muscles functioning properly. However, it’s not so enjoyable drinking cold water during the cooler months. Instead, Mr Wicks suggested tea, including herbal tea infusions to help maintain hydration.
Why cooling relief can help even in winter: When cold weather leaves you feeling stiff and achy, reaching for something cooling might seem surprising. But the cooling sensation does more than simply make skin feel cold – it can also help reduce the perception of pain.
Mr Wicks said: “While keeping warm and gently moving can help ease winter stiffness, targeted pain relief can be useful when back pain, muscle pain or rheumatism make everyday activities uncomfortable.”
Don’t let cold weather stop you moving: It’s particularly important to warm up and cool down around exercise in winter, as muscles and joints can feel tighter in the cold weather. “Plus, we spend more time sitting down in winter, so muscles might feel tighter,” said Mr Wicks.
He added: “Dynamic (moving) stretches and mobility exercises are best before exercise to loosen joints and muscles. Think shoulder rolls, leg swings, arm circles and walking lunges. Static (still) stretches are best after exercise to avoid muscles from tightening up.”
Even short walks and regular movement breaks can help prevent stiffness building up during long periods indoors.
Could your pillow be making your aches worse?
Waking up aching? Your sleeping position could be to blame. The research found that 33% of respondents say poor sleeping positions affect their pain.
Mr Wicks said: “Poor pillows and uncomfortable mattresses can make us feel pain when we wake up. Check that your pillow supports your head and neck comfortably, without forcing them into an awkward position.”
He also recommended a warm bath or gentle stretching before bed to help unwind.
