The holiday season always brings with it plenty of cheer. You’ll find plenty of people in good
spirits, neighborhoods, and stores adorned with colorful Christmas lights, and towering pine
trees decorated with tinsel and ornaments. If you’re lucky, you’ll get a sprinkle of snow too to
paint drab autumn browns in vibrant white.
You’ll get a “sprinkle” if you’re lucky, but us Upstate New York folks know that the next big
blizzard is probably right around the corner.
Unfortunately, the holiday season in Upstate New York brings a frightful chill along with the
beauty and joy. Frigid temperatures tend to aggravate existing injuries and it’s often not long before winter aches and pains start setting in.
And if it snows big time? Forget it. All that shoveling helps contribute to new injuries that will
also leaves you feeling exhausted and sore.
How can you bring good tidings and holiday cheer when you’re feeling less than your best?
Dr. Barton Can Help
If you’re in need of pain relief in Ithaca and Cortland, and you haven’t heard of Dr. Barton, yet, then you’re in for a treat!
Dr. Barton boasts years of experience and expertise. He provided relief for many patients for
more than ten years, assisting with various common ailments like sciatica, degenerative disc
disease, scoliosis, and more.
Unlike other chiropractic offices in Ithaca and Cortland, Dr. Barton uses a patient-focused
approach that puts you first and examines the source of the pain in addition to the treatment he provides at his practice. An appointment with Dr. Barton is detailed and thorough, as it will involve scrutinizing your day-to-day activities, including diet and exercise, that might contribute or exacerbate your issue.
After all, even the best pain relief is only a Band-Aid solution if you don’t look for the underlying cause of the problem and address it as well. While other chiropractors may be happy to provide routine adjustments and bill you forever, Dr. Barton’s mission is to reduce your need for chiropractic care so you can live your best, most pain-free life possible.
Tips for Weathering the Holiday Weather
The weather outside is frightful, but that doesn’t mean you shouldn’t feel delightful. Freezing low temperatures and the elements make it a bit more difficult to enjoy a pain-free life, especially if we’re constantly nursing old injuries, aches, and pains, but there are ways to mitigate the cold weather’s effects.
Here are some tips to feel your best this holiday season.
Warm Up!
Part of the reason we feel more pain in the wintertime is due to the wintry weather, which stiffens our joints and muscles. Like a cold rubber band, it’s more difficult to move and stretch until you’re warmed up.
Try dressing weather-appropriately and bundling up when outside. While inside, keep the heat
cranked high, and don’t be shy to dip under some warm blankets as needed.
Warming up before activity is also essential if you like to play outdoor sports in the winter or plan to shovel frequently. Keeping limber prior to activity will help protect frequent problem areas like your neck, shoulder, and back.
Keep Fit!
It’s harder to keep a healthy weight when there are holiday parties and family dinners left and
right. However, packing on the pounds puts extra stress on your already achy joints, especially your back, hips, and knees.
Keep active to stave off the effects of the holiday cheer so you don’t wind up carting around too much extra weight. Exercising regularly helps keep your weight managed but also improves blood flow and circulation to promote recovery of existing injuries and fend off soreness and pain.
Keep Hydrated!
It’s easy to stay hydrated in the summer when the scorching sun has us parched. The cold
weather is tricky because, although we will dehydrate all the same, our body doesn’t recognize the thirst cues immediately.
Stay ahead of the curve and make sure you’re drinking water regularly throughout the day.
Treating yourself to some hot tea is also a great way to get some needed hydration and warm up the body as well.
Keep this in mind during parties and celebrations too when alcohol is a constant presence.
Everyone likes to enjoy something to set the mood right during the holidays, but be sure to drink plenty of water before, during, and after your “holiday spirits” and always drink responsibly!
Get Pain Relief This Holiday Season
Staying mindful of the common problems that come with winter and the holiday season gives you a leg up to keep healthy, but sometimes you need to see a professional for an adjustment that will get you right in no time.
If you’re looking for a great chiropractor in Cortland and Ithaca, Dr. Barton is the best. Contact his office today for a consultation and find out how he can help you enjoy your best and most pain-free holiday season yet!