Struggling With Frequent Pain From Your Waist To Your Legs In Winter? Expert Shares Reasons And Remedies

As the temperature begins to drop, people tend to experience a condition where pain starts from the waist or lower back area goes down to the hips, legs, or thighs. In other cases, the pain might begin as a sensation of heaviness or stiffness and turn into sharp ones eventually. According to experts, this condition is not an accident and has a link with how the body reacts to cold temperatures.

So, the editorial team of Onlymyhealth reached out to Dr Amit Chakrabarty, Director - Neurosurgery, CK Birla Hospital, Jaipur, and here’s how he explained why these frequent pain from the waist to the legs in winter occurs along with expert tips for remedy and prevention. Read ahead to know everythinh he shared with us.

Why Does Waist-to-Leg Pain Worsen in Winter?

According to Dr Chakrabarty, there is not one but many reasons for this, including:

1. Muscle Stiffness from Cold Conditions

Cold weather results in muscle and ligament contraction with a consequent loss of natural pliability and flexibility. Poor blood flow to the body during winter may add to muscle spasms and make the lower spine and legs more susceptible to aches and stiffness, particularly in the morning.

2. Exacerbation of Spine Problems

Lumbar spondylosis, slipped disc, sciatica, and spinal canal narrowing are some conditions that tend to get worse during colder months. Dr Chakrabarty further explained, “During colder months, due to cold, inflammation sets in in the spine’s nerves, and as a result, pain starts radiating from lower part of the back and down into legs.”

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3. Less to No Physical Activity

Winter often brings a more sedentary lifestyle. Less movement, prolonged sitting, and poor posture weaken the core and back muscles. This added strain on the spine can aggravate existing back issues and trigger leg pain.

4. Arthritis and Joint Degeneration

People with arthritis of the spine, hip, or knees will find that they experience more pain in the winter season. This is because cold temperatures increase joint stiffness, especially in the elderly with degenerative joint disease.

5. Vitamin D Deficiency

Lack of sunlight exposure during the winter season might also lead to a deficiency in vitamin D. Vitamin D deficiency is closely related to muscle aches, weaknesses, and bone pains, making back and leg pains more prominent.

Common Symptoms You Should Not Ignore

Additionally, here are spme common symptoms that you should no ignore:

• Lower back pain that can radiate into one or both legs
• Tingling, numbness, or a burning sensation in the legs
• Stiffness that slowly resolves with activity
• Pain that occurs or worsens with prolonged standing or sitting positions

Dr Chakrabarty warned that in case of severe/progressive pain, associated with weakness in legs, or bladder/bowel problems, immediate medical attention is necessary.

Expert-Approved Remedies for Pain Relief in Winter

If any of the above mentioned ailments resonates with you, here are some expert-approved tips that might help:

1. Keep Yourself Warm

Wearing warm clothes or using heating pads or hot water bags can help in relaxing contracting muscles and increasing blood circulation.

2. Stay Lightly Active

Do not stay in bed for too long. Gentle exercises such as stretching, walking, and even yoga and physio exercises will help keep your joints flexible and your back and abdominal muscles strong so that stiffness will not set in.

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3. Practice good posture

Use chairs with proper back support and avoid slouching. Also, sleeping on a firm mattress rather than an overly soft mattress can help.

4. Consume Nutritious Food

Adequate intake of calcium, vitamin D, and protein is essential for bone and muscle health. Additionally, aim for 15 to 20 minute exposure to the sun to improve vitamin D levels.

5. Use Pain Relief Techniques Wisely

Hot fomentation, warm baths, and medications advised by a doctor may help in managing flare-ups. Avoid self-medication as it can do more harm than good.

6. Get Professional Help Early

Pains that persist for more than a couple of weeks or which recur each year are best sought from a specialist. This prevents persisting problems and nerve damage.

Bottomline 

Winter-related problems in the lower body region might be caused by stiff muscles, spinal problems, inactivity, and a vitamin D deficiency. Staying warm and active and consulting a doctor in a timely manner can alleviate problems.