As the winter season sees temperatures and barometric pressure decrease, the incidence of reported back pain and other problems of the spine increases. According to spine surgeon Hooman Melamed, the public, by and large, don’t know that they can follow certain guidelines to avoid pain.
As the winter season sees temperatures and barometric pressure decrease, the incidence of reported back pain and other problems of the spine increases. According to board-certified spine surgeon Hooman Melamed, the public, by and large, don’t know that they can follow certain guidelines so they can avoid falling victim to such conditions, which impact an estimated 80% of all Americans.
“This is the worst time of year for those suffering from back problems whether they be mild or serious,” says Melamed, whose Beverly Hills practice attracts patients from all over the world. “The reason is that the muscles, tendons and ligaments in the back become stiffer and less flexible as the temperature drops. Also, as the barometric pressure decreases, the joints expand, which can cause pain and aggravate other conditions like arthritis.”
Melamed cites other factors that contribute to back pain at this time of year such as poor posture caused by increased time in front of the computer and carrying heavy packages, moodiness caused by seasonal affective disorder and unhealthy eating habits, particularly of holiday feasts and treats that play havoc on the body.
He offers this advice:
Keep Moving: Gentle exercise like walking or yoga can keep one's back flexible and reduce stiffness.
Stay Hydrated: Cold weather can dehydrate the body, which may worsen back pain. Drink plenty of water!
Maintain Good Posture: Cold weather can make one hunch and shiver - so keep back straight, shoulders back, and stomach in.
Eat Properly: Nutrition matters so eat a balanced diet rich in calcium and vitamin D to support bone health.
Melamed has gained an excellent reputation for delivering the most optimum and highest level of patient care in his field of specialty. His concierge, holistic, integrative and non-narcotic approach places special emphasis on his patients' lifestyle, gut health and overall health, not just their spines. Patients benefit greatly from this state-of-the-art form of care set in his Beverly Hills practice that was designed to create a sense of serenity for his patients.
For more information, call 424-21-SPINE or visit www.thespinepro.com
*****
