Winter weather: How is everyone with AxSpA handling the cold?
How is the cold affecting you this winter? My stiff neck has returned due to cold weather, even in Arizona. The days are cold and the nights pretty chilly. I tend to reach for the heating pad or heat pack (microwaved) much more often than not to keep my neck from locking up(neck fusion). Also have been grabbing my neck massager/massage gun to ease up the stress that is putting a terrible kink in my neck and upper back from the chill. Seems to help some. What is everyone else doing to stay warm and comfortable this time of the year?
I really struggle with cold and change of weather. I often say I have a better barometer than our local meteorologists 🥴 I always have a heating pad near by and I absolutely need a very hot shower in the morning as part of my modalities or I do not function well. It’s not only in the winter. I also struggle with summer air conditioners that blow on my neck or back. I can actually have a flare from those cold breezes.
Thanks for sharing - You hit the nail on the head!! I get like that in Arizona with the air conditioner in the summer as well. Right now I go on walks early morning (5:45 am) with my dogs and it's terribly cold here making me scrunch up my shoulders and neck and it is so painful. My whole back is locked up. I think I need a heated sweater or about 5 scarves. Brrrrr! Warmly ~ Rebecca
Honestly, just keeping moving really helps. I try to get up and do 250 steps every hour. It keeps my metabolism and blood flowing and it kind of keeps me warm. I definitely get stiff and painful when I’m too cold. A space heater by the bed and a warm shower before bed is really helpful.
