Getting Through the Cold Months With AS

As a person living with ankylosing spondylitis, I feel like I'm a human barometer sometimes.

The weather is getting colder, and I can feel it in my hips and back. For me, living in the prairies in Canada means that we have many more months of cold than we do of warm weather.

The cold often makes my condition so much worse. Everything is more stiff, and my joints are more painful. My mood, mental health, and motivation can all be sucked out of me with the cold. However, I have found some things that do work to help me get through the cold and those -40C temps.

Look at the bright side

There is a lot to be said about your outlook on the weather and the cold. If you are like me, unable to move to a climate that works better for you, then learning to love the winter (or at least tolerate it) is essential.

This can be done. However, when it's -20C to -45C, I have a hard time reminding myself that if I dress appropriately and take measures, I will be ok.

I have an added challenge with the cold; I am totally blind, so I can't drive anywhere. I have to walk and take public transit, so I spend a lot of time out in the elements. I've learned very quickly over the years what to do and not to do.

Clothing matters

The best way to get to a point where you don’t loath the cold is to dress for the weather. This sounds like common sense, but so many people dress for fashion instead of practicality for the situation. When you get cold to the bone because you are not wearing the proper clothing, you will feel stiffer and your pain will increase. I know this from experience.

Ensure you are wearing lined boots or shoes, but the most important piece of clothing is your jacket. Make sure you have a jacket that is made for the climate. Investing in a jacket that will keep you warm will make all the difference, no matter what the weather throws your way. I find keeping my torso warm helps with the neck and back pain.

Next, if you are going to be walking more outside than just going from the car to a building, invest in a pair of snow pants or lined jeans or leggings. Keeping my legs and hips warm helps to keep my hip and SI joint pain and stiffness more manageable.

I learned a long time ago that keeping my neck warm made a huge difference for me. Since then, I have always worn a soft cozy scarf or a neck warmer. This has allowed me to be outside longer and get to where I need to — and not hate every single moment!

Heat it up

When it's cold outside, my joints and body are so stiff and experience more pain. In the winter months, I use heat therapy more than any other time of the year. I have many different heating pads of various shapes and sizes. My favorite is the one that sits on my shoulders and neck. I also have an extra large heating pad that I like for my hips as I sit at home.

When I am in the car with my husband, I have been loving our heated seats. Having access to this has been fairly new for me. If you are able to have heated seats and you live in a cold climate, I encourage you to use them. They are like the perfect built-in heating pad. It makes being in the car so much more comfortable — and toasty warm as well.

Keep moving

If you live in an especially cold climate with lots of snow, it can be so easy to stay indoors and wait for the days to get warmer. For me, this is often what I would prefer to do. I have found that finding ways to keep moving, even just walking, has helped.

On the days that I just can’t do it outside, going to an indoor track, mall, or using a treadmill is effective. Even a 15-20 minute walk can help loosen things up.

The cold can be hard on us all physically, emotionally, and mentally. What are your favorite ways to get through it?