Health risks and recommendations for keeping shoulders up in cold weather

As the weather gets colder, many people unknowingly pull their shoulders towards their ears, contract their torso, and tuck their neck in. Continuing this reflex to reduce the body's heat loss for a long time can cause muscle tension, stiffness and pain in the neck, back and shoulder area.

Expert physiotherapist Ahmet Burak Sezgin said that especially those working at a desk should pay attention to their posture and movement times in cold weather. Stating that in the cold environment, the vessels narrow with the messages coming from the sensors in the skin and the body shrinks in order to reduce the surface area open to the environment, Sezgin stated that the main problem in terms of physiotherapy is maintaining this position for a long time.

Noting that the muscles around the upper trapezius and shoulder blades work continuously by keeping the shoulders constantly elevated, Sezgin said that this can lead to fatigue, tenderness and stiffness in the muscles.

'THE DOCTOR SHOULD BE CONSULTED'

Sezgin pointed out that keeping the shoulders elevated for a long time may trigger tension-type headaches as well as the pain known as "kulunç" among the public.

Stating that there is not enough scientific evidence that this posture directly causes a cervical disc herniation, Sezgin emphasized that a physician should be evaluated if the pain radiating to the arm is accompanied by numbness or loss of strength. Sezgin stated that sitting at a desk by raising the shoulders and contracting the body may also restrict the movement of the rib cage, and said that this may affect the comfort of breathing.

He stated that in the working environment, the position should be changed frequently and short movement breaks should be taken, instead of fixing the person in a single "correct posture". Sezgin, who suggested releasing the shoulders while exhaling when it is noticed that the shoulders are involuntarily pulled up, said that this movement can be repeated three or four times. Then, it is recommended that the head be turned to the right and left within pain-free limits, and that seated people stand up, walk for 20-30 seconds and swing their arms naturally. Sezgin warned that the neck should not be strained or cracked.

MISTAKES THAT THREAT THE SPINE, ACCORDING TO THE EXPERT

In recent years, long hours spent in front of computer and mobile phone screens have become an ordinary part of daily life. Brain and neurosurgery specialist Dr. İdris Avcı emphasized that they have been encountering complaints of neck pain and neck straightening much more frequently lately. Stating that pain does not always indicate a serious spine disease, Avcı pointed out that symptoms such as pain radiating to the arm, numbness and loss of strength must be evaluated by a specialist, and explained the mistakes that threaten neck health.

Stating that staying in front of the phone screen causes stiffness and fatigue in the shoulders and neck, Avcı underlined the need to change positions frequently.

Reminding that when pain occurs, long-term use of medication increases the risk of side effects and may also cause the real problem to be overlooked, Avcı recommended that one consult a specialist without wasting time, especially for complaints such as numbness and tingling.

Avcı emphasized that applying exercise videos on social media, which have become widespread lately, without evaluating personal health status, carries serious risks and said, "Exercises must be planned individually with the recommendation of a physician or physiotherapist."