As winter sets in, it’s not just your hands and feet that feel the chill, your neck joints might be stiffening up too. If you’ve noticed it’s harder to turn your head on those cold mornings, you’re not alone. Neck stiffness is a common complaint during colder months and your joints could be at the heart of it.
Why Does Cold Weather Affect Neck Joints?
Cold temperatures cause muscles and surrounding tissues to contract and tighten. This natural response helps the body retain warmth, but it also means joints can become stiffer and less mobile. The drop in temperature can reduce blood flow and make soft tissues around the joints less pliable, contributing to a sensation of tightness or restricted movement.
For people with a history of neck issues, arthritis or poor postural habits, the cold can highlight underlying stiffness that may not be noticeable in warmer weather. Research has shown that lower temperatures are associated with increased joint pain levels in individuals with osteoarthritis too (Wang et al., 2023).
It’s Not Just the Weather; It’s How We React to It
Our behaviours in colder seasons can also make things worse. We tend to hunch our shoulders, wrap ourselves in scarves and move less when it’s chilly, often tensing up without realising it. On top of that, we’re likely spending more time indoors, working from laptops or scrolling on phones, all of which can load the neck joints and muscles in awkward, static positions.
Signs Your Neck Joints Are Stiff
- A reduced ability to turn or tilt your head
- A heavy or blocked feeling in the neck, especially in the morning
- Pain or discomfort with movement
- Referred aches into the shoulders or upper back
- A tendency to “guard” or limit neck motion due to discomfort
These symptoms may be mild or occasional but if they persist, they could signal joint dysfunction or deeper postural imbalances.
Don’t Let a Stiff Neck Linger
Winter shouldn’t mean putting up with a neck that won’t move. Addressing joint stiffness early can prevent more complex problems down the track, like nerve irritation or chronic pain patterns.
If stiffness is ongoing or interfering with daily activities, it’s worth having a physiotherapist assess your neck mobility. Joint stiffness can often be improved with manual therapy, postural retraining and a tailored exercise program.
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References:
Wang, L., Xu, Q., Chen, Y., Zhu, Z., & Cao, Y. (2023). Associations between weather conditions and osteoarthritis pain: a systematic review and meta-analysis. Annals of medicine, 55(1), 2196439. https://doi.org/10.1080/07853890.2023.2196439
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