As autumn settles in, the sharp temperature swings between morning and evening, coupled with cooler air, can subtly affect the body’s blood circulation and muscle health. For middle-aged and older adults, these seasonal changes often exacerbate vulnerabilities, potentially triggering conditions like lumbar disc herniation, spinal stenosis, sciatica, or even cerebrovascular disorders.
When temperatures drop and daily temperature fluctuations widen, muscles tend to contract, and blood flow diminishes. This environment can easily compress nerves around the spine, leading to pain that might initially be mistaken for simple muscle soreness. However, persistent stiffness or sharp pain in the lower back or legs could signal the early stages of spinal stenosis, a condition where the spinal canal narrows, putting pressure on nerves.
Spinal stenosis is characterized by a constricted passageway for nerves, often causing leg numbness or a pulling sensation during walking, with relief upon sitting. In contrast, lumbar disc herniation occurs when a disc protrudes and directly irritates nerves, resulting in numbness, sensory loss, and muscle weakness. While early symptoms of both conditions may temporarily improve with heat therapy or medication, untreated underlying causes can worsen, necessitating more aggressive interventions.
Another critical concern in autumn is the increased risk of unstable blood pressure and disrupted cerebral blood flow, which can manifest as dizziness, headaches, or brief memory lapses. These symptoms are often dismissed as fatigue but may indicate early warning signs of cerebrovascular disease. Individuals with chronic conditions such as hypertension, diabetes, or high cholesterol are particularly susceptible and should prioritize regular checkups and proactive management.
Autumn’s cooler climate heightens muscle tension and reduces blood circulation, increasing the likelihood of spine and cerebrovascular issues. Even similar symptoms can stem from vastly different causes, making accurate diagnosis essential. Advanced imaging, such as MRI, can assess nerve compression or blood flow abnormalities, enabling early treatment that significantly improves outcomes.
For mild symptoms, nonsurgical treatments like medication, injections, nerve blocks, or physical therapy can often lead to substantial improvement. Neuroplasty, a minimally invasive procedure that relieves nerve adhesions and pain, is particularly effective, offering quick recovery and a swift return to daily life. However, dismissing persistent pain as mere muscle soreness or relying solely on painkillers can allow nerve damage to progress, potentially requiring surgery.
Autumn is a season when physical resilience often wanes, and pain becomes more prevalent. Recurring lower back or leg numbness, shoulder and neck stiffness, or unexplained headaches and dizziness should not be brushed off as mere fatigue. Seeking a precise diagnosis early can lead to simpler treatments and faster recovery.
Lim Hye Jung, HEALTH IN NEWS TEAM
press@hinews.co.kr
