The common cold and how osteopathy can help

It’s that time of year where the weather is beginning to become cooler.

At the forefront of our minds is that cosy knitted jumper and preparations are in full swing to ensure the fire place is ready for winter.

If you’re like me, you love the change of season. Rugging up in the cold is an absolute pleasure. However, while I do enjoy the winter, I do not enjoy the common cold that often comes with it.

Winter colds are extremely common, hence the name “the common cold”.

You may have also heard of said cold being referred to as an upper respiratory tract infection.

For the most part, colds are caused by viruses.

On average, adults will contract two to four colds a year, while children – having less strength in immunity – will contract anywhere from five to 10 colds a year.

And although we’re unable to get rid of the virus, we can alleviate symptoms caused by it. The most common symptoms include: running nose, sneezing and cough, sore throat, headaches and swollen lymph glands.

Coughing and sneezing is a reflex, however, it uses a lot of the main respiratory muscle.

With continued coughing and sneezing these muscles become sore and fatigued and, in some cases, even strained.

These muscles often then become tight, pulling on the ribs, in turn bringing the ribs out of their correct alignment. This is where your osteopath can help.

Osteopaths can help restore the alignment back to its normal state and relieve muscular aches, tension and spasms, as well as help to alleviate various symptoms.

An osteopath will look at the systems in your body and assist in bringing the body to function at a more optimal level.

Osteopaths will work to help stimulate blood circulation to improve the immune function and response, increase venous and lymphatic drainage and therefore decrease congestion and support the innate self-regulating healing processes of the body. So, next time that pesky cold hangs on for too long, consider seeing an osteopath.

Dr Lisa Kiddle is an osteopath at the Health Creation Centre in Ocean Grove.