If you've noticed your back pain flaring up as temperatures drop in Chicago, you're not imagining things. Winter and back pain have a well-documented relationship, and understanding why can help you manage your symptoms more effectively during the coldest months of the year. Cold weather making your back pain worse? The Cold-Pain Connection Cold weather affects your body in several ways that can intensify back pain. When temperatures drop, your muscles naturally tense up as y

In Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), each season carries its own energy, its own element, and its own invitation. Winter belongs to the Water element—a time of stillness, depth, and conservation. Understanding this ancient framework can transform how you navigate Chicago's coldest months and help explain why certain symptoms tend to arise this time of year. The Water Element in Traditional Chinese Medicine TCM's Five Element theory connects each season to an element, organ