How to stop shivering

People usually shiver to warm up when they are cold. However, there are other causes of shivering, some of which may signify an underlying health problem.

When people are cold, the muscles in their body will contract and relax rapidly to generate heat. This causes part or all of the body to shiver or shake. People can still shiver on a warm day if there is a cool breeze or they are sitting in the shade.

Shivering is an involuntary movement of the body, which means that it is uncontrolled. Hiccups and sneezing are other examples of involuntary movements.

Read on to learn about eight causes of shivering and when it is necessary to see a doctor.

What causes shivering?

Shivering occurs most commonly when a person is cold. It is usually temporary and should stop once the individual warms up.

However, shivering can also be a symptom of physical or mental illness.

Below are eight potential causes of shivering:

1. Fever

Other than being cold, the most common cause of shivering is fever, which doctors define as a body temperature higher than 100°F.

Fever usually occurs as a result of infection, but inflammation or an allergic reaction can also increase body temperature. Some people with a fever may also have signs of flu, but others will have no additional symptoms.

Drinking plenty of fluids and taking nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) can help to reduce a temperature.

If a person has other symptoms, particularly a stiff neck, rapid heartbeat, or shallow breathing, they should seek medical advice within 24 hours. If they have no other symptoms, they will only need to visit a doctor if the fever lasts for more than 3 days.

2. Psychogenic movement disorders

For some people, stress or mental health factors can cause shivering and other involuntary movements. This usually occurs due to a psychogenic movement disorder, which can affect any part of the body.

A doctor who specializes in medical conditions affecting the brain, called a neurologist, will usually diagnose psychogenic movement disorders. They may look for the following characteristics when making a diagnosis:

movements happening suddenly, without warning

memories of a traumatic event triggering movements

movements stopping if a person is distracted

underlying mental health issues, such as depression

There is often no underlying brain or nerve damage. Instead, shivering is the body's response to stress.

Doctors will often treat psychogenic movement disorders with a combination of mental health therapy and physical therapy.

3. Postanesthetic shivering

Shivering can occur when a person regains consciousness after a general anesthetic.

A person's temperature may drop during a surgical procedure, which can cause them to shiver when they wake up after the operation is over.

Anesthetics can also affect the body's ability to regulate temperature, which can make it difficult for the body to warm up quickly after an operation.

Doctors will usually check a person's temperature and provide them with blankets or heaters if necessary.

Source: Medical News Today