"It had been there for a while and I was playing through it. It was affecting my sleep and I was struggling to throw the ball in at lineout time," Dixon said.
"It has been a pretty big season and the two weeks off has done it good ... it's nice and loose."
The Magpies forwards haven't played to their potential since the August 28 win against Counties Manukau and Dixon's return should go a long way to seeing some top-shelf set piece play return.
He boasts the ability to break the advantage line on the charge and get underneath big opposing forwards like the outfit Auckland will bring.
Dixon, 27, who won two world titles with the New Zealand age-group teams before his Magpies debut in 2008, also has plenty of knowledge on the Aucklanders from his time with the Blues in 2011.
"It's a pretty impressive Auckland side on paper.
"A lot of these blokes had a disappointing Super season and have a point to prove in the Cup."
Dixon believed the wet weather will even things out for both teams.
"If we come with a good attitude and concentrate on our game, we'll give it a good go."
He agreed the fact it will be fullback Israel Dagg and Andrew Horrell's 50th first class outings for the Magpies will add to the hosts' motivation.
"I went to school with Andrew and played a lot of rugby with him. I'm stoked for him because he had a couple of big injury breaks which set him back but he bounced back.
"It's good I can contribute to this milestone for him and both he and Izzy are good role models for the union and for the kids."
Magpies head coach Craig Philpott said his troops have prepared game plans for wet and dry tracks.
"The outcome of the game will be decided by the team which controls the ball the best."
Auckland coach Paul Feeney has stuck almost entirely with the same starting XV used in Sunday's 28-19 win against Tasman.
The only change sees Scott Scrafton return to partner Michael Fatialofa at lock.
Providing the Magpies forwards can fire to their potential, they should be able to get the upper hand on the visiting pack.
In unwanted All Black fullback Charles Piutau, All Black sevens reps Ben Lam and Bryce Heem on the wings, and in-form rookie All Black George Moala at second-five, the Aucklanders boast arguably the most potent backline the Magpies have met this season.
However, it's fair to say the conditions as well as some much needed improved defence from the Magpies backs will restrict their freedom. Fatialofa is the only one of the visitors to have held the shield, when he played for Southland in 2011.
Auckland last held the Log o' Wood in 2008 and have had two challenges since in 2009 and 2010.
"The boys are well aware what the Shield means to Auckland and our proud history. We've tried to play things down a bit this week to make sure they are focused on their roles and what they have to do in the game though," Feeney said.
