Does Weather Affect Chronic Pain? The Science Behind It

PUBLISHED ON:

June 17, 2022

Joint pain is a common affliction, often due to a condition or injury. Many sufferers find that their joint pain worsens with changes in the weather. While the root cause of this correlation is unknown, several possible explanations exist. Weather changes could affect joint pain through various mechanisms, such as altering barometric pressure, humidity, or air quality. Alternatively, people may generally feel better or worse depending on the weather because they are more active or sedentary when it is warm or cold outside, respectively. 

Weather Conditions and Joint Pain 

Many different weather conditions can affect joint pain, from humidity to barometric pressure. People with arthritis or other chronic joint conditions may find that their pain is worse on days when the weather is particularly hot, cold, or humid.

High humidity can cause joint pain because it makes the air heavier and puts more pressure on the joints. This can be especially difficult for people who live in tropical climates or who suffer from conditions like fibromyalgia.

Types of Weather Conditions That Affect Joint Pain 

Joint pain can be caused by a variety of weather conditions, including humidity, barometric pressure, and temperature. 

Humidity: High humidity levels can cause the body to retain water, which can lead to increased joint pain. Fibromyalgia sufferers are an example of people affected by humidity.

Barometric pressure: Changes in barometric pressure can cause tissues and fluids in the body to expand or contract, which can put pressure on the joints and cause pain. 

Temperature: Extreme cold or heat can cause the muscles and tissues around the joints to tighten, leading to pain.

How to Protect Your Joints From the Weather

Keep Yourself Warm

There are a few things you can do to keep your joints from hurting when it gets cold outside. One is to make sure you’re staying warm. If you’re not dressed warmly enough, your body will direct blood flow away from your extremities to your core, which can lead to joint pain.

Exercise Regularly

Exercise is one of the best things you can do for your joints. It helps keep them strong and flexible and can prevent or delay the onset of joint pain.

There are a few things to keep in mind when exercising to protect your joints:

  • Choose low-impact activities. Running and other high-impact activities can be hard on your joints. Swimming, biking, and elliptical training are all good options.
  • Warm up and stretch before you exercise. This will help reduce your risk of injury.
  • Don’t overdo it. When you start feeling the strain on your joints, it’s best to stop the workout.
  • Maintain healthy body weight. Carrying extra weight puts additional stress on our joints, which can lead to pain and other problems. Losing weight can help reduce the amount of stress on your joints and may help relieve joint pain.

Final Thoughts

This article explored the relationship between weather conditions and joint pain. It found that changes in barometric pressure and humidity can lead to increased joint pain in some people. If you are experiencing increased joint pain, fill out the form below or contact us for help.

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