Weather & Joint Pain: What’s the Connection?
Weather and joint pain has long been studied and is now scientifically confirmed to cause certain conditions to be much more noticeable if the weather changes rapidly through the week or month. In this post, we’ll be discussing how certain weather patterns may exacerbate your specific joint pain related condition and what you can do about it to best resolve discomfort and pain.
Have You Noticed Joint Pain During Specific Weather Patterns? You’re Not Alone
Weather-induced joint pain is much more common than you think. You may have heard from an elderly relative: “I can feel the rain coming soon in my joints…”, and you may have thought that was a crazy assertion from grandma, yet it was most likely true. So what is the likely cause of joint pain induced by weather patterns? Barometric pressure.
Barometric Pressure: The Likely Cause
Barometric pressure, the measurement of air pressure in the atmosphere, often dictates how our bodies feel throughout the day. When you live in an area of the world where there’s rapidly fluctuating barometric pressure, you may find yourself experiencing greater discomfort and pain when said barometric pressure rapidly increases or decreases. This is in large part due to the following: Less air pressure surrounding the body can allow muscles, tendons, and other tissues around joints to expand. This can place pressure on joints, possibly leading to pain.
What’s the Ideal Barometric Pressure?
The ideal barometric pressure typically falls between 29 and 31 inHg. This barometric pressure is comfortable for most people and will possibly allow them to live with less joint pain, especially if the area they reside in does not fluctuate rapidly throughout the day or week with barometric pressure readings.
How to Avoid Pain & Discomfort On Rainy, Colder Days
Let’s explore how to best avoid pain and discomfort on the rainier, colder days if you happen to reside in an area which receives inclement weather throughout the year.
Warm Up & Decompress with a Warm Shower
Warming up after a restful night of sleep in a cooler temperature home is a great way to start the day. The act of utilizing warm water to help the body gently wake up and relax from its slumber and promote greater circulation to various areas of the body will typically do some good for most. Starting your day with a nice, warm shower may greatly improve your joint pain and discomfort for a temporary period of time.
Stretch
Stretching is great for promoting circulation throughout the body, opening up the joints, and starting your day off at the right foot. Stretching promotes greater flexibility as well. You certainly do not want to be stiff and achy when you start your day, right? We thought so. Starting your day off with twenty minutes of light stretching may be just what you need to reduce some of the pain and discomfort you’re experiencing on those colder, wetter days.
Exercise
Exercise, even if performed indoors, is still better than no exercise at all. If there’s a colder, rainy day approaching; maybe schedule some time at the gym to ensure you’re able to move around and break a sweat to help your body’s joints and muscles not feel so stiff, tight, and uncomfortable.
Stay Active
Staying active, and not just hibernating when it happens to rain or be on the colder side, is a great way to maintain circulation, flexibility, and better health. The last thing you’ll want to do if you have joint pain and discomfort brought on by bad weather is lay in bed all day. This may inevitably cause your joint pain and discomfort to worsen.
Contact Us if You’re Experiencing Chronic Pain & Discomfort
If you’re noticing chronic joint pain and discomfort, especially when the weather is less than enjoyable, you’ll want to contact us using the form below. We’ll be sure to respond to your message as soon as possible. We look forward to hearing from you soon!
DISCLAIMER: No content on this site, regardless of date, should ever be used as a substitute for direct medical advice from your doctor or other qualified clinician.