Do Weather Patterns Worsen Your Pain
Houston Chiropractor Comments: In the fall and winter, when weather changes quickly and often in Texas, patients ask if it is true that weather causes joint pain. It is not an old wives’ tale, it is true.
People with arthritis and joint conditions can tell you when the weather is going to change. They will tell you that they feel it in their bones. Cold and damp weather can aggravate joint pain, especially in people with arthritic disorders such as rheumatoid arthritis, lupus, osteoarthritis, or even post-traumatic arthritis.
The main reason for this seems to be a dropping of the barometric pressure. This decreasing pressure allows the tissues in the body to swell. This can irritate your joints. This pain is felt even more if the change in pressure is very rapid, such as when a rain or cold front blows in rapidly.
A cold front will worsen the symptoms due to a constricting of the blood vessels and reduced blood flow.
To help minimize this weather induced pain, there are a few things that you can do.
First, receive regular chiropractic care and stretch. This will help decrease the pressure on the joints and make sure that the muscles are pulling evenly. Second, stay warm. Dress warmly and if needed, warm up your car before driving. Minimize your joint swelling by wearing compression gloves and stockings and use ibuprofen or other anti-inflammatory medications. Finally, stay active. Remember that movement is medicine. This will keep the synovial fluid moving in your joints.
Dr. Ward Beecher practices at Beecher Chiropractic Clinic at 1001 Pineloch, Ste 700 Houston, TX 77062. You can schedule an appointment at www.BeecherChiropractic.com or by calling (281) 286-1300. If you have any questions regarding this blog, please comment below!
