Almost anyone you ask with migraines, headaches, pain associated nerve injury, neck and back pain, any form of arthritis, joint issues and even joint replacements will tell you that their pain and symptoms increase or worsen when the weather changes, particularly for the worse. But why and how? Basically, we still don’t know because research is sparse and studies are small. But here are the possibilities supported by what little research there is.
Causes of Increased Pain when weather changes for the worse:
Barometric Pressure Change
Temperature Change
Reduced Physical Activity
Lack of Sun (not an old wives tale)
Vitamin Deficiency (especially D)
Strong belief that weather affects pain and therefore it does 😳🤔
Each and/or all of the above affect in a small way:
Tissue and joint mobility
Nerve sensitivity
Joint fluid consistency
Mood
Tissue healing
Sleep patterns.
What can you do?
Drink a large glass of water, when you wake up, at each meal, mid-morning and mid-afternoon.
Warm baths, showers and or heating pads (with care) for chronic conditions.
Light to moderate exercise 20- 30 minutes each day if possible. (Stationary bike or indoor pool work well on rainy days)
Eat healthily and well, don’t skip meals.
Supplement with Vitamins as needed and recommended by your physician.
Practice relaxation and/or meditation techniques to reduce stress.
Get 7 to 8 hours of sleep each night.
Take medications as prescribed.
And when the sun comes out again, get 15 minutes exposure per day - not even kidding 😊 (with your dermatologist’s permission, of course). Try it and see how you feel!
Come to Physical Therapy for a check up, review of your exercises and/or a reevaluation if it’s been awhile! Call us for a 15 min free consultation if you want to know how we can help.
References available upon request.
#pain #painmanagement #arthritis #arthritisrelief #arthriticpain #arthritisawareness #cpta #apta #physicaltherapy #physiotherapy #physicaltherapytips #physiotherapytips