Can the Weather Affect My Pain?
Changes in barometric pressure may make your tendons, muscles, and any scar tissue expand and contract, and that can create pain in joints affected by arthritis. Low temperatures can also make the fluid inside joints thicker, so they feel stiffer. A study shows that nearly 5% older people with osteoarthritis reported hot weather influences their joint pain. People with inflammatory arthritis experience pain when the temperature changes and humidity increases because it affects the way joint tissue expands and contracts, therefore triggering pain.
And, while science may not have an exact reason for why pain worsens in the heat, it cannot be ignored. Patients who suffer from chronic pain often report that the change in weather makes their pain worse. Bad weather, such as cold and rainy days, are often associated with pain, but research shows that hot and humid summer days are actually worse for chronic pain.
Barometric pressure (air pressure) is the weight of the air in the atmosphere. It changes depending on the weather: low pressure means a storm is eminent and high pressure indicates a clear day. Medical theories suggest that a drop in pressure means there is an increased amount of pressure on the joints. However, heat and humidity also affect inflamed tissue and affects the way joints expand and contract.
This means that many chronic pain conditions are affected by the heat and humidity during the summer months.
Arthritis - People with inflammatory arthritis experience pain when the temperature changes and humidity increases because it affects the way joint tissue expands and contracts, therefore triggering pain.
Headaches & Migraines - Temperature changes trigger tension-type headaches and migraines. The fluctuation in temperature, humidity, and barometric pressure during warmer months can lead to dehydration, which commonly triggers headaches.
Fibromyalgia - People who suffer from rheumatological conditions have “temperature sensitivity” meaning any extreme temperatures (both hot and cold) can have worsening symptoms and heightened pain.
Multiple Sclerosis (MS) - While pain has not always been a recognized symptom of MS, it plays a huge role in this chronic neurological disease. Anything that raises the body’s temperature can worsen MS symptoms. This means a hot summer day can make the pain worse and it is so common, that there’s even a name for it, Uhthoff Syndrome. And, once the person cools down, the symptoms tend to go away.
So, what do you do if you have a chronic pain condition and find yourself with high pain when it is hot and humid, i.e. in the summer months? Here are a few tips to beat the heat and reduce your pain:
Stay Indoors - If the humidity and extreme heat causes flare ups in your pain, spending time in an air-conditioned area will help regulate your body temperature. Too much time outside can affect your joints and make your anti-inflammatory medication less effective.
Drink More Water - Drinking water and staying hydrated to maintain electrolyte levels and fluids is crucial to avoiding pain. Believe it or not, dehydration causes pain.
Wear Loose Clothing - Wearing linen or light cotton clothing to keep your body cool, by allowing it to breath. Tight clothes or heavy fabrics do not allow sweat to evaporate or keep your body cool.
Swim - This is a great way to alleviate joint pain and to cool off in the summer months. Low-impact cardio, like water exercises, are great for those who have arthritis or chronic joint pain.
If you have a chronic pain disorder and are experiencing increased pain symptoms in the the summer, talk to your pain specialist. Come up with a plan to tackle the pain caused by heat and humidity.