Have you noticed that when it rains, your body aches more? You are not alone. Many people have reported this event, and several hypotheses exist about why it occurs. Read on to learn why bodily aches worsen with rain and what you can do about it.
The Link Between Cold Weather and Inflammation
Cold temperatures can exacerbate joint pain and arthritis. This is because cold weather can promote inflammation, exacerbating many problems.
There are several ways that cold weather might cause inflammation. For example, cooler temperatures might cause the body’s tissue to contract. This can place pressure on joints and nerves, causing pain. Cold temperatures can also inhibit the development of collagen, a protein that aids in joint health.
Changes in Barometric Pressure and Body Aches
Have you ever noticed how your joints ache more when the barometric pressure changes? You are not alone. Many people who suffer from joint pain or arthritis report feeling worse when the weather changes. There’s no definitive answer to why this happens; however, here are a few theories.
- Increased inflammation
Barometric pressure changes can cause inflammation in the joints. Increased inflammation might lead to further discomfort;
- Extra fluid puts strain on nerves
Our joints are loaded with fluid, and as atmospheric pressure drops, the fluid is driven out of the joints and into the surrounding tissues. This additional fluid exerts pressure on the nerves and causes discomfort;
- Colder temperatures
Another reason we may have aches and pains during wet weather is due to temperature differences. Colder temperatures can cause muscles and tendons to tense, resulting in pain;
- Nerve signaling alterations
Another idea holds that changes in barometric pressure may impact how nerves communicate pain signals to the brain. When barometric pressure lowers, nerves may become more sensitive, increasing pain perception.
The water content inside our cells changes as the weather changes. As the weather changes, so do our bodies. We may not feel it right away, but when the temperature and humidity outdoors change, so does the water content inside our cells. This can cause a variety of aches and pains, including headaches, migraines, cramps, and stiffness.
How to Ease Body Aches During Weather Changes
If you suffer from joint pain or arthritis, there are a few things you may do to assist in relieving your symptoms during the colder months.
Dress warmly
Dress warmly and take every precaution to protect your joints from the cold. Try to keep it dry. If possible, remain indoors while it rains. If you have to go outside, use waterproof clothing. This will assist keep your body dry and relieve pressure on your joints. You might also try taking a hot shower or bath to help relax your muscles and joints.
Stay active
Exercise is an excellent method to maintain your body healthy and robust, but it can also help alleviate some of the aches and pains associated with seasonal changes. When the weather outside gets more relaxed, our bodies tend to stiffen up, and we may notice muscle stiffness. Exercise can assist to relax these muscles and keep them flexible. It’s also an excellent method to release any pent-up energy that might make you jittery.
If you have joint pain, exercising can assist. Low-impact activities such as walking or swimming can improve joint blood flow and lessen inflammation.
Stay hydrated
When sufficiently hydrated, our cells can retain their structure and function. However, as we become dehydrated, our cells shrink and lose flexibility. This makes them more sensitive to pressure and temperature fluctuations, which can cause pain.
So, how do we avoid weather-related body aches? The key is to stay hydrated. Drink plenty of water all day and avoid diuretics like caffeine and alcohol.
Speak with a pain doctor.
See a pain doctor if you have joint or muscle pain when it rains. There are therapies available to assist in alleviating the discomfort and make it more comfortable. Despite the dreary weather, you can still enjoy your life with the proper treatment.
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