The Bad Weather Blues

From Dr. Sara Tripps

Many people attribute the cold weather to their overall feeling of health. How true is the thought that pain can be attributed to cold weather? Upon research here are some interesting findings.

One study showed a weak but consistent association between pain and temperature. Each degree (Fahrenheit) drop was associated with a one-degree increase in pain on the WOMAC scale. This scale uses 24 activities and movements to measure Pain, Stiffness and Physical Function associated with osteoarthritis.

Similarly in a Tufts University study, the investigators found a strong association between pain and change in barometric pressure; this association was more pronounced with lower temperatures. Data indicates that there was no significant association between pain scores and either the dew point or precipitation.

In keeping with the fact that patients tend to say they have greater pain before the weather changes, the pain-barometric pressure association did not occur so much with the drop in barometric pressure that accompanies a change in weather, but rather with the increase in barometric pressure that generally precedes a change in weather. Patients also often reported feeling better after a rain, which again is consistent with the fact that barometric pressure drops once a storm arrives.

A John Hopkins study found: Although some evidence exists that people living in warmer, drier climates experience fewer episodes of arthritis pain, climate does not affect the course of the disease. At most, it may affect symptoms of arthritis pain.

One theory holds that a drop in air pressure (which often accompanies cold, rainy weather) allows tissues in the body to expand to fill the space, meaning that already inflamed tissue can swell even more and cause increased arthritis pain. Other possibilities: Pain thresholds drop in colder weather; cold, rainy days affect mood; and during colder weather people are less likely to be outside and get the exercise that normally helps keep arthritis pain in check.

What does this mean to us? Storm systems are going to impact your pain levels. There is also a large correlation between low temperatures and people staying indoors and not getting enough exercise, which indeed correlates with increased pain levels. When we don’t move around we do feel worse!

Doctor’s Recommendation: Be prepared to use ice, stretch and move. Arthritis escalates without exercise. So what should we do during the chilly winter months? Yoga, Pilates, stationary biking, elliptical, or walk / aerobic exercises are good alternatives if the weather is too terrible to venture out. As always, consult your doctor or chiropractor before starting a new exercise plan.

You can also use essential oils, Biofreeze or Kinesotape to help with the pain. We can help with any of these. Schedule a Health and Wellness Consult or add a taping service to your next visit!

Being cooped up could also bring you down. While these activities may keep the pain at bay, they may not cure the blues. Find a friend to exercise with. Not only will you be more likely to stick with it, you’ll also have someone to de-stress with mentally, too.

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