Does Bad Weather In Eden Prairie, MN, Really Affect Joint Pain?

On a rainy day in Eden Prairie, MN, some people complain about their joint pain and how the weather affects it. It doesn’t happen to everyone, but it happens to enough people to have scientists look further. It may be about the barometric pressure changes. The average is 14.7 pounds of pressure per square inch, but weather changes can cause that number to increase or decrease. Bad weather causes the pressure to decrease and puts less pressure on the body. Good weather increases pressure.

When the pressure is lower, less compression causes tissues to swell.

Swollen tissues contribute to pain. If it suddenly happens, you may notice the aches and pains more, but as the weather clears, you start feeling better. People with joint pain or arthritis will feel the difference most since they are more susceptible to triggering pain from minor tissue changes. Even though many studies have been done, no scientist can explain the connection. Another theory about barometric pressure causing pain is that people with worn cartilage that cushions the bone have nerves exposed that are more likely to pick up pressure changes.

One study found a link.

One study in 2019 noted a correlation between relative humidity, wind speed, and air pressure to pain felt. According to that study, the temperature had a limited effect on the pain felt. A study in 2015 noted that humidity and temperature significantly added to pain. As you can tell, the jury is still out on the subject. Part of the reason is that no two people are alike. Neither is their arthritis or pain triggers. There are even other factors besides weather that might affect pain.

Chiropractic care can relieve some forms of joint pain.

An evaluation is always necessary when you choose chiropractic care. Each person has a different reason for joint pain. The chiropractor will examine you to determine whether he can help. If he can, he will create a course of action specifically for your needs. It will address the cause of the problem, not just the symptoms. It may come from joint damage caused by poor posture that occurs due to misalignment or from soft tissue damage or limited range of motion.

• Sometimes, joint pain occurs during rainy or cold weather. One possibility is the lack of physical exertion. People are less likely to move around on cold and rainy days. If your body is inactive, joints stiffen.
• If you have aching joints during weather changes, you can bring relief by keeping warm. Light stretching, heat pads, or a hot bath or shower can also help joints. Staying warm can reduce stiffness.
• Arm or leg pain can be triggered by misalignment of the spine. That can irritate the nerves and cause pain. Targeting treatment may help relieve the pain.
• Don’t suffer one minute longer from joint pain. Winter is coming. The cold weather can trigger pain. Come to our office for a free 15-minute consultation to see if we can help you on your wellness journey.

For more information, contact Zen Chiropractic!