It’s not your imagination; the weather can cloud your health. Here’s what research reveals about the connection between weather and pain.
Arthritis
Changes in temperature or barometric pressure, a measure that refers to the weight of the surrounding air, trigger joint pain, though researchers aren’t entirely sure why. In 2007, researchers at Tufts University in Boston reported that every 10-degree drop in temperature corresponded with an incremental increase in arthritis pain. Increasing barometric pressure was also a pain trigger in the Tufts study.
In fact, studies in cadavers have found that barometric pressure affects pressure inside the joints. In one experiment, when pressure in the hip joints was equated with atmospheric pressure, it threw the ball of the hip joint about one-third of an inch off track.
Asthma
The conventional wisdom that thunderstorms wash pollen, smoke, mold and pollutants out of the air, making it easier to breathe, may be wrong, according to scientists at the University of Georgia in Athens and Emory University in Atlanta. Climatologists and epidemiologists who looked at 12 years of records from 41 hospitals around Atlanta, found that visits to the emergency room for asthma spiked on the day after a thunderstorm. The link got stronger during storms with moderate-to-high wind gusts and moisture.
Though they aren’t sure why asthma gets worse after a storm, the scientists think that rain causes pollen grains to burst into pieces that are even smaller and easier to inhale. Lightning in the atmosphere may also spark a chemical reaction, turning pollutants into asthma triggers.
Migraine Headaches
Studies have found that 50 to 80 percent of all people who get migraines believe weather can set off a headache. The exact weather patterns that precipitate migraines remain a mystery, however.
In a study published in 2004, Patricia Prince, MD, of Boston Children’s Hospital, asked 77 migraine sufferers to keep calendars documenting their migraines over a period of two years. She then compared those to records kept by the National Weather Service.
About half of study participants got migraines that coincided with weather changes, but not all who were weather sensitive had the same triggers. Some seemed most vulnerable to a combination of high heat and high humidity, while others got headaches under the exact opposite conditions – low temperatures and low humidity.
however reading the comments on this sight was somewhat empowering... still contemplating lol
I'm 29 now and as a kid i suffered terrible with 'growing pains' in my knees. I was really active playing football/soccer and forever out in the wet and cold only to suffer that night or following day. I was always having hot baths, taking paracetamol and ibrupafen, hot water bottles and I must have shares in Deep heat/Ralgex by now. I still get them now and again. I think my dad suffered with it as a kid too. I was never given a proper explanation to what the pain was, but it does get easier with age. I was sent to a physio in the end. She taught me an exercise which really helped. Sit upright on the floor with your knees flat to the ground, then push your knees down with your thigh muscle (no hands) and hold for 7-10 seconds. Repeat for 10 minutes everyday. This really helped me, hope it works for you.
I have had the same issue since I was 6. I'm 23 now and I still have pain in my knees. Except when I was younger (6-about 18) the pain was only in my knees. Now it goes into my hips and sometimes will radiate from my hips to my ankles. I also can't sit in any position very long. I can only squat for about aminute, I can't sit with my feet under my butt for more than 30 seconds or so. Otherwise when I get up I have to brace myself and get up very slowly like as if I am 65 or something. I have been to mulitple doctors since I was 6 and they couldn't figure it out. They just said "Ohh it's growing pains". I took that answer for a while but now that I am 23 and not growing any longer and it's gotten alot worse I know they are wrong. I have been tested for arthritis but only once or twice and the second time was years after the first. I recently heard that you have to be tested multiple times (not in one sitting but in a close time range) because it's hard to catch? I don't know if that is true or not but may your journey to finding out what is wrong be far less complicated and unproductive as mine. Good Luck! Otherwise get used to taking ibprofen.
I found a product that completely healed my knee joint pain. It's call StemEnhance. go to http://www.simple.stemtechbiz.com and try this product. You will notice a difference in the level of pain within 3 days and you will sleep so much better. At least this is what it did for me. You can read all about this amazing product on the site.
I do have a question though...I would like to know if anyone of you have had a spinal fusion and how is that going..
Thank you,
Luisa
Freta
EOEOA, RA, OA, Hypermobile Joint Syndrome, Celiac Sprue, Fibromyalgia, Asthma
A lot of pain is caused by small nodules, fiber knots in muscles that are full of toxins and metabolic waste.
Even if you have various conditions, a lot of myofascial pain comes from these knots that are very well known to good massage therapists ( they can zone in on them in no time). Meanwhile, doctors know nothing about these and consider myofascial pain "mysterious".
Laser therapy ( although pricey) ultrasound, or even tennis ball or theracane for home use can help. Look up trigger point charts and consult a good massage therapist.
Chiropractors have cold laser and ultrasound but beware of those who want to suck you in with long term contract ( read red flags about chiropractors online).
Trigger points cause tremendeous pain and need to be deactivated because they get worse over time. Also very light stretching helps, there are excellent resources online for back pain or yoga.
Good luck to all of you!
I was told by 2 doctors that I also have Fibromyalgia which I had dismissed previously due to some doc's using that as a "catch-all" diagnosis. But I tried something I found over the counter a few days ago & it seems to be helping me a lot so far, its homeopathic & is made by THE Relief Products. It treats muscle pain, headache, fatigue, nerve & soft tissue pain & multiple tender points. I bought it at CVS but they also sell it in Walmart & Walgreens & their website is trpcompany.com. I liked it so well I went to their site and bought 2 more so I can use it for a full 3 months since my CVS was sold out. My pain mgmt doc also has me on Zyflamend, an herbal anti-inflammatory sold at health food stores or at iherb.com. While I do take Tramadol daily I still have stabbing joint pain, lumpy tender points, fatigue and depression due to pain. So I'm always searching for something new and I have to say I'm impressed with both natural remedies mentioned above.
I was just discussing the subject of weather, or barometric pressure's effect on pain with a fellow joint pain sufferer.
We were trying to decide if;
1) Does Barometric Pressure effect pain?
2) Does is cause more pain when going UP or when going DOWN?
3) Does the SPEED of the pressure drops (or rises) have an effect of how much pain we feel?
4)Are we nuts?
My friend can 'feel' a storm coming in exactly 2 states away, like clockwork. When she has pain in the very middle of her back, we're getting a Lake-effect storm from due north, without fail.
Her 'gift' is more accurate than meteorologists on the news - she would rather not be so 'gifted', but it does come in handy!
-SusanK
Fibro, Lupus, Cervical Radiculopathy, Failed Back Syndrome, Migranes, PTSD
I dubbed my left foot 'my tornado foot' and those close to me took me seriously when I said "We are getting a storm."
I really don't like this 'gift' I have. I would rather be pain-free and completely ignorant of what the weather is going to do. But after reading some of the comments, I count my self lucky--there are so many others with much more debilitating pain than I have. Best of luck to all of you in finding relief.
I can absolutely relate to the weather throwing a wrench in anything I want to do. At least a day or 2 before it is going to rain/storm/snow my legs start aching, and I just want to lay in bed. For the past few years I have dull shooting pain whenever I touch anything cold. It hurts my hands so bad and runs up my arms and into my neck and back. Doctors look at me like I'm crazy cause of my age and it is so frustrating. But, thank you to all who have shared your stories/realities. It has been very encouraging.
Now things that I notice that lessen pain: Eating a lot of fruits or vegetables; exercising, such as riding my bike, swimming, yoga, Tai Chi; being outdoors in the warmth(whenever it is warm in Cleveland,Ohio). Drinking tea with Valerian in it.
Also make sure you have your vitamin D level checked as I was having an unusual leg ache, that hit me especialy at night. Asked my doctor to check my vitamin D and it was 24(Should be > than 30) Once that was treated and I started taking regular supplementation with D2, that pain went away. Also try to use minimal pain medication because your brain produces natural pain killers. If you take meds like Percocet or Oxycontin for long periods of time, your natural chemicals will no longer be effective and once you're taken off those meds, the pain is ten times worse that what it was before you were treated.
Just a footnote here, I had been doing some research about my BP, which was staying out of control and discovered that EMFs(electromagnetic frequencies),that are emitted from all the electronics we use are also contributing factors to a lot of ailments including undiagnosable pain.
Hope this post helps, but, the goal is for you to find what your triggers are, find something that is not harmful to relieve the pain and to not let pain rob you of your happiness, peace and joy.
Ellen
Because I can't workout on the court anymore I'm gaining weight and losing muscle strength.
To be able to put in a hard days work at my job now Here's my recipe:
Eat a healthy dinner the night before.
Then
Take a multi-vitamin.
Take 2 Aleve and 2 Tylenol.
Take a Tums for the calcium.
Take a Meletonin for sleep.
This I feel charges you up during the night.
In the morning I repeat all of these after a good protein breakfast.
When I start feeling fatigue or pain shortly before noon I'll drink a Red Bull energy drink and take 2 more Tylenol.
This regiment gets me through the day pretty much 90% pain free and with enough energy to do my job. I make an effort to always eat when I take pills to save the ole' liver.
When my pain gets really bad enough to take my breath away I'll head for a hot bath or steam room and just cook myself. It helps for a while.
No wonder I'm getting fat! Well, this is working for now. Good luck to us all...
So now when the weather changes I feel it in my bones, especially in my hip.
I also have psoriatic arthritis and can feel some pain and swelling in my bones.
On a whim I went to do MOKSHA (HOT) YOGA with a friend. It was first week of January and they had a NY special. It was amazing! After few classes over the course of one week my bones felt almost as good as new and my psoriasis cleared up. So if you have a chance please try it! Any hot yoga will be good but Moksha is guided as a meditation practice and that is why it is very relaxing and beneficial (as opposed to Birkram for example that is more like an aerobics class)
To people living in Northern US- move south! It will help you a great deal to live in some state with not a lot of rain and lots or arid sunny weather. I am Canadian and 32yrs old and I am working on moving to the states. I don't want to spend my old age here slipping on the street on ice while shopping for bread and milk! Plus the pain that I know will increase in time.
I hope this helps you!
My question to you all is: did YOUR situation come on suddenly? I was fine...as far as mobility and such, then all of a sudden this past year..BAM...I feel like I aged 10 years in 1 year. I DID have an ENORMOUS amount of stress. I would call this past year one of the WORST of my life. Things are better now, but...my body refuses to join my mindset!!
As far as ACUTE pain for headaches and joints...my chiro gave me BIO-FREEZE. I like the roll on..it's like that HEAD ON stuff..I roll it right on my Forehead..even though you aren't supposed to! I also take MIDRIN and have for years. It's one of the FEW drugs I like as it doesn't give me side effects and not addictive. You take 2 when you feel one coming on. Then 1 per hour up to 5 hours. They took it off the market for a few months, now it's back! THANK GOD! Also, there are times when I get the WORST HEADACHES and I feel like I am going to STROKE OUT. NOTHING HELPS. I do have phenagren suppositories on hand and use 2 @25 mg to help with nausea and they sedate me.
We bought a BLENDTEC Blender at Sams. LOVE IT. We eat blender food a lot. Recently, we fasted red meat for lent, then added it back and at first I thought it was ok, but after a week of eating a LOT, I think it's affecting me. One of my BIG no no's is SOY SAUCE! I love it, but we marinate steaks and mushrooms in it and I USUALLY get a migraine after eating..so now I use BUTTER..haha. not good, but oh well..beats the pain!
20 years ago my allergist put me on what he called the CAVE MAN DIET. It's an elimination diet. You eat ONLY FRESH fruit/veggies/ and VERY limited everything else. NO CHICKEN, RED MEAT..but you could have TURKEY, WILD GAME, FISH. Long story short, I LOST 30 lbs in a 6 wee4ks..and once I added back food, I KEPT losing weight and thought I was SICK! Diet is HUGE..we were created with a special design and it knows what we NEED. I am going back on that diet and try to figure out WHAT will help my pain and also LOSE WEIGHT!
One last note...I have NEVER been able to drink BEER. One good swig and I get a TERRIBLE migraine. And now, nearly any alcohol I cannot tolerate without a migraine. I did read VODKA is the only thing that might work. Luckily, I just don't drink much and therefore don't have to deal with the issues.
Let me know of any MIRACLE PAIN RELIEF!!
I take my daughter's ballet stretch class and the stretching is about all I can do now.
pain in my hips shoulders and especially my feet and back.... whats up with all this pain? I had surgery on my low back L-4L-5 with 2 disc removed and 5 months later I had a fusion on my L-4 L-5 didn't fuse for almost a year.. was in so much pain 5 years ago... don't understand when the weather changes I get all this pain from my neck down to my feet.... ??? Does anyone know why
I am feeling this bad on damp days or cold days.???
I have RA in almost all my joints, easier to say which are not, only about 10%.As well as Fibro.
Been in three auto accidents and hurt each time, the joints hurt then are alway the worst when rain is brewing, at least 10 days before the time.
I lived and worked in the Kahalari desert for while and the hot dry weather, even though it does rain and the cold dry weather, as well as a lower altitude were certainly more comfortable on the RA.
Wet summers and as well as a higher altitude make things worse now, even though winter is dry and cold most of the time it can and sometimes does get wet.
Baromatic preasure certainly does make things different.
My Dr. has the same view point on weather and RA pain.
Regards,
Marc.O
I am 53 and have always been very active. I could always predict the weather with the ache in my knees. I have Chondromalatia patella and have had this problem since my teens. This past year, I have had the biggest problem sitting, getting off the couch, walking up and down stairs. I look like an old lady. I am attempting to get injections of Synvisc, hoping I can move more freely and faster without pain.
Has anyone tried this fluid that injected in your knee/s?\
Has anyone ever heard of SAD? Seasonal Affective Disorder? Google the website, Women to women. The insurance companies and medical doctors don't want this diagnosed as an acceptable medical condition, neither does social security, etc.
Please google it. I get extreme fatigue and migraine headaches, when we're expecting a rain or snow storm.
I've been researching this SAD. I read a paper that says the fatigue is caused by our bodies over-producing melatonin, including the Vitamin D theory of not enough sun. People living in the Northeast have little amounts of sun. This is also a deterrent to fatigue, but the medical field would rather give you drugs. Try the product, 5 HTP (produces seratonin), DHEA, B-12 shots or bilingually taken.
I also agree with people that discuss your diet. I just stopped drinking coffee, which is very acid and is bad for gout. I've been eating salads with dark green leaves, and some protein on top.
I am also investing in a light for light therapy, there is also a light simulator that goes on very slowly to simulate the sun coming up for people who have a hard time getting up in the dark.
There is diagnostic testing called salivary testing, there's a link on the women to women web site. This testing shows the level of seratoinin, norephinephrine, melatonin, dopamine, and many other things to test, which shows what you're lacking for depression, fatigue, etc.
The fatigue, migraines and knee pain is what is driving me crazy. I was supposed to go out last night, but I had such a headache, I couldn't move off the couch. My son thinks I'm just lazy. All of this is disrupting my every day chores.
Also, try taking Super Krill/better than Omega 3.
Probiotic acidopholus is good for any digestive problems. It helps neutralize your stomach and digestive system and produces enzymes to break down your food. My whole family is more medical. They all have stomach problems. I got rid of stomach problems eating right, taking enzymes with carbs and protein, and the probiotic acidophollus. Yes you can eat yogurt, but the capsules are more potent and those of us who are slow metabolizers and have dairy problems, caps are better.
I used to work with a biochemist, and did hair analysis with a vitamin program.
Whenever you are trying to look for something, put it in as a question in the address bar.
Look up Natrol products.
I am determined to figure out this seasonal affective disorder, migraines and knee pain.
Good luck and God bless,
Denise
We are a "cup half FULL" family !!!
Does anyone else have family history? My mom developed RA when she was 60, I was diagnosed at 40 and my sister at 44, my daughter has Hasimotos Thyroidits at 27, son has Osteo and Pre RA at 27 and neice has Psoriasis at 26 and another sister at 45. So in our case, it would seem that these auto immune disorders run in our family.
Would like to see some information on familial connections.
This is for SHERRY, whose 10 yr old son suffers migraines and anyone else who has them.
Myself, my husband and our 20 year old daughter (an only child) all suffer from BADDDDDDDDDD migraines. After years of suffering (I was diagnosed at age 15 and am 53), I discovered Head On MIGRAINE. It is AWESOME; all 3 of us carry our personal sticks plus we keep about 2 or 3 at home. I freely offer mine to anyone I encounter in the public who is suffering with any headache. It is homeopathic; contains Blue Flag. It has worked for literally EVERY SINGLE PERSON I have had try it. The way I use it is to "paint" my forehead from temple to temple in about 3 or 4 strokes, in 5 min if the headache isn't gone I use it again. NO ONE we know of has ever had to use it more than twice for a single headache.
Available at Walmart and other places for as little as $4.57 a stick........it is not only a bargain but a lifesaver.
If anyone you love suffers from migraines or just bad headaches......show your love.......spend $5 on them. Trust me they'll thank you over and over again.
Just for your info, I do not work for the company, don't own stock in the company, don't know any one that works for the company, am NOT being paid by the company or any of the usual thoughts that comes to mind when someone touts amazing tributes to a product.
When you've tried everything else and nothing else works.........HEAD ON WILL WORK!!
Rhonda
I'm originally from Ohio, then moved to N.C. and now live in TX. Trust me, the cold weather will definitely make you aware of your aches and pains. Even here where we have very little cold weather, we had a drop in temp. last week and I spent the entire day in bed and with pain.I don't want to scare you, but you need to know the truth. All weather changes effect muscle aches and pains.
Best of luck!
I have RA and Asthma, been that way forever.
I have long since complained to my doctors that it did not matter what change in the weather, as long as it was changing rapidly. I suffered more. I just dread it when it happens.
To make matters worse. My passion and occupation is Automobile Mechanics. It is becoming almost impossible to work or enjoy this activity anymore.
I live in the high desert in El Paso Texas. I know that moving will not help, because as I said it does not matter what the change in weather. It is that it changes rapidly one way or the other.
Hoping for a cure.
Mark H.
Some days I curl up in a ball in my bed I hurt so bad, just being touched is agnonizing.
Last spring I lost my job because of these problems. That certainly made my depression worse and it seems when I am more depressed I hurt more. Sometimes I would love to crawl out of my body.
I agree the weather change does definitely affect the joints and makes my fibro worse too. I live in the PNW on the state line with Oregon.
I force myself out of bed to walk everyday with my neighbor, sometimes that is hell. The doctors told me I had to keep moving with the DISH to slow down the fusion of my spine.
One of the many medications I take, Deplin, is a super-B vitamin and it really helps with energy. I take it in the morning and I get a good 3-5 hours of energy. It is a prescription medication. Give it a try.
I wish all of you the best.
Trish
Any advice on Humira? I take a self injectable once a week? the oxycontin and ton of other medications does not cut the inflammation and the pain. The AS gives me lots of fevers and swollen lympth nodes from the inflammation. I was told the Humira would help prevent the future damage of the spinal fusions and rib cage fusions. I would certainly appreciate any assistance....Thank you!
My husband is a pilot who depends heavily on the weather forecast in planning, but he's never found a more accurate storm predictor than his wife. :) My experience (living in MD, South America, UT, TX, ND, OK) tells me cold weather, humidity and windy climates are harder, at least for me.
Why do we think we need science to validate what we already know from personal experience? I'm grateful to know I'm not the only one who feels like an old lady. Hang in there!
i live in Pa and the past weekend was awful with my fibromyalgia pain because it was raining all weekend.i took arthritis tylenol, took hot shower steaming hot and just of sudden at night the pain went away after been in pain for 48 hours or more.iam glad i believe in God because suicidal thoughts go through my mind when this pain hits me but iam not going to kill myself because i love myself.
iam praying for everyone that have these awful pain.
Now, in order to manage the pain, I am on drugs that make me forget major events and conversations. I spend all day in bed. This is not the life of a 29-yer-old woman.
I love reading AT articles because it makes me feel I belong. An article in Arthritis Today caught my attention because it was about what pregnancy is like for RA sufferers. It gave me new hope. Random people I meet at the rheumatoloist and pain management doctor's are always so kind and they say having babies made their pain go away. I am about ready for children. I am so glad there are researchers studying what we go through every day.
I am having a very difficult time adjusting to the fact that I will have to live the rest of my life with the pain, swelling, stiffness and constant fatigue that suddenly attacked me ONE year ago! Every day is a struggle to push myself, to remain active and engaged; to enjoy the life I enjoyed before this onslaught! The pain in my hands is the worse to endure...but I will not give in. As you can see, I am sending this message out to all my fellow sufferers!
I was initially diagnosed with RA despite the fact that my lab work shows zeronegative. X-rays show degenerative arthritis in the hands/feet. I also have arthritis in the back. I have also been diagnosed with fibro and that plays havoc with my legs/arms.
Yes, I have always believed in the correlation between weather and its' effects on the body. Today, it is an irrefuteable fact!! I live it day to day.
I take Lyrica 2X/daily for a total of 300 mg; I get some relief. I also take Tramadol [50 mg/per tablet]as needed. But NOTHING takes away the pain; it just cuts a bit of the edge.
STRESS is an enormous component in dealing with these arthritic conditions; it aggravates every symptom.
DEPRESSION can easily hit you unless you have sources of support and a vigorous thirst for life. I experience both!
FATIGUE is a very big issue for me because having to constantly fight all of the above depletes our body's energy. I suffer when I do not simply enough; if I have more than one glass of wine, the next day I suffer for it. I often spend the day in Chicago [between 7-10 hours] visiting museums, going to concerts, etc. I now know that the DAY AFTER I will have to spend it in bed. This is something I cannot yet accept.
I am only 67. My mother is 93 and knows no pain!!!! The eyes are her issue but, despite that, she travels and leads a very active non-stop life in the Sunshine State. My salvation is that I will be spending the winter with her!
So, my fellow readers, what is the moral of our saga? We have to bite the bullet and ignore all those unenlightened folks who
say: "Oh, be glad you JUST have arthritis".
My best,
Gigi
Thanks
This article confirms what life experience has told me. Thank you.
It was a daily fight. I spend a large part of the day closing the windows, only to have them opened again.
I REALLY believe changes in pressure have a huge effect on joint pain.
I just dread the cold weather coming and hate winter.
Where is the perfect place to reside when you are riddled with OA?
There is comfort in knowing others are fighting the same battle and that I am not alone. KEEP UP THE FIGHT and pray for a cure.
RA,Polymyositis,and Pulmonary Fibrosis. I am also on 24-hour oxygen. The weather affects all of these diseases. Cold, rainy weather sends my pain level up. Breathing in humid conditions is almost impossible. I have said it for years.
and I have RA and Fibromyliga and when
the weather changes and the humity is high
I hurt real bad,So I do think the weather
has something to do with it.
What a wonderful site and wealth of great information
ADEEB
good result in acupressure and homoeopathic treatment
and have only developed joint pain in both
knees about six months ago. A surgeon looked
at my x-rays and said that I did not need
surgery, and to stay on the Naproxen that my
G.P. has prescribed. I am affected most after
sleeping and trying to get out of bed. After
I get moving there is no pain, except when
I have to drive a car or sit where I cannot
extend my legs. My mother contracted R.A. when she was 48, and she ended up crippled
up pretty badly by the time she passed in
her 70's. She had the disfiguring kind of
arthritis.
Thanks so much for this website
Janet
I'm glad your article confirms this! It helps to be able to make some sense out of this disease. Thank you.
I am so happy to cofirm that weather affects my RA. I always knowest the effect when is rainny or when the temperature change, I always feel more pain. Now, I know or at least i know i am not the only one feeling and thinking that the temperature change makes me feel more sick.
Can't wait for summer!
http://psoriaticarthritis.blogspot.com/2009/01/under-weather.html
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