Do you often have bone pain when the weather changes? This can have different causes and there are those who doubt a direct connection.
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We’ve all heard or complained about pains in the bones when the weather changes. Indeed, people who suffer from some type of chronic pain such as fibromyalgiarheumatoid arthritis, arthrosis, sinusitis or migraine are more likely to suffer from sudden changes in temperature.
Likewise, anyone who has had orthopedic surgery on their hands, feet, arms or legs, or has a prosthesis, is more sensitive to changes in temperature. Although science is still unclear as to the reason for this, it is certain that these pains can arise up to two days before the weather changes. Stay aware.
Bone pain when changing weather: myth or truth?
Decreased diameter of blood vessels and contraction of muscles
When there is a sudden change in temperature, the diameter of blood vessels will decrease and muscles and joints tend to contract, to ensure an adequate body temperature.
Thus, the site of the scars, for example, is more retracted and the pain receptors located in the deepest regions of the body become more sensitive, sending the pain stimulus to the brain at the slightest touch.
Increased sensitivity in the skin’s nerve endings
With temperature changes, the nerve endings located in the skin become more sensitive, leading to a small swelling of the joints. This directly affects the issue of joint pain. The same happens, for example, with water pressure, when someone goes diving.
Change in the electrical charge of the air
The approach of cold or rain makes the air heavier, causing more static electricity and humidity in the environment. This can cause a small contraction of the peripheral nerves, located in the arms, legs, hands and feet, causing discomfort and pain.
change in mood
Winter, with the cold and rain, invites you to stay at home more and opt for more sedentary activities. This leads to less heat production, the result of muscle contraction and greater stiffness in the joints. In short, this leads to a lower tolerance for pain and a greater sensitivity to any discomfort.
Tricks to relieve pain and discomfort
- Keep the body well warmed.
- Place a warm compress on the joint or site of pain or discomfort.
- Stay active and moving to warm up your muscles and joints and lessen pain.
But there are those who do not believe in this relationship
Despite all the scientific evidence presented, a study by Anupam Jena, professor at Harvard University, comes to throw down this almost umbilical relationship between bone pain when the weather changes.
Based on records of attendance at American hospitals between 2008 and 2012, the researcher analyzed data from patients aged over 65 who reported joint complaints.
Then, he observed the meteorological data of the respective regions of residence of the patients. Finally, he related the reference to pain with the levels of humidity and temperature in these locations.
One of the conclusions was that “The rate of occurrence of joint and back pain during a week with seven days of rain was similar to that recorded in weeks without rain”.
Thus, and although other theories support the relationship between bone pain and sudden changes in temperature, the fact is that scientific evidence is still scarce and leaves room for this idea to remain between truth and myth.
Therefore, and while the scientific community does not reach a consensus, we advise you to carry out an empirical analysis of the matter, that is, to evaluate your case in particular. In case of pain, try to follow the advice given and live the winter in the best possible way.
