PROBLEM
Many patients complain of knee, shoulder or other joint pain just prior to a cold front or during colder months and have recently asked me about this.
Is this a painful superpower that arthritic patients have to estimate the arrival of a cold front is there science to it?
SCIENTIFIC EXPLANATION
A cold front by definition is when the atmospheric pressure steadily decreases so that the cold, dry air can lift the warm moist air to effectively lower the temperature.
This is why before I even feel a chill in the air, your painful joint could respond to this atmospheric pressure changes.
When this happens, joint stability decreases due to the atmospheric/air pressure decrease.
Atmospheric pressure is the primary external force that affects joint stability. When air pressure decreases, there is less air pressure that pushes against the body. This allows tissues to expand. Expanded tissues can put pressure on joints and cause pain.
SOLUTION
Frequent chiropractic care. This is a safe and natural treatment protocol which includes chiropractic adjustments, mobilisations and soft tissue work that will help combat and assist in reducing:
- stiffness,
- soreness and
- pain
associated with joint and muscle pain.
WHAT CAN WE DO AT HOME TO AID IN PAIN RELIEF IN BETWEEN CHIROPRACTIC SESSIONS?
Above and beyond chiropractic treatment, there are other actions that you can take to take care of your body this winter:
- Warm-up and stretch before and after outdoor activities
- Dress warmly when going outdoors
- Limit cold-weather exposure time
- Maintain an active lifestyle
- Eating healthy foods
