Do You Experience More Pain When It Rains? Here’s Why
By: Dr. Tiffany T. Butler | February 16, 2023 | Read Time: 3 minutes
“Some people feel the rain. Others just get wet.” (Bob Marley)
Have you ever heard people say, “I know it’s going to rain because I can feel it in my joints.” Let’s take a closer look to see if weather conditions such as rainfall contribute to joint pain or not?
The human body needs to maintain a body temperature of 95 degrees Fahrenheit to ensure normal biochemical and physiological function. When there is a change in the external conditions, our bodies will respond in order to maintain this core temperature, otherwise, normal body function will suffer. In a hot (or warm) environment, our sweat glands will activate and we will perspire to cool off. On the other hand, in a cold (or cooler) environment, our muscles will contract/spasm, generating heat, and thereby warming the body.
When the weather outside is coupled with cold (or cooler) temperatures and rainfall, these types of weather conditions may contribute to joint pain:
- Low Barometric pressure
- Decrease Temperature
- Low Humidity
Oftentimes, patients who report an increase in joint pain may also have health conditions that put that at risk for experiencing an increase in pain during rainfall, cold weather conditions, and/or both:
- History of arthritis (e.g. osteoarthritis)
- Recent joint injury
- A surgical procedure to the joint (recent)
- History of fibromyalgia
- Patient pain-tolerance level
Bottom Line: There are some people who do experience pain with changes in weather conditions; however, there are some that do not. Those who are more likely to experience joint pain on rainy and cold days are those who may have pre-existing conditions such as arthritis, a recent injury, or trauma to the joint.
Dr. Tiffany T. Butler (aka “The Pain Doctor”) is a chiropractor, author, and entrepreneur. She leads Harmonious Living Chiropractic: Fitness & Wellness Center, a pain management practice, in offering healthcare solutions that focus on patient-centered care. Her team consists of individuals who are passionate about improving patient outcomes by providing chiropractic care, in conjunction with therapeutic procedures. Their services have helped hundreds of people find pain relief and improved their quality of life. To learn more about Dr. Butler visit https://www.drtiffanybutler.com/dr-butler/ Connect with Dr. Butler on social media #drtiffanybutler @drtiffanybutler
