Rheumatism and weather changes: This is how rheumatics are affected by weather changes

Have you experienced pain in joints and muscles when the weather changes? Or maybe you have an old aunt who says that "she feels it in the gout" when the storm or the cold sets in? You are not alone in that - and the phenomenon is relatively common among those with rheumatic disorders.

Can sudden pressure changes and changes in the weather cause muscle and joint pain?

There are over 200 different rheumatic diagnoses. This means that over 300.000 people in Norway live with a rheumatic diagnosis in addition to all those with musculoskeletal disorders without having been diagnosed. This means that an incredible number of people in Norway live with chronic pain and stiffness in joints and muscles. Several of those who have such ailments report that they are affected by weather changes, cold, bad weather, air pressure and other weather phenomena. Many researchers have tried to find out the cause of this connection - and in this article I will summarize some of the findings that have been published. By the way, here in this link you can read about 15 early signs of rheumatoid arthritis.

Many rheumatologists experience that especially hands and fingers are negatively affected by weather changes - and many report worsening, especially in cold and gloomy weather. Many people therefore use specially adapted compression gloves (read more about them here - the link opens in a new window) to relieve stiffness and pain.

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What does research say about weather changes?

We know that the weather affects how we feel both mentally and physically. The mood is greatly affected by the weather. Dark and gray weather is something that can make us both depressed and depressed, while we can feel a little lighter in mind on a bright spring day. And because we humans are complex where both body and mind are connected - we feel better in the body when the mood is better.

Researchers have found that changes in air pressure can affect our muscles and joints. The nerves around the joints are very sensitive to pressure drop, in the so-called barometric pressure, and this will cause increased pain for patients with joint and muscle disease because they are extra sensitive. Studies have shown increased activity in nerve cells at low pressure. In addition, inflammation and swelling are affected by air pressure and then cause extra pain for patients with an inflammatory rheumatic disease (rheumatic diagnoses that are particularly characterized by inflammation in the joints - so-called synovitis)

At high pressure, there is more frequent weather and many rheumatic patients experience less pain than at low pressure which often results in worse weather. Many people experience more pain in winter than in summer, but we must not forget that there is also a group of rheumatic patients who feel better in winter and at low temperatures. There are many variations and the symptoms are experienced very individually.

Also read: - Researchers may have found the cause of 'Fibro fog'!

Minor symptoms in warmer climates?

A large group of rheumatic patients are granted treatment trips in a warm climate. Precisely because studies have shown that this has a beneficial and long-term effect on the symptoms of these patients. Unfortunately, it is not so easy that you can send all rheumatics to warmer regions, as there are actually several who do not have this effect and some also experience negative influences.

Therefore, there are only certain diagnoses that give entitlement to such treatment journeys. Are you in doubt if you have a diagnosis that entitles you to treatment trips? Talk to your GP.

Others have the effect of exercise exercises for rheumatics - as shown in the video below.

VIDEO: 5 Movement exercises for those with Soft Tissue Rheumatism

Soft tissue rheumatism and rheumatic disorders often involve a marked increase in muscle pain, stiff joints and nerve irritation. Below are five customized exercise exercises that can help keep your blood flowing, relieve pain, and reduce muscular tension. Click below to watch the video.

Join our family and the fight against chronic pain - subscribe to our YouTube channel (click here) for free exercise tips, exercise programs and health knowledge. Welcome!

The nervous system is affected by weather changes

Another theory is that weather changes affect the balance between the sympathetic and parasympathetic nervous system. This helps to change the sensitivity of the nervous system and gives patients with rheumatic disorders more pain. In addition, it is important to remember that the muscles often relax more at higher temperatures due to increased blood circulation - and that it is generally easier to keep moving in warmer climates.

At the same time, it is worth knowing that inflamed joints need cooling and not heat; Due to the low temperature, the blood supply to the joint is reduced and thus also the inflow of inflammatory cells decreases.

Typical symptoms of weather changes and cold

Here is a collection of symptoms that patients with musculoskeletal disorders may experience in weather and cold; stiffness, muscle and joint pain, forgetfulness, fatigue, depression and anxiety. It has been shown that we see most often These symptoms in women with chronic pain disorders. It is otherwise important to note that people with rheumatic diagnoses are at increased risk of being affected by cardiovascular disease.

Also read: 7 Common Symptoms of Fibromyalgia in Women

Climate and Pain of Fibromyalgia

Maria Iversen at the Norwegian Arctic University has written her thesis on «Climate and pain in fibromyalgia». She came to the following:

The humidity can affect the skin and stimulate the mechanosensory pain receptors, helping to give more pain to fibromyalgia patients.
The humidity can affect the transfer of heat in and out of the skin. Temperature can stimulate temperature-sensitive pain receptors and be the cause of more pain among these patients.
She also says that patients with fibromyalgia experience more pain at low temperature and high atmospheric air pressure.
Maria chose to write about this topic because most studies done on weather changes and rheumatic ailments do not include fibromyalgia patients.
She concludes that there is still considerable uncertainty around this topic and that we need more research before we can use the findings in any concrete measures.

Conclusion

We should not doubt that weather changes, cold and climate have an impact on muscle and joint pain. The reason for this is that many have researched - and they have also made many interesting discoveries.

Air pressure, temperature, humidity and stability are important factors that play a major role. I am very pleased with the good and active research environment we have in Norway; which gives me hope for more answers in the future, new measures and better treatment for patients with muscle and skeletal disorders.

Would you like to read more about a daily life with chronic pain? Coping with everyday life and practical tips? Feel free to take a look at my blog mallemey.blogg.no

Sincerely,

- Marleen

Sources

Forskning.no
Norwegian Rheumatism Association
Rheumatism Netherlands
Arctic University of Norway

Also read: This You Should Know About Bipolar Disorder

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VIDEO: Exercises for Rheumatists and Those Affected by Fibromyalgia

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