Barometric Pressure Changes
As the weather changes, it affects the barometric pressure. Barometric pressure is the weight of the atmosphere pressing down on the Earth – the air pressure. As the weather changes from a low pressure to a high-pressure system, our atmosphere often creates storms as a result. The shift in barometric pressure not only affects the air pressing down on the Earth, it affects the air pressing down on you. This is why you can feel pain in your joints as the air pressure changes with a shift in the weather. As a storm strengthens in the atmosphere throughout a day, so can your level of joint pain.
Pain Relief
Even though you cannot change the weather, there are some things you can do to provide relief when suffering from joint pain. WebMD suggests that keeping warm and dressing in layers is a good way to prevent heightened joint pain from changing weather. A very effective solution is to stay limber with mild to moderate exercise, especially during cold or damp weather. Try stretching to prepare your joints before stepping outdoors. Cleveland Clinic even recommends water exercise because working out in a warm pool is a great way to strengthen your joints and loosen stiff muscles.Now you know it is not a myth to feel heightened pain when the weather changes. That feeling in your bones isn’t in your imagination; blame it on barometric pressure. To combat its force on your joints, don’t forget to exercise, dress warm, and impress your grandchildren with your meteorologist skills.
