Weather and Joint Pain

Mother nature thankfully balances summer's blazing hot days with sudden storms and rain. Occasionally we are even informed of an impending downpour by sources other than the weatherman. If someone you know predicts it's going to rain based on their aching knee, hips, hands or shoulders, believe them!

A new bit of research has been released in the article People With Joint Pain Can Really Forecast Thunderstorms.

As the article explains, there is actually a scientific explanation behind people being able to forecast precipitation from their joint pain. Most of them report increases in pain before and during severe changes in weather, like summer downpours and thunderstorms.

Weather-related joint pain is typically seen in patients with osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, and other arthritic conditions. It can affect any load-bearing joint, but is most common in hips, knees, elbows, shoulders and hands. The joints contain sensory nerves called baro-receptors which respond to changes in atmospheric pressure. These receptors especially react when there is low barometric pressure, meaning the atmosphere has gone from dry to moist, like when it is going to rain. Hence, when pressure in the environment changes, we know that the amount of fluid in the joint or the pressure inside the joint fluctuates with it.

Suggested treatments by physicians include heat or ice, massage therapy, pain-killing creams, NSAIDs, steroid injections, and supplements to reduce inflammation such as omega-3, glucosamine and chondroitin, and joint replacement.

Acupuncture and Chinese herbs are yet another option for those who would rather quit announcing the forecast based on pain in their bodies. This natural therapy provides pain relief and decreases inflammation in the joints, among other benefits. A recent NIH study led by Dr. Berman shows that acupuncture is as effective or more effective than drugs in the treatment of osteoarthritis of the knee.

For more information on acupuncture and herbs, or for a free consultation please call us at 212-894-0767

Posted by Jessica Silver, MAOM, L.Ac.