People have linked health to weather changes for centuries, and while more research is needed regarding the direct connection between cold weather and chronic pain flare-ups, the indirect connection is quite clear. If you require pain management for chronic back problems or other ongoing discomforts, learn more about this connection here.

Why Does Winter Affect Chronic Pain?

Winter is a time of inactivity for many, which can cause the muscles and joints to stiffen from a lack of movement, resulting in pain. Flexibility, muscle strength, and blood circulation to the extremities also decrease to exacerbate pain symptoms further. Even those without chronic pain may notice stiffness and discomfort if they don’t maintain their same level of activity during winter.

Barometric, or atmospheric, pressure changes can influence chronic pain levels as well. When this pressure drops from a weather change, such as a winter storm, it can increase pressure on the joints. Those with arthritis or other chronic pain symptoms may notice joint swelling during barometric pressure fluctuations.

How Can You Relieve the Pain?

Help yourself avoid muscle and joint swelling, stiffness, and tightening this winter by staying active. Exercise is key to most pain management programs because it helps the muscles, ligaments, and joints stay flexible and strong. Aim for 30 to 45 minutes of cardiovascular and strength training at least five days a week to mitigate chronic pain symptoms, and be sure to stay hydrated. Hydration keeps the joints lubricated among many other health benefits, and is just as important in cold weather because of the dry, dehydrating air.

Other pain management tips for winter include water therapy, which provides resistance training minus the joint stress. Damp heat packs help as well by relieving muscle and joint pain without removing moisture and increasing discomfort. Also, ensure you are consuming enough vitamin D since a deficiency contributes to muscle and joint pain. 

Don’t let chronic pain take over your life in winter or any other time. Create a pain management regimen with the osteopathic physicians at Columbia Osteopathic Clinic in Columbia, MO. Specializing in holistic family medicine, including nutritional counseling, prolotherapy, and osteopathic manipulation, each patient receives 45 to 50 minutes with Dr. Suzanne Alt per visit. Call (573) 875-4877 today to schedule an appointment or learn more about alternative healing services online. Get additional pain management tips on Facebook.