Ever wonder why your joints, sinuses hurt when Texas weather changes? Here’s some answers
You’ve likely heard that changes in the weather makes people’s joints ache, but is that just an “old wives’ tale” or is there truth in that statement?
It’s been a cold start to the year for North Texas, as a series of arctic blasts hit Dallas-Fort Worth in mid-January. At its most frigid, the temperature dipped to 11 degrees on Jan. 15, according to National Weather Service data.
We are likely to see another change in our weather in North Texas this weekend as rain is expected to pummel the region, 1 to 1.5 inches of rainfall is expected in some areas.
When it comes to the connection between changes in the weather and joint and body pain, there may be some truth to the claim after all. Here’s what we know:
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Why our bodies ache when weather changes?
It all has to do with barometric pressure, which is the measurement of air pressure in the Earth’s atmosphere.
As barometric pressure drops before a storm, lower air pressure pushes less against the body thus allowing tissues to expand, according to Direct Orthopedic Care. When tissue expands, it can put pressure on joints and thus cause pain.
Speed is also a factor in joint pain caused by weather, according to Baylor Scott & White Health. An abrupt drop in pressure as storms roll into town can create more apparent aches than a gradual pressure decline.
If your sinusitis flares up as storms roll in, here’s why?
Changes in barometric pressure can also trigger pain and discomfort for those suffering from sinusitis by causing the swelling of tissues in the nose. The swelling constricts nasal passages, causing discomfort in your sinuses.
“This can result in sudden, painful feeling of pressure, sinus headaches, and facial pain, along with congestion,” according to the Ohio Sinus Institute, a medical clinic dedicated to nasal and sinus disorders.
Staying informed on upcoming weather conditions can help people with sinusitis deal with an onslaught of symptoms.
“Preventing sinus headaches starts with better awareness of when and how your sinus headaches are triggered. This can include tracking the weather and your symptoms and identifying any patterns,” the Institute says on its website.
Is there any relief for weather-related body pain?
Yes, there’s a few things Texans can do to help ease their joint pain as storms approach.
Keeping your home heated and car warmed up before driving can help reduce cold weather-related joint pain, according to Baylor Scott & White Health.
Another tip is wearing compression socks or gloves to help minimize swelling as the weather shifts. Taking anti-inflammatory medication or applying heat or ice to the swollen area can help reduce swelling as well.
Finally, staying active whether that be walking or doing low-impact indoor activities can help fluid move through joints. However, don’t do too much as that could aggravate swelling.
