When the weather begins to chill, many of us become aware of how the weather might affect our emotional, mental, and physical well-being. If you suffer from joint discomfort or have been diagnosed with arthritis, you may already know that cold weather can cause uncomfortable and achy joints. 

Many of our patients come to Monitto Chiropractic during the winter because of increased joint pain and stiffness. It’s a common belief that people with painful joints can foretell the weather, but where did this notion originate from, and is it true?

Does Cold Weather Affect Joint Pain?

While there has been no research to show that arthritis or joints can predict the weather, there is enough evidence to suggest that cooler temperatures can aggravate or inflame your joints. The barometric pressure drops during colder weather, causing your joints to expand and putting additional strain on nearby nerves, aggravating your problem.

Furthermore, as the temperature decreases, fluids become more viscous, making it difficult for them to flow easily and hindering them from performing effectively, thus increasing sensitivity and pain. Many people are also less active in colder weather, which causes joints to stiffen and reduce motion. 

Signs of Joint Inflammation

• Discomfort
• Fatigue
• Increased Stiffness
• Limited Motion
• Grinding or Cracking Sound
• Pain in Joint
• Redness, Swelling, or Tenderness Around The Joint
• Weakness and Instability

Can Chiropractic Care Assist?

If your joint discomfort is caused by damage caused by joint misalignment, poor posture, or overworking of the joint, chiropractic care may help. Chiropractic manipulations and soft tissue therapies, for example, can help to alleviate uncomfortable symptoms, reduce inflammation, and restore your range of motion by reducing joint limitations and misalignments.

It is important to note that chiropractic care cannot reverse previous injury or cartilage loss, but it is the most effective treatment for joint pain relief.

What Are My Options for Joint Pain?

While no one can control the weather, there are some precautions you can take to reduce your chances of experiencing joint pain due to cold weather. Layers of clothing and compression gear should be worn to keep you as warm as possible. When it's cold outside, choose modest indoor exercises and stretches to keep your joints warm and mobile.

In addition, you can decrease and prevent severely hurting joints this winter by visiting a local chiropractor on a regular basis for treatment. Contact Monitto Chiropractic today to learn more about how we can help you overcome joint pain and our services or to schedule an appointment.