Weather Systems...do they affect your pain levels?

[Katie]

I've had varying responses to this question over the past couple of years. Interestingly enough, big storms are starting to affect my hubby who doesn't have any bad 'parts' in his body, and otherwise is very healthy. Yesterday as we weathered the edge of the hurricane, he complained of his joints aching and just feeling lousy. I felt the same way...my entire back was the worst it has been in a very long time, plus my hips where there is some arthritis.

Others say that it is hogwash, that they don't feel any differently when the weather changes significantly.

What is your experience?

[Pbchoclovr]

Katie,

We've had a lot of rain here in the DC area and high humidity, even without Irene. A few weeks ago during a run of days with lots of thunderstorms and gullywasher downpours, I had some of my worst post surgery pain, to the point I felt like I had just come home from the hospital. Part of it was due to overdoing it several days in a row with outings. But I can't say that all of it was from that. I mean... how taxing can it be to get in the car, drive to the movies, sit in the dark for 2 hours, and then come home to rest? I know that part of my increased pain was from the weather. My family and friends joked that I was now going to be a barometer for any new storm coming into the area. Last couple of days with Irene, I've noticed an achiness that I hadn't had in a while and not just in my back, but in other joints too. So to answer your question... Yes, I think weather plays a part in increased pain levels. To what degree, I can't say, but definitely a contributor to the overall picture.

Linda

[Catherine]

That's a very good question, Katie! And my answer is a definite YES. I live in Wyoming and our average humidity is something like 15 to 18 percent, so when a low pressure system is moving in I can surely feel it coming. My back and hip aches much more, and the bones I've broken in both feet ache too. But interestingly, not the bone grafts in both feet. Catherine

[Justin]

Very good topic, Katie. Yes, the weather can affect one's pain level significantly. Many Spine Patients have increased pain when the barometric pressure drops before a storm rolls in. Also, as mentioned above, humidity can also increase pain. Temperature changes can significantly affect patients with multiple sclerosis, as the temperature can cause them to have a relapse in symptoms.

[KanRunMo]

I also notice weather changes - high humidity, low air pressure etc. The old stories about old granny predicting a storm when her arthritis pain got bad, have turned out to be true. I know I have some arthritis and I know it affects that. Cold weather also seems to cause pain - maybe because we tense up trying to keep warm. Of course, rain and bad weather affect your mental state too.

[Katie]

Of course, rain and bad weather affect your mental state too

Oddly enough, I enjoy the overcast days and light showers much more than the oppressive heat and humidity that summers here bring. Although this year has been the best since we moved here six years ago. At least the humidity stayed under 80% most of the time I'm beginning to think winters in Arizona would be a nice change, but what I really need is a more moderate place to summer, with a dryer heat and nothing over 30 C. Most people I talk to love the heat, but I wilt like a true princess Those hot afternoons usually bring in daily thunderstorms. The light shows are impressive, but not the aches & pains that come with them.

I think my hubby thought I was nuts when I linked the joint pain with the weather, but after this week, he's becoming a believer. It's nice to get support on this theory

[Cindylou]

Great topic to bring up Katie. I have nothing but confirmation also of it affecting my pain levels. Me and the humidity do not like each other at all. I am so ready for sweatshirt weather. Bring it on! CL

[Katie]

I am so ready for sweatshirt weather. Bring it on! CL

I couldn't agree more We just had a strong thunder storm whip through this morning, and I was hoping that it would break the record-breaking heat and humidity that we've had for days. No such luck...it is supposed to go back up to about 40C (over 100F) with the humidex. But the rest of the week won't even break 70F!! What a roller coaster...

[Phil_b]

Cold and damp makes mine worse and sadly there is plenty of that in Ireland

Phil

[Pbchoclovr]

The funny thing with my pain levels was that when it got warm last spring, my pain levels suddenly dropped, making me wonder whether I should have surgery. But I knew it was only temporary and the pain would increase without notice. Post surgery, I think I've had some of my worst days painwise on the humid days when the storms are rolling in.