Do Heat and Humidity Affect Chronic Pain?
No Summer in Minnesota would be complete without a few strings of 90+ degree days and high humidity. These conditions are hard to handle for just about anyone, but if you suffer from chronic pain, it can be an especially challenging time.
Do heat and humidity affect chronic pain?
You may have heard someone warn of an approaching storm because they can “feel it in their bones.” Turns out, this is actually a real thing. Drastic changes in weather, like an oncoming storm or an intense heat wave, can cause pain to flare up.
There is no proven scientific consensus as to exactly why this happens, but there are a few prevailing theories.
Changes in temperature and barometric pressure
Changes in temperature and barometric pressure are considered one of the most probable causes of weather-related pain. These changes are thought to increase pain in several ways:
- Causing joints to swell and then rub against bone
- Changing the level of fluids that line and lubricate joints
- Affecting the level of ozone in the air, which may exacerbate certain chronic pain conditions
- Acting as one of many triggers of hypersensitive conditions like CRPS
Dehydration
Dehydration is anther cause of joint pain. The joint cartilage in our bodies has a high-water content. When the body loses fluid through sweating and is not replenished, dehydration can occur. Dehydration decreases the concentration of fluid in the joints and can agitate existing pain conditions.
How can you manage pain when it’s hot and humid?
Luckily, there are a few simple things you can do to beat the heat and avoid pain this summer.
Stay cool
Make sure to spend adequate time indoors where you can run a fan or air conditioner to cool your body down. Try to avoid prolonged periods outdoors in the middle of the day, when the sun is at it’s peak strength. Swimming and other water-based exercises are great summer activities that provide the benefits of low-impact exercise while keeping your body temperature regulated. When you do go outside, consider bringing something to help you keep cool, such as a handheld misting fan or ice pack.
Stay hydrated
It is so important to stay hydrated. This is especially true when excess heat and humidity require increased water intake for your body to function properly. Dehydration can lead to fatigue, muscle cramps, and headaches, as well as aggravating chronic pain symptoms. Be sure to carry a bottle of fresh, cold water with you as often as possible so you can replenish your fluids often.
Stay healthy
Maintaining a healthy weight is always a good idea, and this holds especially true when it comes to reducing the impact of hot weather.
Being overweight can inhibit your body’s ability to stay hydrated and cool down.
- First of all, people with higher body mass generate more heat
- Additionally, excess layers of fat make it more difficult to dissipate heat
- Finally, obesity can impact a body’s internal cooling processes
As a result, an overweight person’s body has to work harder for longer in order to cool down when the weather gets hot. This can quickly lead to dehydration, which in turn can exacerbate chronic pain. Eating a nutritious diet and getting regular exercise to maintain a healthy body weight can drastically reduce the impact of hot weather.
Conclusion
Heat and humidity can be uncomfortable for anyone, particulay those with chronic pain. But don’t let hot weather keep you indoors! With a little planning ahead and the right attitude, you can beat the heat and make the most of your valuable time this summer!
Pain management at Twin Cities Pain Clinic
The above tips are great ways to help temporarily manage pain under certain conditions. But they are not long-term treatments. If you or someone you know suffers from chronic pain, contact Twin Cities Pain Clinic. We offer the most advanced and effective pain management treatment options that could significantly reduce chronic pain.
CALL: (952) 841-2345
DISCLAIMER
The contents of this article are intended for informational and educational purposes only and are not intended as a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Always consult with a physician or other qualified healthcare provider before engaging in any action or decision-making based on the content of this article. Never disregard or delay seeking professional medical advice or treatment because of the content of this article or any other content on the Twin Cities Pain Clinic website. Reliance on any information conveyed on the Twin Cities Pain Clinic website without direct consultation with a healthcare professional is solely at your own risk.
References:
- Speakman, John R. “Obesity and Thermoregulation.” Handbook of Clinical Neurology, vol. 156, 2018, pp. 431–443, https://doi.org/10.1016/b978-0-444-63912-7.00026-6.
- Blumberg, Deborah. “Does Weather Affect Joint Pain?” WebMD, WebMD, 30 Nov. 2018, www.webmd.com/pain-management/weather-and-joint-pain
- How Warm Weather Affects Chronic Pain – Minivasive Pain & Orthopedics. 27 July 2021, minivasivepain.com/how-warm-weather-affects-chronic-pain/#:~:text=As%20long%2Dtime%20chronic%20pain
