Dr. Meghan Wronko’s Blog

With the change of seasons rapidly approaching, I wanted to take this time to do some research and figure out if a change in the weather can really affect joint pain. Often times on a rainy or very cold day many patients will say that they feel a little more painful. They often ask why this happens. I decided that it’s time that I find out if there really is a significant relationship between a change in the weather and an increase in arthritic pain.

The exact reason for why the weather affects joint pain has yet to be proven. The theory that changes in weather can affect joint pain is based upon the hypothesis that a decrease in barometric pressure, drop in temperature, or increase in humidity can lead to soft tissue inflammation. This theory states that as air pressure decreases any already inflamed tissues (i.e. joint, muscle, tendon) will become more inflamed and place increased pressure on that area. Therefore, causing increased pain and stiffness.

I was actually surprised to find out that the research on this topic is not conclusive and that some studies actually show no significant relationship between a drop in barometric pressure, cold temperatures, or high humidity and an increase in pain.

Based on the large amount of individuals who say that they know when it’s going to rain secondary to increased joint pain, I’m still inclined to believe that there is a connection. There have been several studies that agree.

Some researchers have found a positive correlation between changes in barometric pressure/ temperature and increased pain levels in patients with rheumatoid arthritis. They also found a connection between changes in barometric pressure/temperature/rain and pain in osteoarthritic patients. One other study also showed that low barometric pressure can cause increased pressure in the intervertebral disc. When this happens the pain receptors were shown to respond stronger than normal, resulting in increased back pain.

Even thought the research that I found is not conclusive there seems to be a solid theory as to the explanation why arthritic pain may increase with changes in weather.

References:

Ford LT, Gilula LA, Murphy WA, et al. Analysis of gas in vacuum lumbar disc. Am J Radiol 1977; 128:1056–7.

Glaser, John A. MD; Keffala, Valerie PhD; Spratt, Kevin PhD.  Weather conditions and spinal patients.  An International Journal for the Study of the Spine  2004; 29(12):1369-1373.

I have been running 2 senior exercises classes, entitled Fit 4 You, for 2.5 years now.  These classes are geared towards the older population who are looking to improve their overall health.  Throughout each class, I stress the importance of proper breathing and posture while exercising.  These classes include balance, range of motion, and strengthening exercises.  Each member also learns about the human anatomy and the functional importance of the specific exercises.  It is fun to see individuals make friends in the classes and compare notes on how their function has improved over time.

I have come to know many of the participants very well over the years.  It is extremely enjoyable to share my knowledge and watch everyone evolve and improve in their functional abilities.  The great reward is when someone comes up to me at the end of class and says that they are able to climb the stairs with greater ease, have lowered their blood pressure, or that they can breath easier since coming to my class.  I truly look forward to working and laughing with all of the class members each week.  I also look forward to getting to know any new members who plan of joining.

Regular physical activity and exercise should be an integral part of your life at every age. In the older population an inactive lifestyle may lead to problems in 4 areas that are integral in maintaining a healthy life: balance, flexibility, cardiovascular endurance, and strength. Over the age of 40 we loose a small amount of muscle mass each year which is replaced with fat tissue. This loss of strength particularly leads to difficulty performing daily activities and strenuous tasks. A regular cardiovascular and strength training exercise program will help to prevent these negative consequences of an inactive lifestyle.

A regular exercise program has been proven to:
- improve circulation to the brain & decrease the risk for dementia and
Alzheimer’s disease
- prevent the loss of bone mineral density & reduce the risk of osteoporosis
- reduce obesity
- improve immune function & recovery from illness
- decrease anxiety, insomnia, & depression
- promote an independent lifestyle
- improve chronic pain & the symptoms of arthritis and joint disease
- promote a healthy digestive system
- reduce the symptoms of many common diseases & conditions such as
arthritis, depression, type II diabetes, cardiovascular disease & high blood
pressure
-decrease the risk of falls by improving strength, range of motion, balance, &
coordination

It is important to remember that while engaging in an exercise program there are some warning signs that signal that you should stop the exercise and consult with a physician:
? Chest pain or pressure
? Breathing trouble or excessive shortness of breath
? Persistent or sharp muscle or joint pain
? Nausea
? Unusual balance difficulty
? Severe illness

When beginning an exercise program chose an activity that you enjoy, such as walking or riding a bike. Participating in a group exercise program can also be very motivational. Suburban Therapy Center has been running a senior exercise class entitled “Fit 4 You” which is a low impact group exercise class designed to decrease the incidence of falls in the elderly. The socialization with class participants allows for a fun and interactive environment.