February 6, 2020
You’ve probably heard one of your elderly relatives say, “I can feel a storm coming in my bones,” and maybe even rolled your eyes at the thought. But guess what? They might be right!
Barometric pressure pain is real, and it can affect more than just your mood. Shifts in barometric pressure can trigger physical reactions, especially if you deal with chronic conditions. From headaches to joint pain, changes in pressure may be behind that ache or pain you’re feeling.
So, what is barometric pressure? How does it relate to pain? More importantly, is there barometric pressure pain relief? At Gladiator Therapeutics, we are often faced with these questions, and in this post, we want to answer them all in as much detail as possible.
What Is Barometric Pressure?
Barometric pressure, also called atmospheric pressure, measures the weight of the air surrounding you. It changes depending on where you are on the planet and other factors like altitude and weather conditions. The further you are from sea level, the lower the pressure.
Meteorologists use barometric pressure to forecast weather, tracking storms, hurricanes, and other events. But what does this mean for your health?
Well, when barometric pressure drops, like during a storm, your body feels it too. This can trigger reactions like headaches, joint pain, and even blood pressure changes. In most cases, barometric pressure pain is temporary and subsides as weather changes.
High and Low Barometric Pressure: What Happens to Your Body
Now that you understand what barometric pressure is, let’s discuss its effects on our body. Here are a few ways barometric pressure pain can affect your body.
1. Headaches and Migraines
Ever notice you get more headaches when the weather shifts? It might not just be in your head. When the barometric pressure takes a dive or shoots up, it can cause headaches and migraines. According to neurologists, the pressure drop outside creates a difference between the air pressure and the pressure in your sinuses, leading to discomfort.
In fact, many people who suffer from migraines notice that their pain often coincides with low-pressure systems. Studies have shown a direct link between lower barometric pressure and the onset of migraines, which can be as high as 20%.
2. Joint Pain
You’re not imagining things if your knees ache when the weather changes. Barometric pressure pain is very real, especially for those with arthritis or other joint issues. A study from Tufts-New England Medical Center found that patients with osteoarthritis experienced more pain when the pressure dropped.
When the barometric pressure decreases, it affects the fluid in your joints, making it thicker and more prone to causing pain. Cold weather can make this worse, stiffening the muscles and tendons around your joints. This makes warming up before physical activity even more critical.
3. Blood Pressure
Shifts in barometric pressure can also impact your blood pressure. Lower pressure outside usually leads to lower blood pressure inside your body. This is because your blood vessels contract in response to cold temperatures and lower barometric pressure.
According to bio-meteorologist Jennifer Vanos, Ph.D., when the barometric pressure drops, so does your blood pressure. Blood pressure tends to spike during the winter when temperatures drop, and your blood vessels become narrower.
Tracking these changes can help you stay ahead of any discomfort. You can use a barometric pressure pain index to diagnose the level of pain.
Chronic Conditions Affected by Barometric Pressure
Barometric pressure pain can go from bad to worse, especially if you have a chronic condition like arthritis or back pain. Here’s how this can affect your body:
1. Arthritis
Many people with arthritis report that their pain worsens when the weather shifts. And science backs this up. Over the years, several studies have established a link between barometric pressure and arthritis.
Recently, researchers have found that rising barometric pressure and humidity can actually worsen pain and stiffness. Increased barometric pressure pain can make the routine more challenging for those suffering from arthritis when a storm rolls in.
2. Chronic Back Pain
Just like arthritis, chronic back pain can get worse when barometric pressure changes. The swelling in inflamed joints is often exacerbated by low pressure, which can worsen existing pain. Cold temperatures only add to the problem by stiffening muscles, tendons, and joints that support the spine.
3. Carpal Tunnel Syndrome
Cold and wet weather doesn’t just trigger joint pain. It can also make symptoms of carpal tunnel worse. Increased barometric pressure puts more strain on the median nerve, which can lead to increased pain and discomfort.
Understanding the Barometric Pressure Pain Index
So, how can you track these changes and figure out when you’re most likely to experience discomfort?
This is where the barometric pressure pain index comes in. This index can help you monitor how changes in atmospheric pressure are affecting your pain levels. Knowing what’s coming can help you manage your day-to-day activities and plan ahead for any potential flare-ups.
The barometric pressure pain index is an excellent tool for tracking pain, especially for those who suffer from chronic conditions like arthritis or migraines. You can even use apps that sync with local weather stations to keep an eye on pressure changes in your area.
The Western Ontario and McMaster Universities Arthritis Index (WOMAC) is widely used in the evaluation of Hip and Knee Osteoarthritis.
Finding Barometric Pressure Pain Relief
Now that you know barometric pressure pain is real, what can you do about it? While you can’t control the weather, there are ways to manage your discomfort when the pressure drops.
1. Stay Active
Even though it might feel counterintuitive, staying active can help reduce pain. Regularly moving your joints will keep them from stiffening up, especially when the temperature and barometric pressure drop.
2. Use Heat Therapy
Heat therapy can be especially helpful in relieving barometric pressure pain. Applying heat to your joints or using a heating pad can increase blood flow and reduce stiffness.
3. Consider Far Infrared Technology
Gladiator Therapeutics offers far-infrared devices that can provide long-term relief. These devices improve blood circulation and reduce inflammation by using far infrared technology.
Increased circulation helps reduce symptoms from chronic conditions like arthritis, muscle pain, and nerve pain, making it a promising option for barometric pressure pain relief. Another benefit of using our devices is faster healing, which can even improve sleep quality and reduce stress levels.
Don’t Let Barometric Pressure Pain Control Your Life
You may feel like you’re at the mercy of the weather, especially when dealing with chronic pain. But with a barometric pressure pain index, you can track the changes and keep yourself as comfortable as possible when the storms roll in.
Gladiator Therapeutics has developed healing devices using far-infrared technology that can help you better manage your pain or healing process, especially during bad weather. If you’re ready to take the next step, feel free to check out our products.
For more information, contact us today!