While some people adore cold weather, for the more than 55 million who suffer from chronic pain, cold weather can present unique challenges.
Chronic pain is a silent epidemic and affects one in five adults in the U.S., yet it remains under-addressed by the medical community. Here, chronic pain expert Sean Pastuch, D.C. and founder and CEO of Active Life, sheds light on why fewer than 50 percent of doctors feel comfortable managing chronic pain and what needs to change, how weather worsens pain, and what we can do to about it.
How Cold Weather Worsens Pain:
- When temperatures drop, blood vessels constrict, reducing blood flow to muscles and joints. This can cause stiffness and weakness, particularly in those with chronic conditions like osteoarthritis and Reynaud’s syndrome.
- Cold weather thickens synovial fluid, the lubricant that helps joints move smoothly. When this fluid can’t do its job, joint pain and friction increase, making movement more painful.
- Nerve sensitivity can spike in the winter, especially for individuals with conditions like diabetic neuropathy. Colder temperatures can make nerves more reactive, causing numbness, tingling, and discomfort.
- Shorter days and colder weather often lead to decreased outdoor activities, which can worsen the psychological impact of chronic pain.
Nevertheless, cold weather doesn’t need to stop chronic pain sufferers from being active. Here, Pastuch shares tips for addressing the effects of cooler temps.
Take Control of Your Pain:
- Dress extra warm and do so before you get cold. It’s easier to stay warm than it is to get warm.
- Prioritize extra sleep. Most of our healing happens while we sleep. Give yourself every opportunity to maximize this amazing benefit.
- Reduce inflammatory food intake. Foods like processed starches, sugar, and even dairy for many people can create mild inflammation. Every little bit counts.
- Move. Especially because it feels uncomfortable, movement is essential. An object at rest stays at rest. We must keep moving if we want the privilege to keep moving.
- Epsom salt baths. Epsom salt will infuse your body with the necessary minerals that are often deficient in our diets, like magnesium. This helps with sleep and with tissue health.
