5 Bad Habits Making Your Back Pain Worse
Are you tired of back pain that won’t quit? These five everyday habits might make it worse, and the fixes are easier than you think.
Is Your Arthritis Pain Worsening with the Weather?
If your joints start to ache before a storm rolls in or flare up on cold, damp days, you’re not imagining it. Many people with arthritis report that changes in the weather, especially shifts in temperature and barometric pressure, can worsen their pain and stiffness.
Dr. Dev Sen and our team at Prime Regenerative and Pain Management in Fredericksburg, Virginia, recognize that while researchers continue to study this correlation, the connection between climate and joint pain is recognized widely for a reason.
If you have arthritis, here’s what you should know about how to ease the discomfort when the weather turns against you.
Why weather affects arthritis pain
When barometric pressure drops (often before rain or cold weather), tissues in your body may expand slightly. For those with arthritis, this can irritate already inflamed joints, making pain feel more intense. Cold weather also reduces blood flow, which can stiffen muscles and joints.
Other factors that may worsen symptoms include:
- Humidity, which can increase joint swelling and discomfort
- Temperature changes, which can trigger inflammation
- Low activity levels, which can cause stiffness
Even if the weather isn’t the direct cause of your arthritis, these conditions can exacerbate existing pain.
Simple ways to manage weather-related joint pain
You can’t control the weather, but you can control how your body responds to it. Try these strategies to keep your joints feeling their best:
Stay warm
Dress in layers, keep your home cozy, and use heated blankets or warm baths to relax joints.
Stay active
Gentle exercises, such as yoga, swimming, or walking, improve flexibility and circulation.
Use supportive gear
Braces, compression gloves, and proper footwear help reduce strain on joints.
Maintain hydration
Staying hydrated keeps your joints lubricated and may lessen stiffness.
When to talk to a professional
If your arthritis pain becomes more severe or limits your daily activities, it’s time to see a specialist. You may need an updated treatment plan, which could include:
- Anti-inflammatory medications to manage flare-ups
- Physical therapy to improve mobility and strength
- Injections or regenerative treatments for long-term relief
- Lifestyle adjustments tailored to your condition
Everyone’s arthritis behaves differently, so working with Dr. Sen ensures you receive personalized care.
You can’t predict or prevent every weather-related pain flare-up, but understanding your body’s response helps you stay ahead of discomfort. By combining self-care habits with professional guidance, you can manage arthritis pain — rain or shine.
If you’re ready to learn more, call us today at 540-659-5414 or schedule an appointment with Dr. Sen online.
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