Chronic pain is a constant struggle for those suffering from certain illnesses. One of the most common sources of pain is arthritis. This disease primarily affects the joints, causing pain and inflammation that gets worse in the winter months. While cold weather serves as a trigger for joint and muscle pain, many may be unaware of the reason why and what they can do in terms of pain management.
Here at Global Clinic, we strive to help our clients live pain-free. Along with providing comprehensive care, we also offer education that you can rely on at home when chronic pain disrupts your day. Below is some information on why the cold triggers pain and how to manage your symptoms when they flare up.
What Is the Connection Between Pain and Cold Weather?
Strangely, there is no consensus on why chronic pain symptoms worsen during cold weather. The most likely reason this occurs is the barometric pressure drop we experience in the cold. This drop causes tendons, muscles, and surrounding tissues to expand.
In a confined space, such as in the knee joints, this expansion can put pressure on the body. Other factors can also contribute to chronic pain, such as experiencing seasonal depression during winter.
Pain Management Tips
The most straightforward thing you can do to avoid pain during the cold is to wear warm, loose-fitting clothing. Along with this, other steps can also be taken – and not all of them are obvious. Below is a list of suggestions to help you stay warm and keep the pain at bay.
- Exercise regularly – exercising can keep your joints moving and improve circulation.
- Heat and ice packs – applying heat and ice packs to your joints for short periods of time can help reduce swelling and inflammation.
- Eat healthy – eating certain anti-inflammatory foods like tomatoes, olive oil, and spinach can reduce the inflammation you experience due to cold weather.
- Maintaining your weight – being overweight can add stress to your joints, especially the back, knees, and hips.
- Practice good lifestyle habits – people often underestimate the power of good hydrated and proper sleep. Practicing these habits can help you minimize chronic pain and discomfort.
Pain Management Services at Global Clinic
If you’re struggling with pain at home, getting in touch with our team can make a world of difference. Here at Global Clinic, we provide pain management therapies that feature a combination of different approaches depending on your needs. We’re patient-centered and take a holistic approach to help you feel better. Some of our pain management options include:
- Trigger Point Injections – these injections reduce inflammation and treat muscle spasms and knots.
- Natural Joint Injections – these injections are available for osteoarthritis of the knee and shoulder. They can improve joint preservation and lubrication.
- Epidural Injections – these injections reduce pain and inflammation related to back pain that radiates to the legs, sciatica, or spine nerve-related pain.
- Facet Injections – these injections help diagnose the source of the pain in the spine, relieving pain and inflammation.
- Radio Frequency Ablation – this minimally invasive treatment blocks the nerve fibers carrying pain signals to the brain. This treatment is ideal for chronic pain, especially in the lower back, neck, and arthritic joints.
More Info on Pain Management Services
If you’ve been experiencing pain due to the cold, we can help. At Global Clinic, we provide advice and treatment options to help address and alleviate your pain. Connect with our team today via the contact form below or call us at (847) 299-7000.
