How Does Weather Affect Your Health?

Do you feel like your joints ache more when it rains? Do your sinuses become congesting on windy days? Are you more fatigued after a hot and humid day? If you’ve noticed that changes in your health tend to coincide with weather patterns- it’s not just in your head. In fact, there are many different ways that the weather can affect your health.

Achey Joints

When storms and worsening weather approach, there is typically a drop in the barometric pressure. This change to the low pressure causes joint fluid and the tissues around the joint to expand. This swelling irritates the nerves and can increase pain.

Cold temperatures can also create changes to blood flow patterns and cause the joint fluid to thicken. This can cause stiffness and increased joint pain.

Headaches and Sinus Congestion

Weather can definitely affect your health when it comes to headaches and sinus congestion. Studies show that changes in the barometric pressure can increase the frequency of migraine pain. They low pressure can also cause sinus headaches.

Allergies caused by pollen can also be exacerbated on dry windy days and increase your risk of developing sinusitis. Dry air, often in the winter, can also break down the mucus membranes and make the body more susceptible to bacteria and viruses that can cause headaches and sinus congestion.

Fatigue and Dehydration

Hot weather causes the body to perspire more rapidly to control the temperature of the body. Not only can this result in dehydration but also electrolyte imbalances. If you aren’t adequately replenishing fluids and electrolytes on hot days when your body has produced a lot of sweat it can lead to fatigue, headaches, and muscle cramping.

Cold winter months can also bring on fatigue through seasonal depression and the inability to get outside as often as in warmer seasons. Less sun exposure causes your body to increase it’s natural production and increase your need to sleep. If this throws you off regular fitness and wellness routines it can affect your health.

Chiropractic Care Can Help Combat the Effects of Weather

Dr. Shane Silver and the staff at Silver Chiropractic and Wellness treats the spine and joints of the body in conjunction with the nervous system. Chiropractic care can treat many different ailments affected by weather patterns including joint pain, headaches, sinus congestion, and muscle pain. Realigning the spine and improving the function of the nervous system and combat the side effects of fatigue and dehydration, unblock sinuses and improve overall wellness.

If you’ve noticed weather patterns affected your health, contact the office today to start feeling better soon!