Do you feel 'achier' at this time of year?

My mom, who was a nurse working in a nursing home, often mentioned two things that I often wondered about.   She talked about how the residents would complain about their joints when the weather would change, and she said things always went sideways when there was a full moon.  I'm still not sure about the 'Full Moon' shenanigans, but I do know that colder weather will affect your joints. 

Late October and November means the days get shorter and the weather starts to get colder more frequently, often with abrupt weather fronts moving in, and this can lead to stiffer and achier joints in the mornings. Movement may improve later in the day as the weather warms up, but it can take a little time.

                                           

This happens because the 'lubricant' of your joints, called synovial fluid, may change in viscosity...just like motor oil in a car's engine.  This change in the fluid may cause stiffness, and may increase pressure within a joint, as well as in arthritic areas of joints, that can increase pain.

People who suffer from arthritis may experience expansion of the tendons and other structures of their joints during periods of low barometric pressure, leading to stiffness and pain.  The fluid within a specific part of arthritis, called a subchondral cyst, can expand and press against the walls of the cysts, causing pain as well.

If all of that isn't enough of an explanation to why you're feeling more aches, it should be noted that pain receptors in the hands and feet are especially sensitive to extremely cold weather, which makes joint pain more pronounced in wintery climates. As blood flows to your core to keep you warm, your hands and feet (especially your fingers and toes) may feel colder and much more sore.

                                        

So, how can you mitigate some of the weather-related aches and pains?  The simplest step is to drink more water!  I tell patients to drink water every day, to the point that your pee is clear.  Our joints need to be hydrated, and quite frankly, our whole body needs more water.  It allows everything to work more efficiently. 

Secondly, get adjusted!  If your joints--any of them, not just your spine!--aren't aligned or aren't moving as much as they should, they will cause pain.  Chiropractic works wonders in this regard.  It is often instant relief.

Third, get active or stay active!  Bundle up as needed, but continue to exercise in some regard.  We are meant to be active, year round.  

Finally, let's talk about nutrition.  Your body is constantly healing and repairing itself, and it can only do that with the nutrients you supply it through your dietary choices.  

Giebler Chiropractic can help in all of these regards.  It's never too early in life or too late in the year to get started!