As winter is approaching and with living in Nebraska any day has the possibility of being winter, pain increases. Many people say the cold weather affects their chronic pain and intensifies it, but why? With the climate changing, air pressure changes as well, which is called barometric pressure. “When Barometric pressure drops it significantly decreases the amount of pressure placed on the body which forces the tissue to expand and put pressure surrounding the joints”. -Edward S. Rubin M.D.
Keeping the surrounding muscles and tissues warm are key factors to keeping pain levels lower. At home thermotherapy remedies for pain include, hot pack, over the counter heat wraps, hydrotherapy, and exercise. Keeping active and not under the covers in bed during the winter is important for facilitating warmth that allows the blood vessels to dilate which promotes blood flow and relaxation muscles and is the key for chronic pain relief in the winter.
