Have you ever felt sluggish or achy on a rainy day? You鈥檙e not alone. While you could see a rainy day as an excuse to cozy up with freshly brewed tea and a movie, your rain-induced back pain may be out of your control.
Researchers have long investigated the influence of changing temperatures and environmental conditions on our musculoskeletal system. Trips to healthcare providers, reports of chronic pain flareups, and general discomfort have all been with weather changes. The culprit? Something unavoidable: the atmosphere.
Barometric pressure, better known as air pressure, is the around us. When we experience weather changes, that is a result of changes in air pressure. Buckle up for a brief overview of how the weather works!
Air is a , primarily composed of nitrogen (78%) and oxygen (21%). Other gases, including argon, carbon dioxide, and trace amounts of other gases, make up the remaining 1%. Additionally, air contains variable amounts of water vapor.
For our story, we want to focus on two air pressure systems: high pressure and low pressure. High pressure systems cause the molecules that make up air to sink and diverge as they near the ground. In low air pressure systems, molecules move upwards and converge - meaning they come together. As the atmosphere is always trying to , molecules in high pressure systems want to towards a low pressure system, and molecules in low pressure systems seek out high pressure.
When we enjoy clear and blue skies, we should thank high air pressure. In a high-pressure system, the air is warmer and denser, which increases the dew point and makes it difficult for clouds to form. The is the temperature at which the air can no longer hold its water vapor. In this state, some of the vapor condenses into liquid water 鈥� forming dew.
Conversely, low pressure systems are often associated with cloudy and rainy weather. In low pressure systems, as the air moves , its molecules distance themselves from each other, resulting in cooling. During this rising process, the temperature of the air can reach its dew point. Water molecules then bunch together to form fluffy pieces of sky cotton candy, better known as clouds.
Okay. You must be wondering how this all relates to feeling sore on a rainy day.
When the air pressure decreases in our immediate environment (resulting in inclement weather), it means that the air molecules all around us push a little bit less on our bodies. This lack of pressure can cause the in our bodies to 鈥� which can make our joints ache. Interestingly, the speed at which the weather changes from wet to dry may also influence the extent to which individuals experience physical discomfort. For example, an isolated thunderstorm or squall may have more physical repercussions than a gradual shift in air pressure.
Individuals who have preexisting health conditions such as arthritis already experience joint swelling. As a result, the slight swelling may be felt more strongly, resulting in more discomfort.
While this explanation seems convincing, scientific findings are not necessarily in agreement. Some researchers argue that changes in barometric pressure are so that they cannot be felt on a muscular level by individuals. They argue instead that discomfort and stiffness resulting from cloudy skies may just be a result of . This is not completely out of the realm of possibilities. I mean, every time I see a day of rain forecasted, I just know I won鈥檛 hit my step goal for the day.
Overall, though, much of the research in this field is conflicting. Due to methodological limitations, such as the usage of self-reported questionnaires, and difficulties in retrieving comprehensive meteorological data 鈥� the link between rainy weather and joint pain is still unclear.
That does not mean we are at a scientific standstill. Whether the cause of your weather-related joint pain results from sitting on your couch watching movies all day, or from a decrease in barometric pressure 鈥� the relief methods are still the same. Healthcare providers regular exercise, stretching, eating well, taking a warm shower, and/or taking over-the-counter pain relievers.
So, while the link between joint pain and rainy weather is still unclear 鈥� for some, the connection between the weather and their physical comfort is very real. But for now, it might be a good idea to ditch the couch when the next rainy day rolls in.
Eva Kellner is a recent graduate from the Faculty of Arts and Science, with a major in Environment. Her research interests include urban green spaces, urban agriculture, and outdoor community spaces - all as promoters of climate resilience among city-dwellers.
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