People most affected by pain from sudden changes in temperature are those with some form of chronic pain such as fibromyalgia, rheumatoid arthritis, osteoarthritis, who have sinuses or migraines, as well as those who have undergone some type of orthopedic surgery on the hands, feet, arms or legs, and especially those with a platinum prosthesis.
Pain may appear or worsen even 2 days before climate change and although science has not yet been able to clarify the relationship between chronic diseases and climate change, 4 hypotheses may explain this phenomenon:
- During a sudden change in temperature.
- Blood vessels slightly decrease in diameter and muscles and joints tend to harden so that there is an adequate temperature and more blood in the organs.
- As they are essential for life.
- Limbs of the body.
- Any contact or stroke can be even more painful and the scar site is more retracted and pain receptors located in the deeper areas of the body are more sensitive and send the pain stimulus to the brain to the slightest stimulus.
According to this theory, sudden changes in temperature make the pain more noticeable because the nerve endings located in the skin become more sensitive and even the change in the weight of the air, with the arrival of cold or rain, causes a small swelling of the joints, which Although not visible to the naked eye, is already enough to make joint pain appear or worsen. This theory can also explain why when people dive deep, they also complain of the same type of pain, since the pressure of the water under the body has the same effect.
When the cold or rain arrives, the air becomes heavier and there is more static electricity and moisture in the environment and, presumably, this can cause a small contraction of the peripheral nerves, located in the arms, legs, hands and feet. although difficult to perceive, it can leave nerves more receptive to any discomfort, facilitating pain stimulation.
On colder, rainier days, people tend to be calmer, more reflective, and even sad and prone to depression. These feelings make the person more immobile, with less heat caused by muscle contraction and increased joint stiffness and these combined factors can decrease pain. tolerance and therefore any small stimulus may be enough to start bothering you a lot.
The best way to avoid the onset or aggravation of pain that occurs when the weather suddenly cools and there is a forecast of rain or summer storm is to keep the body warm, without allowing the cold, and place a warm compress on the painful one. joint or at the site of surgery.
In addition, it is important to stay active and moving because muscle contraction promotes heat and increases body temperature by warming muscles and joints, reducing pain.
Watch this video to learn how to make a warm compress to always have at home, to use when you feel this pain: