Struggling with unexplained back pain and headaches? Are your joints painful when it’s rainy outside? If so, you might be sensitive to the changes in air pressure. Severe changes in barometric pressure may cause pain and discomfort. People who suffer from injuries, inflammation, bursitis, or osteoporosis are the most affected. This natural phenomenon can worsen your symptoms and affect your daily life.
Research shows that changes in barometric pressure affect overall health. Some individuals are more sensitive to these effects than others. When air pressure drops or rises suddenly, you may experience a popping in your ears, joint pain, headaches, inflammation, and low blood sugar levels.
Barometric pressure refers to the amount of air directly above an object or a person. At high altitudes, air pressure decreases. At sea level, it goes up. The difference in pressure may cause sinus pain, elevated blood pressure, and swollen joints. If your body hurts when it’s cold or raining, it’s because of the changes in air pressure.
According to scientists, when air pressure increases, so does your blood pressure. This may cause blurred vision, dizziness, and fainting. Migraines are often triggered by high barometric pressure. In some cases, this natural phenomenon can worsen depression and affect your mood.
Joint pain is one of the most common problems among those who are sensitive to air pressure changes. The joints are filled with fluid that responds to changes in the air pressure and temperature. Furthermore, nerves can become more vulnerable to pain because of scarring, inflammation, or injury. For this reason, people who are sensitive to changes in air pressure, such as arthritis patients, are often referred to as “human barometers.”
Even though the pain and discomfort can not be prevented, there are ways to relieve these symptoms. Simple things, such as warming up your car before driving, keeping your home heated, and wearing layers can make all the difference.
