Mount Sinai: Cold air, pressure changes may be culprit for migraines and joint pain
The weather may exacerbate medical conditions, including migraines and joint pain, doctors from the Mount Sinai Health System in New York said.
The impacts can range from knowing when it will rain or snow because of painful joints to having cold air trigger migraines.
“Weather can certainly cause joints, typically osteoarthritic joints, as well as old injuries to ache or hurt,” Dr. Johnny Arnouk, orthopedic surgeon at Mount Sinai Beth Israel, said.
Barometric pressure drops have also been associated with medical problems.
“This drop can lead to less pressure against our bodies, allowing tissues to expand. Inflamed joints, often seen in osteoarthritis, swell. Some believe that this puts pressure on our joints and can cause pain,” Arnouk said.
Nearly 37 million Americans suffer from migraines, the National Headache Foundation said. The headaches can be debilitating, affecting everyday activities.
“Very cold weather can be a trigger. If someone comes in from the cold, that can also be a trigger. Significant heat, often accompanied by dehydration, can be a trigger as well,” Dr. Mark Green, director of the Mount Sinai Center for Headache and Pain Medicine, said.
Studies show a connection between weather and migraines but it isn't clear why cold weather would cause a headache with associated blood vessel and circulatory changes, the Headache Foundation said.
People with migraines should contact a family doctor or go to the emergency room if a headache is accompanied by symptoms, such as confusion, dizziness, fever, numbness, persistent vomiting, slurred speech or shortness of breath, not previously discussed with a doctor, the foundation said.
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For more safety and preparedness tips, visit AccuWeather.com/Ready.
