Do you think that changes in the weather actually give you aches and pains or other health problems?

Question

I've found that Europeans are always blaming "changes in the weather" or wind for their aches and pains and illness. I personally think they are wrong and are stuck in an old-fashioned frame of mind because their are many reasons to get ill, i.e., bacteria & viruses; lack of exercise and over use of joints/muscles, straining or staying in the same position for too long, etc. What do you all think?

Answer 1

I had multiple fractures to my arm (13 in total) 20 years ago. I can now tell if there is going to be a significant change in the weather depending on how my arm feels. Worse in winter, better in summer but if the humidity changes I can also notice the difference. Still have to crack on with things. Won't let it get the better of me.

Answer 2

Of course you are right that bacteria, viruses, lack of OR too much exercise can cause problems with your health. However, I have both rheumatoid arthritis and osteoarthritis and I can tell when there is going to be a weather change or precipitation by the amount and kind of hurting in my joints. Also, in the winter, I will know when it's going to snow even if it's not in the weather forecast. I get a headache that is unlike any other I've ever had. When the snow starts to fall, my headache is relieved. I believe these physical indicators are due to changes in the barometric pressure but whatever the cause, I can rely on them to forecast the weather.

Answer 3

There is verifiable evidence that when a joint has been injured, or been operated upon it loses it's ability to change pressure with the changes in pressure brought about by weather changes. This indeed causes pain.

There are many people with injured joints who are far better at predicting weather changes due to the pain caused by the pressure changes affecting their joints than most weather forecasters relying on instrumentation.

It is also true that weather changes alter the type and number of airborne spores/bacteria that can survive suspended in the air which is why weather changes can affect sinuses and can indeed cause those with more sensitive immune systems to feel the effects of the change.

Answer 4

I'm a nursing student and actually changes in the weather can cause aches and pains, especially if you've injured a certain area before. It's interesting...but very true. Just because you've never experienced an ache/pain because of the weather change does not mean that it doesn't happen to others.

Answer 5

You must be young and pain free! lol. Well, for the past 2 days here in Dallas we have had low humidity and everyone is complaining of dry sinuses and headaches. Then you have the fall blooming weeds that tear you up. Then your old knees "know" a day before it rains because you feel the pain. Sure the weather affects alot of body parts. Especially the mind....

Answer 6

There is no actual proof that it does, but so many people here in the Uk who suffer with athritus, say that when they are on holiday in warmer countries, they do not ache the whole time they are away, so there must be some truth in it.

Answer 7

well my father has rheumathoid arthritis and changes in humidity affect him alot. in summertime he keeps his airconditioner running 24 hours a day to keep the humidity out of the air. and in winter time he constantly keeps his wood stove burning with the draft open to get rid of any humidity. there is a big variance in temperature. but as long as the humidity is really low he seems ok.

Answer 8

I have seasonal allergies....... the end of August I get headaches a stuffy nose and watery eyes. I have these symptoms until the middle of January and again from March until June. So yeah I say it is possible.

Answer 9

i dont know about the Europeans but us Americans do get ache and pains from the weather. when ever there is a strong front coming in..like a nasty thunderstorm my husband and i both will get these nasty head aches. so yes its true

Answer 10

yeah i think it has to do with pressure and moisture levels in their air effecting parts of our bodies that have been changed over time...for instance i broke a growth plate in my hip about 5 years ago running track at the start of highschool...it kills when it is about to rain. I can also feel it a little in my knees too from years of football