How the environment and meteorological change influence our health

Meteorological changes affect the human body in various ways. There are people who even feel muscle or joint pain when the weather changes: they are meteorsensitive. It is not something so strange, in fact, it affects 30% of the population. Definitely, Weather change can influence our health. We tell you how.

What is meteorosensitivity?

The meteorosensitivity is the susceptibility to changes in weather and atmospheric pressure. It occurs in people whose body is more sensitive, such as the elderly or women, which makes it easier for climatic alterations to affect them both physically and psychologically.

It is estimated that between 20 and 30% of the population is meteorsensitive: Atmospheric and temperature changes affect your body in a certain way.

How does the change in weather affect weather-sensitive people?

The cold is one of the phenomena that most influences weather-sensitive people. With the arrival of winter comes “bone pain” (which is actually joint pain).

Sudden changes in atmospheric pressure and climate, which usually come with winter or autumn, affect the body, making these seasons especially intense.

Another key factor is the wind, it is related to headaches and changes in mood.

How does the climate influence on a physical level?

Changes in climate, atmospheric pressure, temperature variations, gusts of wind or changes in humidity can affect the body in several ways.

The skin is one of the damaged organs: With the sun and heat, skin aging accelerates and, with the cold, water is lost and the skin's natural protective barrier deteriorates. As a consequence, dryness and even redness appear.

On the other hand, humidity intensifies sweat, and with it the possibility of acne, due to the obstruction of the sebaceous glands.

Contractures increase with the arrival of cold weather, the body shrinks when it perceives low temperatures, adopting postures that lead to muscle tension. The back and neck are the two parts of the body most sensitive to this phenomenon. If there are also previous conditions such as low back pain, sciatica or fibromyalgia, it is possible that your symptoms will increase in winter. The feeling of cold will be greater if there is also wind.

Also the weather can affect the eyes: The cold and wind dry out the eyeball, which leads to corneal diseases. Strong gusts of wind can, on the other hand, introduce external agents or particles into the eye. However, high temperatures also affect vision, as tears evaporate and, again, the eye becomes dry.

The wind, in turn, can cause falls and move objects, which increases the risk of blows.

How does cold affect joint pain?

Cold can increase joint pain. In fact, the usual “bone pain” caused by the cold is actually a joint problem.

What really happens is that, When feeling cold, the body decreases blood supply, which affects the elasticity of muscles, joints, ligaments and tendons. This increases joint stress and, with it, the sensation of pain.

Additionally, the change in atmospheric pressure common in winter causes synovial fluid, a natural lubricant, to expand, which can also result in joint discomfort.

Does the weather affect our mood?

It not only affects our body: The weather has an effect on your mood..

It is known that heat and sun transmit good mood and optimism and, on the other hand, rain can cause sadness, Humidity makes it difficult to concentrate and increases fatigue.

With the arrival of autumn and winter, the hours of light decrease, which modifies the production of hormones such as melatonin or serotonin. This causes irritability and sadness in some people.

Changes in light cycles are a cause of seasonal affective disorder, a type of depression that requires professional help. It is common in people with borderline personality disorder or bipolarity.

Diseases of the spine that are influenced by climate change

It is important to point out once again how The weather can affect our body and how it impacts more on the health of meteorosensitive people, being able to modify our sensation of pain.

The decrease in atmospheric pressure, which occurs with the arrival of cold weather and increased humidity, can affect the following pathologies:

• Arthritis and rheumatoid osteoarthritis: Increased pain occurs as synovial fluid expands, inflaming the joint.
• Fibromyalgia: Many people with this disease experience changes in temperature negatively, it is possible that the pain increases in the winter months and the feeling of tiredness increases with the summer.
• Migraines: Some people who suffer from migraines also seem to negatively notice changes in the weather.

How to prevent back pain caused by weather changes

The appearance of contractures in the neck and back due to the cold It is common, since the muscles become tense and, in addition, the posture also changes, with a clear tendency to shrink, which can increase the pain.

For prevent pain caused by temperature changes, it's recommended:

• As far as possible, avoid temperature changes, especially by reducing exposure to the cold.
• Maintain a warm environment at home or work.
• Strengthen joints and muscles through physical exercise.
• Dress correctly and protect, above all, the areas most sensitive to the cold.
• Maintain proper posture, with your back upright, to reduce neck, shoulder and back pain.
• Maintain adequate hydration and a balanced, healthy diet.

Treatment of spinal ailments caused by climate change

It is important to take care of your health, adapting your lifestyle to changes in atmospheric pressure and temperature. Furthermore, given the increase in pain, it is important to go to a health professional who can help. In the case of low back pain, at ICAC we are spine experts and we can help you define the cause of your pain and find an effective treatment.

Therefore, we already know that changes in temperature can affect our body and especially in people with greater sensitivity or pre-existing discomfort. Given the increase in pain, it is interesting to have spine specialists to stop symptoms early, before they lead to more serious pathologies. Our professionals at the Institute of Advanced Spine Surgery have more than 10 years of experience in the sector and will be happy to help you.