If you feel achier lately, you’re not alone (Image: klingsup via Getty Images)
If you’ve been feeling more rigid, achy or “creaky” of late, it’s not all in your head. Health professionals affirm that spring can subtly exacerbate everyday discomfort due to a combination of unpredictable weather, moist air and an abrupt increase in physical activity following a less active winter.
GP Nisa Aslam, who also advises Combogesic, said: “88% of Brits experience pain at least monthly according to new real-world data from my colleagues Combogesic, and spring’s unpredictable mix of cold snaps, humidity and fluctuating air pressure can aggravate joint stiffness and trigger flare-ups. These shifts can affect joint tissues and fluid, leading to stiffness or pain, with those living with arthritis, musculoskeletal pain, fibromyalgia or migraines particularly affected.
“Research has also confirmed that weather really does affect pain. Wet and cold tolerance changes with the seasons and day-to-day weather fluctuations appear to influence how sensitive people are to pain.”
Why spring can make pain worse
Dr Aslam elaborated: “Drops in barometric pressure can reduce pressure on the body, allowing tissues and joints to expand slightly and trigger pain – particularly in people with joint or muscle conditions – while headaches and sciatica pain may also worsen. Damp, humid days can make joints feel more swollen, and spring allergies can increase body-wide inflammation and may make joints and muscles painful and sore.
It’s a common thing (Image: Alamy/PA)
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“Rapid temperature swings also play a role, tightening joints in the cold and expanding tissues in sudden warmth. And it’s not just the weather. As the days get brighter, many of us suddenly ramp up activity – from gardening and DIY to running and spring cleaning – putting extra strain on muscles and joints that may not be conditioned after winter.”
How to tackle pain in spring
Dr Nisa Aslam had the following advice:
Dress in layers: It helps prevent muscles and joints from getting cold and tightening, and makes it easier to cope with temperature swings.
Eat anti-inflammatory foods: Add leafy greens (spring greens, spinach), berries and omega-3-rich foods (salmon, walnuts, flaxseed). Limit intake of processed foods, which may cause inflammation.
Use the right pain relief for you: Research shows half of people use paracetamol and almost a quarter (23%) take paracetamol with codeine. But codeine is an opioid, which isn’t suitable for everyone and can cause nausea, constipation, dizziness and headaches – and a risk of addiction and overdose. She added that Combogesic was opioid-free, for example.
Ease into spring activities: Gradually increase outdoor activities in length and intensity over several weeks with appropriate warm-up and cooling down, as well as proper technique when lifting things, either weights at the gym or things in the house or garden. Avoid prolonged repetitive activity like weeding or scrubbing taking frequent breaks and standing up straight.
Combat allergies: Keep spring allergies under control as they can lead to inflammation, potentially impacting the joints as well. Stay indoors when pollen levels are high.
Stay hydrated: Insufficient fluid intake can affect the joints, leading to discomfort and stiffness.
Engage in gentle exercise: Activities such as yoga, Pilates, swimming and walking can enhance circulation and ease joint movement.
This story originally appeared on Express.co.uk
