As a doctor who has been practicing orthopaedics for many years, the number of patients I see on rainy days always increases. Many patients describe that on rainy days, they feel unbearable pain in their lower back and back, which even affects their daily basic activities. This condition is medically explained, but for patients, every change in weather can mean a painful struggle.
I remember one spring rainy season last year, a middle-aged lady, Ms. Lin, came to my clinic. Her expression was tired and her gait faltered. Ms. Lin told me that whenever the weather changed, especially on rainy days, her waist and back felt like they were being held tightly by an invisible hand, and the pain made it difficult for her to sleep all night.
After taking a closer look at her medical history, I found that Ms. Lin's symptoms were highly consistent with the manifestations of osteoarthritis, especially in a clammy and cold environment, where the symptoms would be significantly worsened. To alleviate her pain, I advised her to start regular physiotherapy and adjust her daily activities and diet according to her specific situation.
A few weeks later, Ms. Lim visited again and told me with a smile that although the rainy days still made her feel uncomfortable, she had been able to better manage the pain and even get back to her favorite morning walks with the treatment and management plan we had developed.
What I learned from this
This case once again confirms the impact of climate change on the symptoms of certain diseases, and reminds me as a doctor that I need to be more mindful of the living environment and subtle daily changes in my patients. Back pain on a rainy day is not just a minor discomfort and can be the beginning of a long struggle for patients like Ms. Lin.
Popular science: Why do you feel back pain on rainy days?
Barometric pressure changes
First of all, the influence of climatic factors on back pain is obvious. On rainy days, atmospheric pressure usually decreases. The drop in atmospheric pressure causes the gases in our body, mainly in the joints and spine, to expand. This extension can pull slightly on the joints and spine, especially those that already have an underlying health problem, such as the lumbar spine. This pulling sensation can trigger pain or exacerbate the existing pain, which is one of the reasons why many people experience back pain on rainy days.
Humidity increases
Secondly, the humidity increases on rainy days, and the clammy and cold environment makes the soft tissues around the muscles and joints prone to stiffness. When soft tissues are stiff, they support the joints less and the stability of the joints decreases. In this environment, the muscles in the lower back and back need more effort to maintain normal support and stability, which makes them more likely to cause pain.
The temperature is lowered
At the same time, the decrease in temperature is also a factor that cannot be ignored. The low temperature can tighten the muscles and reduce their flexibility and elasticity, further leading to back and lower back pain. Especially for those with lumbar spine problems, such as a herniated disc in the lumbar spine, the double whammy of low temperature and humidity can make the symptoms worse.
How can it be mitigated?
Stay warm: Try to keep your body warm on rainy days and wear appropriate clothing, especially to protect your waist and back.
Exercise: Do some light stretching exercises to help keep your muscles alive and elastic.
Environmental adjustment: Try to avoid staying in an excessively humid environment for a long time, and keep the living and working environment dry and comfortable.
Diagnosis: What are the symptoms of these diseases?
1. Rheumatoid arthritis: This is a disease that makes the joints "allergic" and is particularly sensitive to wet and cold weather. Not only the lower back, but also arthritis patients may feel varying degrees of discomfort and pain in all joints of the body on rainy days.
2. Osteoarthritis: commonly known as "wear and tear", friends with osteoarthritis will also feel that their lower back is pressed by an invisible weight on a rainy day, and it is difficult to straighten the waist, because the low temperature and humidity make the worn joints more uncomfortable.
3. Lumbar disc herniation: Patients with this disease often feel the pain and soreness in the lower back on rainy days, and even accompanied by numbness and pain in the legs. The wet and cold weather makes the lumbar muscles more tense and increases the burden on the lumbar spine.
And these symptoms are not simply "discomfort", but the body is telling us in its language: there is a problem here, please pay attention. But don't worry, most of the time, these symptoms are not unsolvable. With the right approach, such as proper physical activity, physical therapy, and even medication recommended by your doctor, you can effectively alleviate the discomfort caused by these conditions.
Finally, don't forget that in either case, proper diagnosis and treatment are key. If you also feel back pain on a rainy day, please seek medical advice in time to find your own solution. After all, a healthy body is the best shield against any bad weather.
Family self-help measures
Warmth measures
Dress appropriately:
Wear warm, breathable clothing, especially around the waist and back, to protect from the cold.
Choose clothing that is soft and maintains body temperature, such as cotton or wool blends.
Wind and humidity protection:
Wear a waterproof jacket and shoes when you go outside to keep your body dry.
Use a hot water bottle or electric blanket to warm your lower back properly to reduce the irritation of the cold on your joints.
Easy gymnastics
Back Stretch:
Stand with your feet shoulder-width apart, support your back with your hands, and slowly lean back, hold for 5 seconds, repeat 5 times.
Sit in a chair with your hands on your knees and keep your upper body as close to your thighs as possible for 10 seconds, repeating 3 times.
Cat-Cow Variant:
Kneel on all fours with your wrists facing your shoulders and your knees facing your hips.
Slowly arch your back (like a cat) and hold it for a while, then slowly lower your belly and lift your head up (like a cow), alternating for 5 seconds each, repeating 10 times.
Sideways Stretch:
Stand with your feet slightly wider than your shoulders, grasp the back of the chair or table corner on the same side with one hand, and stretch the muscles on the side of your waist as far as possible with the other hand straight towards the ceiling and lean as far as possible to the opposite side, holding for 10 seconds, 3 times on each side.
Rational feasting
Joint Friendly Foods:
Increase foods rich in Omega-3 fatty acids, such as salmon, flaxseeds, and walnuts, which help reduce joint inflammation.
Make sure you're getting enough vitamin D and calcium, milk and dairy products, fish and egg yolks are good sources to help strengthen bones.
Stay hydrated:
Although the humidity is heavy in rainy weather, the human body still needs enough water, and drinking water or soup in moderation can help keep joints lubricated.
With these at-home methods, you can reduce the discomfort of back pain on rainy days and improve the quality of your daily life. Of course, if symptoms persist or worsen, it is advisable to consult a medical professional promptly.