How Climate Change and Seasonal Weather Patterns Affect Joint Pain and Spinal Health in Coastal Communities

Living by the Sea Could Be Making Your Back and Joints Ache More Than You Think

For residents of coastal communities, the proximity to the ocean brings many benefits – fresh sea air, scenic views, and a relaxed lifestyle. However, emerging research reveals that coastal living may also contribute to increased joint pain and spinal health issues, particularly as climate change intensifies weather patterns along our shorelines.

The Science Behind Weather and Joint Pain

Weather and climate can have a significant effect on arthritis and painful joints. Many report that humidity, along with other factors such as temperature and weather changes and weather patterns, increase joint pain or trigger arthritis flares. Barometric pressure measures the weight of the air in the atmosphere pressing down against us. On average, the atmosphere exerts 14.7 pounds per square inch (psi) on the Earth’s surface. But as the weather changes, that pressure/psi can bounce up and down. Decreasing pressure — which typically ushers in worsening weather — means air presses a little less on our bodies.

As pressure decreases, our tissues – like muscles, ligaments, soft tissue and connective tissue – expand. If you have arthritis, like osteoarthritis, the space is already reduced in your joint. The pressure change expands those tissues, so now they’re butting up against the arthritis. Maybe that’s why people hurt more when the barometric pressure changes.

Coastal Communities Face Unique Challenges

Coastal areas experience particularly volatile weather patterns that can trigger pain flare-ups. Rain, or stormy weather, is often associated with lower barometric pressure. If the barometric pressure, for example, outside goes down, then that may allow the joints to swell in the body. For those living along Florida’s coastlines, salty air can corrode not just metal but also mobility aids like walkers and braces. While the salty breeze doesn’t directly cause pain, the lifestyle factors of coastal living (walking on sand, exposure to moisture) can increase stress on joints and muscles.

High humidity can increase inflammation and water retention, which may aggravate conditions like: … People with chronic back issues might notice increased swelling and nerve sensitivity in hot, sticky climates. Where it’s common: Southeast U.S., tropical coastal regions.

Climate Change Amplifies the Problem

As climate change intensifies, coastal communities are experiencing more extreme weather events and greater variability in atmospheric conditions. There’s a lot more variability in day-to-day pressure during winter than summer in the United States. This could explain the “wet and cold” connection that Simon and Wallace have been observing. The increasing incidence and severity of climate-driven extreme weather events complicates the lives of those experiencing chronic pain during extreme weather events and also in their aftermath.

A large 2019 study followed 2,658 participants over 15 months. These individuals had various pain conditions, predominantly arthritis. They recorded symptom information on a smartphone app in real time while scientists tracked the weather at their location using GPS data. Analysis of this data revealed a clear correlation between pain and variables such as relative humidity, air pressure, and wind speed.

The Mind-Body Connection

Weather-related pain isn’t just physical – there’s a significant psychological component as well. Psychology, particularly mood and memory, really influences perception of pain related to weather. If your mood has been very positive, very high, then you may, generally speaking, experience less pain in your body. Whereas, if your mood is kind of low and maybe you have some seasonal associated depression, maybe you notice that joint pain more. Volatile, climate-driven weather shifts can drive mood swings, as well as “climate grief” and “eco-anxiety.”

Weather doesn’t just affect physical pain; it also influences mental well-being. Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD), a condition that causes depression during colder months, can lower pain tolerance and make discomfort feel worse. Dark, gloomy days can lead to decreased motivation to move, worsening stiffness and tension in the body.

Seeking Professional Help in Coastal Areas

For residents of coastal communities experiencing weather-related joint and spinal pain, professional chiropractic care can provide significant relief. If you’re in the Hudson County area of New Jersey, a bayonne chiropractor like Dr. Paul Roses offers advanced spinal correction techniques that can help manage weather-related discomfort. He returned to Bayonne and has now been in a practice for over 30 years committed to creating a healthier community, one person at a time. Serving the people of Hudson County area through Chiropractic is my life! It is my personal goal to deliver health and live a life free from unnecessary drugs and medicines.

Managing Weather-Related Pain

While you can’t control the weather, you can take proactive steps to minimize its impact on your joint and spinal health:

The Future of Coastal Health

As climate change continues to affect coastal weather patterns, residents of these communities will need to become increasingly proactive about managing weather-related health impacts. If you decide it’s best to stay put in a climate that is less than optimal, there are things you can do to minimize weather’s effects on your arthritis. First, check the weather forecast. If you notice patterns or temperatures that cause you pain, be prepared with tools you have found to relieve it.

Understanding the connection between coastal weather patterns and joint pain empowers residents to take control of their health. Whether through professional chiropractic care, lifestyle modifications, or simply being more aware of weather triggers, coastal communities can adapt to these challenges while continuing to enjoy the many benefits of seaside living.