Weather Can Affect Pain

Fact.

If your joint pain gets worse when it's cold or raining, it's not your imagination. Although studies have shown mixed results, changes in barometric pressure can cause some people -- especially people with arthritis -- to have increased pain in their joints. Experts think this is because the change in barometric pressure affects joint pressure.

I can tell you, at least anecdotally, that many of my patients "feel" a change in the weather. When cold and rain comes to Southern California, they feel pain. The cold change in the weather indicates a reduction in barometric pressure or "low pressure" moving into the area. When the weather heats up, or a "high pressure system" moves in, the increase in barometric pressure usually brings relief. Interestingly, I tend to see this in SCUBA diving also. Many people who complain of joint pain feel comfort when they are at depth while diving. The only reasonable explanation is the increase in ambient pressure.

Women Handle Pain Better Than Men

Fact.

Women point to childbirth as proof of their greater pain capacity, and some science backs this up. But, this is only part of the picture!

Interestingly, women and men tolerate pain differently. However, women use more coping mechanisms to deal with pain. They will usually seek treatment more quickly and tend to recover from pain faster than men.

Remember, pain is one'e interpretation of a neurological event called nociception. With that, it's not possible to say that one "stands" pain better than another.

Rest Is Good For Back Pain

Myth.

Although short rest may be prescribed, and this is generally only following a trauma, it's best to remain active.
Most experts say that complete bed rest is one of the worst things you can do for back pain. If you're not active, your body quickly becomes deconditioned -- causing even more pain when you eventually move.

Limit exercise during acute episodes of pain but continue daily activities and exercise in such a way as to not aggravate the pain. In other words, if you foot hurst, you can still exercise every other part of your body. If your back hurts, it is generally possible to continue to be active by doing exercises with your back supported.

Losing Weight May Help Chronic Pain

Fact.

If you are overweight, less weight on your body means less pressure -- and less pain -- on your joints and back.

Just think of how you'd feel walking around all day with a backpacking pack weighing 30 to 50 pounds strapped to your back. By the end of the day you'll be unusually tired. The hips, knees, feet and back would ache.

Dropping a few extra pounds can really help improve joint pain in the knees and hips," says Patience White, MD, MA, vice president of public health at the Arthritis Foundation. "Even 10 pounds can make a huge difference."

Exercise Can Help Prevent Painful Flares

Fact.

Although pain may make it harder to exercise, staying active is one of the best things you can do to feel better.

Exercise can help you lose weight, sleep better, and boost your mood -- all of which can also help reduce pain. Exercise helps strengthen muscles, ease stiff joints, and restore coordination and balance.

Start out by working your way up to walking 30 minutes each day. Yes, I do mean 7 days a week! Add strength training (weight training) as soon as practical. Kettlebell training is an excellent way to combine low impact cardiovascular conditioning with strength training.

If There's No Medical Cause, the Pain is in Your Head

Myth.

Just because you can't find the exact source of someone's pain doesn't mean they don't feel it! As stated before, pain is one's individual interpretation of a neurological event called nociception. Due to the complexity of the human body, it's not possible to determine all of the possible causes of nociception.
My advice to patients is to focus not on the pain, but to focus on the healing process. Afterall, once you are healthy isn't the pain gone?

You Don't Need to Worry About Minor Pain

Myth.

Many people believe that pain is just something you have to live with, yet pain should never be ignored.

Even if your pain gets better with over-the-counter pain medications, see your doctor if the pain lasts more than a week or two, becomes worse over time, or if it interferes with your daily activities. Think of the pain as one of the red lights on the dash instrument cluster of your car. The light is there to tell you something. And I'm sure that we've all heard of the saying, "an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure!"

Your Attitude Can Affect Your Pain

Fact.

Dwelling on your pain can make it feel worse.

The more we learn about the energy nature of our bodies and our thoughts, it comes as no surprise that simply thinking about the problem will seem to create or attract more on the problem into one's life.

Again, if you want to get well and be healthy, let wellness and health be on your mind at all times. Actively learn about what you can do to create more comfort and health in your life.

No Pain, No Gain

Myth.

Although it's OK to push yourself until you feel the burn of exercise, i's important to know when to stop. Training to muscular failure is a formula for injury. Training into pain is a formula for disaster.

Pain Is a Natural Part of Aging

Myth.

Like gray hair and wrinkles, a few aches and pains are a part of nearly everyone's life. But chronic pain -- which can increase suffering and decrease quality of life -- doesn't have to be.

Most people should be able to lead relatively pain-free lives as they age. If you are bothered by chronic pain, a chiropractor or functional movement specialist can help you find relief -- no matter how old you are.

You'll Get Addicted to Pain Medicine

Myth.

When taken as directed, prescription pain medications rarely cause addiction.

However, as with many drugs, your body can become physically dependent on pain medication. Although this doesn't mean you're addicted, you may have withdrawal symptoms if you stop the drug abruptly. It's an expected response when a prescription pain drug is used for more than a few days.

Remember, what you want to do is focus on health, move well and move often!