InVite® Health Blog

Extreme Heat and Joint Pain

Dr. Claire Arcidiacono, ND

While the warm, balmy weather of summer may help to reduce the joint pain of rheumatoid arthritis and even TMJ for some people for other people summer can leave them in MORE pain than the frigid cold of winter. There are reasons for this so let us get into it, shall we?

Summer and even spring are the seasons of warm and in some case’s excessively warm weather.  This excessive heat can increase inflammation in our body. This increase in inflammation levels can worsen pain associated with conditions such as rheumatoid arthritis, Lupus and even TMJ. (1)

Anyone who suffers from allergies knows that spring and even summer are the seasons when symptoms are the strongest! These allergies can lead to an increase in inflammation and even sinus pressure. This can once again increase the pain associated with rheumatoid arthritis, fibromyalgia and even trigger headaches. (1)

As summer temperatures rise many people use their AC to keep their homes cool and comfortable! However, people have noticed and reported that going in and of the AC inside to the heat outside seems to make their pain levels worse. If you have noticed this and wondered if it is possible for the constant change in temperature to increase your pain you would be correct! In fact, AC can and does increase pain associated with rheumatoid arthritis and even TMJ. While more studies are needed to confirm this in my experience constantly being in overly air-conditioned environments can worsen pain. One theory for this is that the cold air causes the muscles and joints to tighten. (2)

Another aspect of summer that can worsen pain is the high humidity levels. In fact, high humidity can cause the tissues to swell, and this can worsen pain associated with autoimmune conditions such as lupus. (3)

I have written quite a bit about arthritis, lupus and even TMJ BUT did you know even conditions such as herniated discs can be impacted by summer heat? That is because high heat can increase the risk of dehydration. In return, this dehydration can increase the risk of back pain from different triggers such as a herniated disc. Other chronic conditions such as headaches and even muscle pain can be made worse if you are dehydrated. (4)

Studies have found an interesting link between migraines and increased sunlight during the summer. This link is because those who have migraines produce less melatonin when there is more sunshine. In other words, they are more sensitive to the increase in sunlight that happens in the summer. (5)

Even just the straightforward process of going from winter to summer can affect our bodies and our pain levels. That is because the change in barometric pressure can lead to pain, especially for those who have migraines. (6) One theory is that changes in barometric can cause tissues to expand and contract leading to an increase in pain in those with migraines and even joint pain such as rheumatoid arthritis and TMJ. (7)

While we cannot get rid of the extreme heat that can trigger pain there are some things we can do to help decrease the side effects of the extreme heat on our body!

1. Stay hydrated during the warmer weather. Restrict exercise or outdoor activities to cooler parts of the day. Try and keep your AC at the lowest level you can to be comfortable. In my experience the less stark of a difference there is between outside and inside the less your body will notice the change! (1-7) For a fun refreshing beverage feel free to make a pitcher of Fizzy fruit yum! I like to take my pitcher with the built in stirrer and add carbonated water. I then add 3 scoops of Organic greens, 3 scoops of Oranges or Reds Hx and even 3 scoops of Collagex HA. Stir and drink! Feel free to refrigerate any leftovers. Just a head up sometimes the powders settle overnight, no problem! Just remix!
2. For more tips on hydration feel free to check out my blog!
3. Magnesium is especially important for reducing inflammation and pain. In fact, studies have found that a magnesium deficiency can worsen joint pain. (8) See Invite’s Magnesium Glycinate, Citrate and Bio-Avail magnesium powder!
4. Omega 3’s has been found in numerous studies to help to reduce inflammation! (9) Please see Invite’s Fish Oil, Krill Oil and InflamMune!
5. Glucosamine has been found to help with pain and inflammation levels. (10) Please see Invite’s Glucosamine Chondroitin, Joint Hx and Collagex HA!
6. Turmeric is another powerhouse when it comes to reducing pain and inflammation! (11) Please see Invite’s Biocurcumin 5 Loxin and Turmeric with Ginger!
7. Bromelain is another anti-inflammatory! Please check out my blog on this interesting nutrient!
8. Vitamin C may come as a surprise to you, but did you know that Vitamin C can help with pain? Especially nerve pain! (12) Invite health has 2 new easy to absorb and digest Vitamin C formulas. Feel free to check out our new chewable Vitamin C called Vitality Plus Gummy and the Vitality Plus beadlet!

Sources:

1. https://www.ptcoa.com/weather-and-pain-how-seasonal-changes-affect-chronic-pain-conditions
2. https://lionshvac.com/news/can-air-conditioning-cause-joint-pain/
3. https://anika.com/blog/humidity-arthritis-and-joint-pain/
4. https://chiropractorinoviedo.com/blog/dehydration-and-back-pain/
5. https://www.migraineagain.com/summer-migraines-enjoy-season-less-pain/
6. https://newsroom.clevelandclinic.org/2023/06/27/why-migraines-may-be-worse-in-the-summer
7. https://www.uchicagomedicine.org/forefront/prevention-and-screening-articles/its-cold-outside-do-your-joints-hurt
8. https://caringmedical.com/prolotherapy-news/magnesium-deficiency-considered-major-risk-factor-osteoarthritis-development-progression/#:~:text=Lower%20magnesium%20intake%20was%20associated,low%20fiber%20intake.
9. https://www.pdxfootandankle.com/blog/omega-3-fatty-acids-and-joint-health-benefits-and-sources-40772.html#:~:text=Omega%2D3%20fatty%20acids%20can,fundamental%20aspect%20of%20joint%20health.
10. https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC3456914/
11. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/33516238/#:~:text=After%206%20weeks%20of%20treatment,Registered%20on%2027%20February%202017.
12. https://translational-medicine.biomedcentral.com/articles/10.1186/s12967-017-1179-7#:~:text=A%20number%20of%20recent%20clinical,relief%20in%20specific%20patient%20groups.