What do doctors say when the body 'predicts the weather' before it gets cold?

Many people say that joint pain is a sign that the weather is about to get cold. But according to doctors, these 'weather forecast' pains are not just a feeling, but also the body's way of reacting to changes in temperature.

Specialist Doctor 1 Vi Van Duong, Department of Trauma and Orthopedics, Nam Sai Gon International General Hospital said that many people admit that they do not need to look at the sky to know that the monsoon is coming. Every time their knee joints are tense, their back is sore or their neck and shoulders are heavy, they know that the weather is changing. That dull pain makes many people tired because they have to "live with" each cold spell.

This phenomenon of "the body predicting the weather" is not uncommon. At the hospital, many people come with the same description: whenever it is cold, rainy or the humidity changes, the pain recurs, the joint stiffness in the morning, or the pain increases when sitting for a long time. Although each person has different symptoms, the common point is that the pain appears right when the weather changes, significantly affecting daily activities and quality of life.

The weather in Ho Chi Minh City is getting cold, people wear long-sleeved shirts when going out in the early morning.

PHOTO: LE CAM

Why is the body "sensitive" to the weather?

According to Dr. Vi Van Duong, the phenomenon of pain increasing with the weather is not random. There are 3 common causes:

Temperature and humidity decrease. When it is cold, blood vessels constrict, tendons and muscles become stiff. People with diseases such as osteoarthritis, arthritis, gout, etc. often feel more pain because the joints become less flexible.

Reduced immunity. Cold weather weakens the immune system, making the body more susceptible to infection and pain, especially in the elderly or those with underlying medical conditions.

Cold weather habits. Sitting for long periods, little movement, and shivering in cold weather reduces blood circulation, causing pain to appear or last longer. This is a common cause among office workers.

"Many patients share that every cold season, their joint pain increases, especially in the morning or when it rains. This is a common physiological reaction, but if the pain persists or is accompanied by swelling, numbness, and limited mobility, it should not be taken lightly," Dr. Duong shared.

Specialist Doctor Vi Van Duong consults with a patient

PHOTO: TH

Safe ways to relieve pain when the weather turns cold

From common clinical situations, Dr. Duong recommends some measures to help patients reduce discomfort during the cold season:

Gently massage the neck, back, and knees to increase blood circulation . Keep your body warm, especially your neck, back, knees, and feet. Exercise regularly, standing up after every 45-60 minutes of sitting; practice walking, yoga, or light exercises. Eat a balanced diet, supplement with foods rich in calcium, magnesium, and vitamin D; limit alcoholic beverages and fatty foods.

Do not use pain relievers for bones and joints on your own, especially anti-inflammatory drugs . People with underlying medical conditions need to follow the treatment regimen and consult a doctor before applying exercise methods or taking supplements.

"Not all pain caused by weather is dangerous, but if the pain lasts for a long time, affects daily activities or increases in severity when it's cold, the patient should get checked to find the exact cause," Dr. Duong recommends.

Ho Chi Minh City weather turns cold

Mr. Le Dinh Quyet, Head of Forecasting Department (Southern Hydrometeorological Station) said: The weather in Ho Chi Minh City and the South in recent days has turned cold at night and in the morning due to the influence of a strong cold air mass from the north spreading to the south. The cold air has continued to strengthen in recent days, causing the general temperature in the area to drop significantly.

The lowest temperature in some places will drop to 18-19 degrees Celsius, commonly in Ho Chi Minh City is 19-20 degrees Celsius; the highest temperature is from 29-31 degrees Celsius. This cold spell is likely to last at least until December 3; then it will decrease slightly and the warm sunshine will increase again. But in the next few days, a new cold spell will appear. From around December 4-5, the cold air will continue to strengthen in the northern part of our country, a few days later it may affect the southern part.

Chi Nhan

Source: https://thanhnien.vn/bac-si-noi-gi-khi-co-the-du-bao-thoi-weather-truoc-khi-troi-troi-lanh-185251128152045905.htm