Muscle problems are not a matter of time, study says
There is a long-held belief that changes in weather conditions, such as impending rain or temperature, can cause or worsen muscle and joint pain; Thus, the public often blames climate for changes in musculoskeletal health behavior.
However, despite the frequency with which this phenomenon has been confirmed, research to date has largely contradictory.
Some studies yes noticed that high temperatures and low humidity can double the risk of a gout flare-up; The results suggest that hot weather can lead to dehydration and increased uric acid levels in people with gout. But the connection is not so clear when they suffer from chronic musculoskeletal diseases.
Australian researchers from the University of Sydney conducted a meta-analysis that reviewed, assessed, and synthesized cross-sectional studies assessing the transient risk of musculoskeletal disorders associated with climatic parameters (e.g. temperature, relative humidity, air pressure and precipitation). Of the 1107 studies identified in the search, 11 were included (15,315 participants), providing data on 28,010 events (102,536 control periods) for seven musculoskeletal disorders.
“There is general perception that in certain weather conditions there is an increase in musculoskeletal symptoms such as back pain, hip pain or arthritis symptoms,” says lead author Professor Manuela Ferreira from Sydney Musculoskeletal Health, an initiative at the University of Sydney.
Complex Research
“Our study challenges this thinking, showing that rain or shine, weather has no direct connection with most of our aches and pains,” explains Professor Ferreira, who works at the Colling Institute in Sydney.
Osteoarthritis of the knee or hip was the most common condition, followed by low back pain and rheumatoid arthritis. The review found that changes in air temperature, humidity, pressure and rainfall do not appear to increase the risk of knee, hip or lower back pain. not related to new events I am seeking help for arthritis.
This is the first study to evaluate data from studies specifically designed to examine the role of transient and modifiable risk factors, like the weather, on muscle and joint symptoms. The researchers say the findings “debunk” a common medical myth, while giving patients an important warning not to let weather affect treatment options.
“When searching prevention and pain reliefboth patients and doctors should focus on how best to manage the condition, including weight control and exercise, rather than focusing on the weather and allowing it to influence treatment,” concludes Professor Ferreira.
95% of Spaniards suffer from muscle pain
Another study shows that up to 95% of Spaniards suffer regular muscle pain due to excessive weight bearing (45%), prolonged sitting at the computer (41%), episodes of stress (41%), prolonged standing without rest (35%) and poor sleeping position (34%), according to Physiocrem research – Spanish Association of Physiotherapists (AEF) for muscle health in Spain.
Likewise, three out of every four Spaniards point to their professional activity as a risk factor in the appearance of muscle pain, with the most common being back pain (85%) and neck pain (54%). A perception that is reinforced in professional groups belonging to primary sector: Construction, manufacturing, security forces or domestic service personnel.
Pain or discomfort that 51% of Spaniards may experience affect your quality of life (28%) or have to change their daily routine due to pain (23%). Despite these data and the fact that 90% of respondents believe that it is necessary to take care of muscle health, only 68% regularly visit a physiotherapistand most often this is done by Spaniards aged 35 to 49 years.
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