21 Feb How does cold weather effect the jaw pain?
Don’t think for a moment that it is just a figment of your imagination. It is true that cold weather has a significant effect on stiffness and jaw pain. People living with TMD (temporomandibular disorder) may experience even more pains in the jaw, intense headaches as well as other TMD symptoms in cold weather conditions. But what are the reasons behind this? Is there any way you can obtain relief whenever the weather changes?
Atmospheric Pressure and TMD
The atmospheric pressure is the weightiness the air has on the earth and changes when the storm fronts move. People with jaw pain have reported that they experienced an increase in jaw pain whenever there is a weather forecast about storms. This jaw pain is likely caused by the increment of pressure on the fluid that is present in the joints. The fluid is called synovium. Increased atmospheric pressure causes joints to become stiff or achier.
If you begin to notice unusual stiffness in your jaw or experience more pain than usual, you should endeavor to check out a periodical about changes in the atmospheric pressure and weather conditions to see if they could be responsible for the symptoms.
Frostiness and Jaw Pain
It is a known fact that cold weather turns liquids and food to a solid state. The same analogy can be applied to joints, for cold weather brings about stiffness in the joints. When exposed to low temperatures, the fluids found in the joints may congeal, thus making nerve endings within the joints to become aware of this change in the state of the fluid. When this happens, the nerve endings transmit signals of soreness or pain. This is why people with TMD and arthritis don’t find it easy during the winter months as such ailments are more difficult to manage in these seasons.
Headaches and the Climate
One of the most common symptoms associated with TMD patients is headaches, and it has been medically proven beyond doubt that cold weather intensifies headaches. Changes in the atmospheric pressure, temperature and humidity can spark off migraines in vulnerable people and those who nurse allergies may experience sinus headaches. When the pressure in the sinuses increases, individuals with TMD may experience intense pain and ear pressure.
How to Deal With the Changes in the Climate
Even though changes in the weather can worsen the symptoms of TMD, there are some uncomplicated ways you can implement to get rid of these symptoms. Take the following home remedies into account for TMJ pain that is related to cold weather:
You should utilize heat to your benefit. Take warm showers or make use of heating pads on cold days and you will experience an incredible relief from stiff joints and muscles.
Cope with your stress. If the level of your stress is high at present, the cold climate could easily amplify the TMD symptoms such as tension headaches, a stiffness of the neck and jaw pain. To cut down on your stress level, try to practice meditation, aromatherapy or deep breathing, which are superb ways of reducing the emotional as well as physical tension. Undergoing these treatments will enable you to effectively manage the pain associated with TMD in any weather condition.