Neuropathy & the Weather


I'm writing here to invite those who feel that weather plays some role in inducing neuropathy flare ups. To some this seems very evident, while others chalk it up to mere myth.

Indeed, it's hard to prove that weather can cause a flare up of nueropathic pains. Still, there are some weather websites that cater to concerns about weather related pain, especially for those who suffer from arthritis and such.

My personal case in this:

I suffer from Ciprofloxacin induced Peripheral Neuropathy. For the most part, I have gotten much, much better in the last 8 months since it began. However, as I keep a strict track record of my daily pains and symptoms on a calendar - I have noticed that my flare ups are the worst when it rains or there is a damp snowstorm.

In fact, as I'm typing this, I am in the midst of a flare up and it's been raining and snowing outside since yesterday night. To top that off, being a man - it's my duty to get out there and shovel that darn slushy snow! LOL So avoiding the weather is not an option for many of us (men & women alike).

Be that as it may, there are rainy days when it hardly affect me at all, but when the rain or storms are coupled together for more than 2 or 3 days in a row, I definitely start getting the flare ups, some quite painful.

The question is this: Does weather really effect neuropathy, or is it all in our heads?

The pressure change is what does it. I hurt big time when that happens.

I heard some say the same, but don't know what that actually means. Is it dampness, drop in barometric pressure, or other? ...Will check on this later- Argh, got to get out there and shovel. LOL

The change in barometric pressure. This site might help explain it all. I know it happens to me. My wrists will start cracking and sure enough weather is coming.

http://www.webmd.com/pain-management...ather_and_pain

There are various video explanations about pain and low pressure. (low barometric pressures).

We have one done at a TV studio somewhere on this forum.
But I can't find it now.

This is a close second illustrating that when pressures go down,
things tend to swell up.

http://www.physics.org/interact/phys...ows/index.html

Of course what happens on a small scale is not visible to us, but perhaps does impact sensory nerves.

Just about every forum we have here that deals with pain issues,
reports posts where people have more pain when the barometric pressure falls. In Europe doctors even consult the weather for their
pain patients.

...Very interesting and convincing. I noticed when I compare my neuropathy flare ups, almost all fall on days when it's a rain or snow storm, or when long lingering rain is occurring or just about to occur. Though I don't no if rainfall signals a drop in barometric pressure. --Does it? Still, it can't be coincidence.

A drop in barometric pressure precedes rain or other precipitation.

I know pain is worse for me as well (not just for PN, but joint pain too) when the pressure drops.

Last winter, there were FIVE major LOWS on the US map, at the same time.

That is not typical, but that time period was very painful for me.

If you watch the Weather Channel online, or on cable, and or CNN every day, you will get an inkling or at least a warning of sorts. Sometimes a LOW pressure area will be near and there won't be the rain/snow. You can still feel awful, however.

I have noticed the pain is worse the last few days since this bad weather in midwest USA. I would not use the term flare, however, as I do have pain every day.

My dad who had very bad rheumatoid arthritis for 50 years until he died. He felt much worse when a low came in. In his waning years he moved to Arizona and said how much better he felt.

Low pressure is an area of unstable warm air. It does not always mean rain or precipitation, but is associated with clouds and general bad weather.

Consult the weatherman or a barometer to know since it can slide in slowly.