Badgering Bone Pain

By Alecia Sexton

Layout Manager

Athletes at this school can be proud to attend a high-achieving athletics university. Among the Pioneers are some highly trained athletes, and since joint pain can afflict any and everyone, it’s important to have an idea about the things that can trigger pain and inflammation.

Aside from nutrient deficiencies including calcium, magnesium, vitamin D and vitamin K, there are non-nutritional factors that affect the bones and tissues as well. Joint, muscle and bone pain aren’t aliments that only affect the elderly.

Dr. David Borenstein, past president of the American College of Rheumatology and current clinical professor of medicine at George Washington Medical Center, pointed out the fact that grandma is actually correct a majority of the time when she alludes that since her knee is hurting the rain is about to roll in. While studies are varied – since weather systems are extremely erratic and multidimensional – many have pointed out that barometric pressure, which is the amount of air pressure exerted on Earth, has an impact on the amount of pain we endure.

ScienceDirect, an online scientific journal publication, shared a 2011 study on guinea pigs that measured and recorded the amount of pain experienced under low pressure atmospheres, such as what is exerted in the wintertime.

The study was concluded with an overwhelming majority that low pressure and cold environments propagate joint and nerve pain. The reason being is that during these times of low pressure (such as before a rain or snow storm) internal tissue inflammation rises since there’s no warm, moist air exerting force on them. This puts pressure on nerves, leading to pain and discomfort.

Those who have had previous injuries or are sedentary are at a higher risk for enduring this since they often have more baseline inflammation in their joints and tissues. There are a few precautionary measures that can be taken to combat pain.

One simple fix is to dress in warmer layers. This acts as a blanket for tissues and promotes heat and blood flow to vulnerable areas.

Eating a well rounded diet, (no that doesn’t mean doughnuts), filled with foods that fight inflammation can also be beneficial. This means more fruits, vegetables and fish, and less fried foods and saturated fats. Perhaps the most effective and long term fix, however, would be to engage in regular weight bearing exercise.

Increasing muscle tone and bone density is a sure fire way to brace the body for stress, cushion nerves and ensure health.

Editor’s Note: The Pioneer is not responsible for giving medical advice. Please refer to a medical professional for serious concerns regarding personal health.