Many people in our area are about to begin experiencing an increase in their level of chronic pain. I’ll tell you why...

We see a lot of chronic pain. Pain is often the main reason patients call us. It is gratifying when we are able to help a patient find a truly effective treatment to resolve a long-standing painful condition. Thankfully about 90% of our patients receive relief.

So, why will many people begin having more chronic pain soon? The short answer is the weather.

Years ago, during my early acupuncture training a very experienced acupuncture clinician advised that patients will often need to be treated “when the seasons change.” I have found this to be true for many patients, whether they express a relation to the conditions outside or not.

With the approach of fall and winter our bodies will experience colder outdoor temperatures, drier indoor air, less sun exposure, less activity for many, increase in tendency toward depression and dietary changes.

In Northwestern Montana the prevailing climate of cold and damp can have a significantly negative impact on pain levels. As a result, our office will begin to see an uptick in patients seeking to make appointments to treat their chronic pain conditions.

All this is a good reminder in learning how and when to seek treatment. Ultimately, we hope people come in early to get treated as chronic conditions generally take longer to resolve the longer they go untreated.