The Link Between Seasonal Allergies and Chronic Pain
Do you notice your seasonal allergies causing back pain or chronic joint pain? You’re not alone! With spring right around the corner, our chronic pain doctors in Asheville NC begin to see a large number of patients who feel worsening chronic pain when seasonal allergies hit. Without further ado, let’s get into the link between seasonal allergies and chronic pain.
Seasonal Allergies & Chronic Pain
Inflammation- Both joint pain and allergies are caused by inflammation in the body.
Fatigue- Often times, allergies cause you to be fatigued which can also be a trigger for chronic pain.
Shifts in weather- Rapid changes in temperature, humidity or barometric pressure can cause pain to feel worse.
Emotional factors- Allergies can cause your brain to feel foggy and less focused. The lack of mental clarity leads to worsening emotional stability and the potential for chronic pain to be triggered.
The Link
Seasonal allergies put extra stress on the body which can make chronic pain symptoms feel more intense. It can also affect your immune system—and in turn—cause inflammation in your joints leading to pain. Allergies are a big producer of body aches. Constant coughing and sneezing leads to headaches, neck and back pain. Anyone already dealing with chronic pain may find this very overwhelming!
The chronic pain doctors in Asheville at the Comprehensive Pain Consultants are here to help get your pain under control—no matter the season.
Seasonal Allergies
For most, allergies are at their worst during spring when flowers and trees are beginning to bud. Allergies for people living in Asheville NC and the surrounding area in Western North Carolina can start as early as February and last throughout the summer months. Triggers for seasonal allergies include pollen, ragweed, grasses and mold. Here are a few of the most common seasonal allergy symptoms:
Sinus congestion
Coughing
Sneezing/Wheezing
Runny nose
Sore throat
Watery eyes
General fatigue
Joint pain, neck pain or back pain
Prevent Pain During Allergy Season
There are a few treatment options and lifestyle adjustments that can help keep both allergies and joint pain from occurring:
Humidifiers
Air purifiers/air filters
Shower after being outdoors
Monitor pollen and mold levels. Check out the WNC air quality website right here for more details
Wash bedding once per week
Allergy medications: antihistamines and decongestants
Allergy shots: your allergist may recommend a boost to your immune system with an in-office allergy shot
Chronic Pain Doctors in Asheville NC
There are many ways allergies can worsen pain conditions, so it’s important to discuss your allergies with your pain doctor. The pain management Asheville doctors can help to put a strategy in place to minimize allergies’ impact. We strive to create sustainable treatment plans to stop chronic pain and prevent future damage. Contact us today and schedule your appointment.
Get in touch with us by calling 828-483-4438
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