It’s common to feel some discomfort after a night of drinking. But for some people, this pain extends beyond the typical hangover headaches. Many patients find their joints hurt after drinking, too. But what causes this pain? And what can be done about it? Get the answers below.
Alcohol Dehydrates The Body
Alcohol acts as a diuretic, which means it removes liquids from the bloodstream. While this effect can be managed by drinking lots of water, many of us fail to do that. If you are dehydrated, you might face all sorts of body pains.
Heavy Drinking Causes Inflammation
Autoimmune conditions like rheumatoid arthritis can massively impact the joints. While having a few drinks is usually okay, heavy drinking can have inflammatory effects, making symptoms worse. If your joints hurt after drinking, then take a look at the amount of alcohol you are consuming.
Disruptions in Sleep Patterns
Having a drink or two might make you feel sleepy. However, it is actually disruptive to your sleep cycle. Alcohol makes it more difficult to get REM sleep, which is the restorative period of rest. Fatigue can lead to joint pain, as well as other body aches.
Other Factors to Consider
While alcohol itself can have negative effects on the body, so can other parts of a night out. For instance, staying up late, dancing, wearing high heels, and eating bar food can all leave you feeling less than great. While you can still have fun, just remember to be gentle with your body, too!
Take Charge of Your Joint Pain
If your joints hurt after drinking, then you might have other issues going on. Sometimes, alcohol can simply trigger issues in the body that were already there before. If you have chronic joint pain, then Genesis Pain Clinic can help. Call us today to learn more.