Health professionals warn spring can ramp up everyday aches and pains – new research shows 88% of Brits experience pain at least monthly

Advertisement

If you’ve been feeling more achy, stiff or “creaky” than usual of late, you’re certainly not alone. Health professionals warn that spring can subtly ramp up everyday aches and pains, owing to a potent combination of unpredictable weather, damp conditions, and a sudden surge in physical activity following a largely inactive winter.

GP Nisa Aslam and adviser to Combogesic, said: “88% of Brits experience pain at least monthly according to new real-world data from my colleagues Combogesic, and spring’s unpredictable mix of cold snaps, humidity and fluctuating air pressure can aggravate joint stiffness and trigger flare-ups. These shifts can affect joint tissues and fluid, leading to stiffness or pain, with those living with arthritis, musculoskeletal pain, fibromyalgia or migraines particularly affected.

“Research has also confirmed that weather really does affect pain. Wet and cold tolerance changes with the seasons and day-to-day weather fluctuations appear to influence how sensitive people are to pain.”

Why spring can make pain worse

Dr Aslam explained: “Drops in barometric pressure can reduce pressure on the body, allowing tissues and joints to expand slightly and trigger pain – particularly in people with joint or muscle conditions – while headaches and sciatica pain may also worsen. Damp, humid days can make joints feel more swollen, and spring allergies can increase body-wide inflammation and may make joints and muscles painful and sore.

“Rapid temperature swings also play a role, tightening joints in the cold and expanding tissues in sudden warmth. And it’s not just the weather. As the days get brighter, many of us suddenly ramp up activity – from gardening and DIY to running and spring cleaning – putting extra strain on muscles and joints that may not be conditioned after winter.”

Addressing springtime discomforts

Dr Nisa Aslam provided the following advice:

Dress in layers: This prevents muscles and joints from becoming cold and seizing up, while helping you adapt more easily to fluctuating temperatures, reports the Mirror.

Choose anti-inflammatory foods: Incorporate leafy greens (spring greens, spinach), berries and omega-3-rich options (salmon, walnuts, flaxseed) into your diet. Reduce intake of processed foods, which can trigger inflammation.

Select suitable pain relief: Research shows half of Britons rely on paracetamol, with nearly a quarter (23%) combining paracetamol with codeine. However, codeine is an opioid that isn’t suitable for everyone and may cause nausea, constipation, dizziness and headaches – plus carries risks of addiction and overdose.

Ease into spring activities: Gradually increase the duration and intensity of outdoor activities over several weeks, ensuring to include proper warm-up and cool-down routines, as well as correct lifting techniques whether dealing with gym weights or household and garden items. Avoid prolonged repetitive tasks like weeding or scrubbing, take regular breaks and maintain an upright posture.

Tackle allergies head-on: Manage spring allergies as they can cause inflammation, which may also affect the joints. Stay indoors when the pollen count is high.

Keep hydrated: A lack of fluid can impact the joints and lead to pain and stiffness.

Engage in gentle exercise: Activities such as yoga, Pilates, swimming and walking can enhance circulation and ease joint stiffness.

“We are all better for having had her in our lives”

Co Fermanagh murder victim Ellie Flanagan will be remembered as a “shining light” who was “so full of life” by those who knew her.

The 23-year-old was found at an address in the Corban Avenue area of Enniskillen on Saturday evening, March 7. A 45-year-old man has been arrested on suspicion of murder and other related offences.

Detectives from the PSNI Major Investigation Team, who launched a murder inquiry following her death, said she was found by officers who were carrying out enquiries relating to a collision which took place on the Carn Road near Tempo at around 9.15pm on Saturday.

READ MORE: Fermanagh murder victim named by police as 23-year-old Ellie FlanaganREAD MORE: Co Fermanagh murder victim is 29th woman to be killed in Northern Ireland since 2020

The local community has been plunged into ‘deep shock’ at the news of Ellie’s death. The young woman worked as a childminder in a play school.

An active member of the local drama scene in Co Fermanagh, Ellie’s friends at the Lakeland Players paid a touching tribute to their “beloved” member who recently shone as the Fairy Godmother in the Christmas Pantomime.

Taking to social media, The Lakeland Players said they were “devastated” sharing the news of her death.

A spokesperson said: “Ellie was a shining light in our group, and was someone who had the ability to brighten up any room as soon as she entered it.

“Our show each year and being part of our group was such a huge element of Ellie’s life, and her enthusiasm and infectious energy made her a perfect example of what we all strive to be in the Lakeland Players.

“Ellie was a fixture of our group for her whole life, joining the chorus at the earliest opportunity and more recently taking on her definitive role of the Fairy Godmother, a role which she embodied so well and undeniably made her own.

“Indeed, her dedication to the group was so much so that she arrived to the first rehearsal for this year’s show knowing all of her own lines, as well as everyone else’s.”

They continued: “There are no words we can use at the moment to describe the hurt and loss being felt across our group, but this pales into insignificance in comparison to the unimaginable loss which has been suffered by Ellie’s mother Karen, her grandparents Attracta and Roger, her dear auntie Marian, all her extended family and her many friends and colleagues.

“Our sincere condolences also go out to all Ellie’s work colleagues at Little Foxes Playgroup and all connected with the Flanagan and Haggins families.

“We gathered as a group this evening to remember Ellie, and an evening which began with sorrow and sadness grew into a gathering where we shared memories, laughter and the songs Ellie loved so much.

“This is exactly how we know Ellie would have wanted it to be, and it became clear that Ellie will be remembered as she lived, full of joy and happiness.

“Ellie was, above all, the most kind and gentle soul anyone could hope to meet, who was so full of life and joy. We are all better for having had her in our lives, and we will all hold dear so many fond memories of our time with her. In her short life, she left an indelible mark on so many.

“She will forever be our Fairy Godmother.”

For all the latest news, visit the Belfast Live homepage here and sign up to our daily newsletter here.

His best shot, therefore, might be winning outright in the first round. On Sunday, he and half a dozen supporters spent a rainy morning knocking on doors in the city of Marietta, reminding Democratic voters to head to the polls on Tuesday. Harris enthusiastically greeted voters who answered their doors, even running up hilly driveways to shake their hands and handing out his personal phone number.

Weather forecasting maps show snowy patches in multiple parts of the country including London on Friday – the Met Office has said some areas will see frequent showers which will turn to snow

Several parts of the UK look set to see snow this week, according to new maps.

Cities including London, Birmingham, Plymouth, Stoke-on-Trent, Swansea, Belfast and Glasgow, along with their surrounding areas, could see snow or ice on Friday, the ECMWF weather model suggests.

Maps show large parts of Scotland will be blanketed with snow overnight on Friday, with the most fresh snow expected on the Western Isles and Highlands. The maps also show extensive purple shading over parts of Northern Ireland, with accumulations expected in County Antrim, including Belfast, County Tyrone and Londonderry by 9am on Friday.

In England, snow is expected to fall over the Pennines and the Lake District overnight before expanding to areas further south. People in parts of London, west Cornwall, north Devon and the outskirts of Bristol could see snow. By the afternoon, the snow is expected to have cleared in these areas, with exception for south-west England.

Advertisement

READ MORE: Met Office issues 12-hour weather warning as 4 areas told ‘prepare essentials’READ MORE: Stansted Airport Hilton Hotel on fire as guests evacuated and crews race in

Areas in central England, including Lincolnshire and Staffordshire could see snowfall in the afternoon, as well as parts of Wales, including Swansea. In the evening, snow is expected to continue falling over large parts of Scotland, North West England.

The Met Office has warned that Friday will be “considerably colder” than previous days, with snow expected in multiple parts of the country, especially the Northwest of England. Annie Shuttleworth, a meteorologist with the national weather service, said in a forecast posted on YouTube: “Quite a notable change in the air mass on Thursday night into Friday will bring a very different feel to the weather by the end of the week. It will be considerably colder to start the day [Friday]. We are expecting a patchy frost particularly in sheltered areas. Sheltered because the winds will be quite strong on Friday as well.

Advertisement

“Now, the rain will continue to move in from the north and west. So, it’s northwestern areas that will see frequent showers, some of these falling as snow to around 200 meters. That’s relatively low for the time of year, but also a mix of hail in there as well. That brings a risk of ice too through Friday morning as well as into Saturday morning.”

Weather maps issued by the Met Office show a messy outlook on Friday, with white hues across the country, including across the Northwest of England, north Wales and parts of Scotland, and a blue hue covering other parts, such as the Southwest of England.

Ms Shuttleworth added: “Wherever you are, it’s going to be feeling chilly quite widely. We’ll just be in those single figures by day… Now, the general theme remains unsettled into the weekend.”

In its long-range forecast for March 14 to March 23, the Met Office said conditions during this period will be “mostly changeable”, with Atlantic frontal systems passing close to or across the UK at times. This will bring spells of rain, particularly in the west and northwest, potentially accompanied by strong winds.

But drier interludes are expected, especially in the south and east. Temperatures will be near average for the period as a whole, but with some shorter-duration colder interludes at times when frost and hill snow will be possible.

Clive Owen LLP, based at Northminster Business Park, Poppleton, was recognised as Mid-Tier Firm of the Year, with its York office Partner, Phillipa Symington, named Partner of the Year.

The Yorkshire Accountancy Awards, which were held in Leeds, recognise excellence, innovation and people focused leadership across the region’s accountancy profession.

Established in 1983, Clive Owen LLP has grown from a small sole trader operation into a leading firm with five offices in Darlington, Durham, York, Middlesbrough and Newcastle, and a workforce in the region of 150 colleagues.

RECOMMENDED READING:

 The company says these awards successes mark a year of growth and innovation at Clive Owen LLP’s York office, driven by strategic appointments, internal promotions and boosting its service offering.

Since joining as Audit Partner in 2022, Phillipa Symington, who is also the firm’s Head of Audit Compliance, has helped reinforce the firm’s quality driven culture. Her leadership has supported team development and sustainable growth, with notable successes including Jonathan Doyle’s promotion to Partner in the Accounts and Business Advisory team, and Angela Mikola joining as Tax Director.

Clive Owen LLP also reports a successful year across its offices, buoyed by continued growth and several achievements and accreditations.

These include achieving Great Place to Work accredited status for the second year running; gaining Good Business Charter accreditation for responsible business practice; being one of the first firms to join the government’s new Fair Payment Code, and being  one of only a few firms to be recognised as an Institute of Chartered Accountants in England and Wales (ICAEW) Climate Champion.

 Phillipa Symington said: “Being recognised as Mid‑Tier Firm of the Year is an achievement we are incredibly proud of, which reflects the dedication, expertise and hard work of our entire team.

“On a personal level, I am truly honoured to have been named Partner of the Year at such a prestigious awards ceremony, particularly given the exceptional calibre of finalists. Being shortlisted felt like an accomplishment, so to receive these awards is both humbling and deeply rewarding.

 “These awards highlight the strength of our people and the culture we have built across the firm, driven by collaboration, innovation and a shared commitment to delivering exceptional service to our clients.”

Simon Hook, Joint Managing Partner, added: “These latest independent endorsements further reinforce the firm’s values and our mission to deliver a bespoke, personal service to clients.

“Congratulations to Phillipa on her thoroughly well‑deserved recognition, and to our colleagues in York and across the wider firm for their continued commitment and invaluable contributions that make Clive Owen LLP the firm it is today.

 “We look forward to building on this success in the months ahead, continuing what has already been an incredibly rewarding year for everyone associated with Clive Owen LLP.”

“The proposal seeks to develop a new housing community which offers a range of private residential accommodation consisting of detached and semi detached dwelling houses.”

A new housing development could be coming to Ayrshire – with more than 180 properties in the pipeline.

Ayrshire Live exclusively revealed in April last year that a parcel of land at Kilmarnock Road and Tarbolton Road, Dundonald, had been earmarked for the proposed development.

Now we can reveal that 187 homes have been pencilled in for the site, in what is being described as a ‘major development’ and part of an overall ‘masterplan.’

The agent in the proposal is Denham Youd, based in Ayr’s Wellington Square and the applicant is Drongan-based Hope Consultancy Ltd.

The agent previously submitted a Proposal of Application Notice (PAN) to build residential housing and “associated infrastructure.“

Now more information about the proposed development has emerged.

This fresh application relates to an overall masterplan for the site and comprises Area 2, 3 and 4 of a ‘new housing community.’

Area 1 is now completed and relates to the affordable housing portion of the site, 63 of which have already been developed by Connect Modular Ltd.

In a supporting statement the agents said: “The proposed development will include a mix of house types and styles alongside open space and landscaping, pedestrian paths and road access, SUDS (Sustainable Drainage Systems) and other supporting infrastructure.

“The proposal seeks to develop a new housing community which offers a range of private residential accommodation consisting of detached and semi detached dwelling houses.”

Area 2 involves 49 homes from Briar Homes, These include eight proposed house types ranging from detached, semi detached, single and two storey homes.

Area 3 involves 60 homes from Hope Consultancy and is set to offer seven house types, which includes a range of storey heights as well as detached and semi-detached options.

Advertisement

And Area 4 has been earmarked for new 78 homes, by Campbell Homes. There are seven house types proposed on this site, with a range of detached, semi detached, single, double and one and a half storey homes.

The planning statement adds: “Planning Application (20/00119/MSCM) was approved in March 2021, this was for the erection of 63 dwellings, which were all affordable and related to the overall affordable housing provision associated with the wider masterplan site which had planning permission in principle in place.

“Given this, this planning application seeks to develop out the remaining 187 units which were allocated to the site within the adopted local development plan.”

The proposals can be viewed on South Ayrshire Council’s online planning portal and a decision on them is expected in due course.

The Reform UK leader, who was speaking ahead of a ‘headline’ event’ in Houghton-le-Spring on March 26, said he would visit the area as it “deserves better than the managed decline delivered by Labour and the Conservatives”.

He will be hoping it proves as fruitful as a rally at Sunderland Live ahead of last year’s local elections when Reform took control of Durham County Council.

Nigel Farage said: “I’m coming to Sunderland because this community deserves better than the managed decline delivered by Labour and the Conservatives.

“They have broken Britain, and they refuse to admit it.

“This campaign is about telling the truth and offering real change.

“Reform UK is ready to fix Britain – but we can’t do it without you.”

Sunderland City Council has been a Labour stronghold for decades, with the party currently holding a clear majority on the council, and the Conservatives and Liberal Democrats forming the main opposition groups.

However, recent elections have shown a more crowded field.

In the 2024 local elections, Reform UK pushed the Conservatives into third place in wards where Labour still won, while the Greens and Liberal Democrats also polled consistently in several seats.

In late 2025, Reform won its first seat on the council in a Hetton by-election, taking more than 45 per cent of the vote and overturning a long‑standing Labour ward.

Reform’s vote share has grown recently in other areas, including pushing into second place behind Labour in Hartlepool, Spennymoor, North Durham and Newton Aycliffe at the 2024 General Election.

The rally event will take place at 7pm at the Sunderland Live arena on Thursday, March 26, with the party touting speeches from Farage and other party figures. It is open to party members and supporters, and ticketed costing a fiver.