Monday, April 12, 2021 | Modified: Tuesday, July 2, 2024
In this article
Summary
- Explores the relationship between bad weather and increased pain levels.
- Discusses anecdotal evidence and studies suggesting a link between certain weather conditions and heightened pain sensitivity.
- Offers insights into potential mechanisms behind weather-related pain, such as changes in barometric pressure, temperature, humidity, and air quality.
- Discusses common conditions that may be influenced by weather, including arthritis, migraines, fibromyalgia, and chronic pain.
- Provides practical tips and strategies for managing pain during bad weather, such as staying physically active, practicing relaxation techniques, using heat or cold therapy, and seeking professional advice.
- Discusses the importance of maintaining a holistic approach to pain management, including healthy lifestyle habits, stress reduction, and adherence to treatment plans.
- Offers resources and recommendations for individuals seeking further information and support in coping with pain during adverse weather conditions.
- Acknowledges the individual variability in weather sensitivity and encourages individuals to listen to their bodies and seek appropriate care when needed.
- Aims to provide insights and strategies to help individuals better understand and manage their pain during periods of bad weather.
Everyone I see with chronic pain says it hurts more in winter. Studies show that between 62% and 97% of people with musculoskeletal conditions believe that the weather influences their pain. Are you one of those people?
Musculoskeletal conditions with chronic pain include rheumatoid arthritis, osteoarthritis, fibromyalgia, low-back pain, and non-traumatic joint disorders. If yes, you might have confirmation bias: A strong belief in the weather-pain relationship may mean you perceive higher pain levels under certain weather conditions which you cannot be blinded to, like rain.
There are approximately 43 existing studies on the association between chronic musculoskeletal pain and weather conditions (temperature, atmospheric pressure, relative humidity, precipitation, etc). A recent review of these studies determined that while some stated current evidence does not support an association between weather and pain, others do show an association. In other words, there is no scientific consensus to support a direct link between weather and chronic musculoskeletal pain.
There is some evidence that scar tissue and/or nerve fibres may respond differently to certain weather conditions like damp weather or low pressure.
More significantly, the pain during winter may be less directly related to weather patterns and more about our change of lifestyle: changes in exposure to Vitamin D, less physical activity, poorer sleep and eating, and mood.
So what can you do? For sure studies show that regular physical activity may be as beneficial as medications for both your Physical and Mental Health. We’ve already written articles about the positive impact of Physiotherapy and exercise on mental health issues, joint pain, chronic pain, and knee osteoarthritis.
Also, I am working with Macquarie University on a study called the WalkBack Trial, which is looking at how a simple walking program helps to reduce the incidence, and severity, of low back pain. If you have had an episode of lower back pain in the last 6 months, then you may be eligible to join in (it’s FREE)! Contact [email protected] via email, or go to www.walkbacktrial.com for more info and to get started.
Let Physio Inq Sutherland help you live a life with less limits.
Find the full Narrative Review: Beukenhorst et al. Are weather conditions associated with chronic musculoskeletal pain? Review of results and methodologies. Pain Journal Online, 161 (April 2020) 668-683.
https://cdn-links.lww.com/permalink/pain/a/pain_2019_12_16_beukenhorst_pain-d-19-00493_sdc1.pdf
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