Is Bad Weather Associated With Increased Pain?

Tom Hol
Engadine and Sutherland, NSW, Physio Inq Licensee

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.

Topics covered in this article:

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.

About The Author

Hi! I'm Tom Hol

Tom brings a fresh approach to business ownership, focusing on keeping his staff happy.  He does this partly because he knows it keeps his clients happy, and partly because he gets real pleasure out of making sure his team are stimulated and progressing in whatever area of the business interests them. Tom has always put his whole self into what he is passionate about, and is one of those fortunate people whose passion, and work, are one and the same. An almost 10-year career as a chef saw him running a well-known hatted restaurant in Potts Point, appearing on the TV show, Iron Chef, and working with some of Sydney’s most respected and innovative Executive Chefs.  However, when his passion for human movement and mobility took over, Tom orchestrated a career change and retrained as a physiotherapist. Graduating from Australian Catholic University in 2016 with a Bachelor of Physiotherapy, Tom sought out the game-changers in the physiotherapy field and found an instant fit with Physio Inq.  Tom started work at the Engadine clinic in January 2017 and within a short period of time, was managing the clinic, and enjoying his new profession. Tom, with his wife and business partner, Laura, purchased the Physio Inq Engadine clinic in 2018.  Under their guidance, the clinic grew, and in 2022 it was relocated across Station Street, to a commercial property three times the original clinic's size.   In 2019 Tom and Laura opened their second clinic, Physio Inq Sutherland: a huge undertaking, but nothing too daunting for the Hols. Tom leads by example and encourages people to maximise their achievements.  He is always thinking about getting the best results out of the efforts that are put in.