Do you notice your pain worsening as the temperatures drop? You're not alone. Cold weather can impact pain for several scientifically backed reasons. In this blog, we'll uncover why cold weather affects pain, the conditions most often impacted, and tips to help you stay comfortable this winter.
Why Does the Weather Affect Pain?
Barometric Pressure
Barometric pressure, which measures the atmosphere's air pressure, can affect our joints, particularly in people with arthritis or other joint issues. When barometric pressure drops—typically signaling cooler weather—less air presses on our bodies, allowing tissue to swell and irritate our joints.
Thickening of Synovial Fluid
Chillier temperatures also cause synovial fluid, the oily substance that lubricates our joints, to thicken, meaning less cushioning and more stiffness and pain in our joints.
Reduced Blood Flow
Our bodies also respond to cold weather by constricting blood vessels to preserve body heat. While this helps keep us warm, it also reduces blood flow to muscles and ligaments, leading to further joint pain and stiffness.
Psychological Effects of Cold Weather on Pain and Mental Health
Chronic pain and mental health often compound one another. According to the American Psychological Association, nearly 56% of U.S. adults with chronic pain also experience symptoms of anxiety and depression. These issues are especially significant in the winter when seasonal affective disorder (SAD) is more prevalent. SAD is a type of depression that happens during certain seasons but is more common during the fall and winter. The most common symptoms include increased sleep and daytime drowsiness, loss of interest in activities formerly enjoyed, social withdrawal, grouchiness and anxiety, and more. We have a collection of mental health resources on our mobile app and website that you can always reference and explore.
Common Conditions Affected by Cold Weather
Arthritis
Arthritis is a widespread condition that causes swelling and tenderness in one or more joints. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), about 53 million adults in the United States have arthritis.
Fibromyalgia
Fibromyalgia is a chronic and lesser-understood disorder characterized by pain and tenderness throughout the body. It is often accompanied by increased sensitivity to pain, fatigue, sleep, memory, and mood issues. About 4 million people in the United States have Fibromyalgia, according to the CDC.
Other Chronic Pain Conditions
Other chronic pain conditions, like back and neck pain and conditions such as bursitis or tendonitis, can be impacted by the colder weather as the muscles within our bodies tense up and receive less blood flow.
Tips for Keeping Weather-Related Pain at Bay This Winter
Stay Active
Staying active year-round, especially in the winter, is crucial for pain management. A consistent exercise routine can help keep your muscles and joints loose. Stretching or walking are especially gentle and beneficial exercises for your joints. You can always follow along with the exercises in our Commonwealth Pain & Spine mobile app, provided by our in-house physical therapy team.
Heat Things Up
Stay warm indoors and bundle up with insulated clothing when you venture outside. The cold will stiffen your muscles, so keeping them warm will prevent discomfort. You can also use a heating pad to increase blood flow to tender joints or take a hot shower after a day in the cold.
Maintain a Healthy Diet
Certain foods like olive oil, green leafy vegetables, fatty fish, and fruits can help reduce inflammation. Following an anti-inflammatory diet can help your joints and help you maintain a healthy weight, which means less pressure on your joints and increased mobility.
Cold weather doesn't have to leave you stiff and uncomfortable this winter. You can minimize cold-weather pain with proactive steps like staying active and following a healthy diet.
If your pain is persistent, worsening, or impacting your daily life, it's time to consult a specialist. Our compassionate, board-certified physicians and pain management experts will provide a comprehensive, tailored treatment plan to get you back to the activities you love. If you are ready to start with Commonwealth Pain & Spine, contact us today by filling out our self-referral form or calling (502) 890-5639.
Kyle Young, MD, reviewed this blog. Dr. Young is one of the founding partners of Commonwealth Pain & Spine and has an unwavering commitment to compassionate patient care. He is dual board-certified in pain medicine and anesthesiology, treating various pain conditions with personalized and compassionate treatment plans.
