Chronic Pain:

Weather and Chronic Pain

Since the time of Hippocrates, people have complained about how weather makes their pain worse. Although there is certainly some individual variance in these reports, most everyone with chronic pain will identify weather conditions that appear to make them suffer more.

This section reviews what the medical community has to say about this, including a section at the end that reviews possible mechanisms by which weather influences chronic pain.

 

 

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Weather and Chronic Pain

Introduction

Observations reported by up to 90% of chronic pain patients is that weather changes worsen their symptoms. This belief traces back to antiquity, with Hippocrates noting in his treatise On Airs, Waters, and Places around 400 BCE that diseases followed seasonal cycles and were influenced by environmental factors like wind direction.

Currently, approximately two-thirds to three-quarters of patients with osteoarthritis, fibromyalgia, or other chronic pain conditions report weather sensitivity, often citing low barometric pressure, high humidity, and cold temperatures as triggers.  Despite strong patient reports, scientific studies show mixed results due mostly to weaknesses in study designs.

This treatise synthesizes evidence largely from four recent studies that explore how weather conditions—barometric pressure, temperature, humidity, precipitation, wind speed, and air quality—affect chronic pain, providing mechanisms, clinical implications, and summaries organized by weather condition and pain modulation.

It is noted that different review articles offer different conclusions sometimes, based on differences in study design and individual variances.

Key points:

  • Weather conditions associated with increased pain:
    • High precipitation and wind
    • Low barometric pressure increases pain in osteoarthritis, fibromyalgia, neuropathic pain, and fatigue in myalgic encephalomyelitis/chronic fatigue syndrome.
    • High relative humidity increases pain and tender joint count in chronic pain and hand osteoarthritis.
    • Large temperature differences increase temporomandibular disorder pain.
    • Poor air quality (high Air Quality Index, high particulate matter) increases pain and fatigue in myalgic encephalomyelitis/chronic fatigue syndrome.
    • Multiple medical conditions are associated with  weather sensitivity resulting in increased pain.
  • Weather conditions associated with reduced pain:
    • High barometric pressure
    • Low relative humidity
    • Low precipitation
    • Low wind speed
    • Better air quality (low particulate matter, high carbon monoxide/sulfur dioxide/ozone) reduces pain in myalgic encephalomyelitis/chronic fatigue syndrome.
    • Weather conditions associated with decreased pain are less reported by patients, possibly due to confirmation bias.

 

Summaries by Weather Conditions

This section organizes findings by weather condition, identifying associations with increased or decreased pain.

  • Barometric Pressure:

Low barometric pressure is consistently linked to increased pain across multiple chronic pain conditions. High-pain days in a large U.K. cohort were associated with below-normal pressure, affecting conditions like osteoarthritis, fibromyalgia, and neuropathic pain. In hand osteoarthritis, low pressure was linked to increased pressure tender joint count, though without a dose-effect. In myalgic encephalomyelitis/chronic fatigue syndrome, low pressure increased fatigue severity. This suggests low pressure exacerbates symptoms, likely through tissue expansion or neurological amplification. Conversely, high barometric pressure was associated with low-pain days in the U.K. cohort, indicating reduced pain, possibly due to decreased tissue swelling.

Key Points:

    • Low pressure increases pain in osteoarthritis, fibromyalgia, neuropathic pain, and fatigue in myalgic encephalomyelitis/chronic fatigue syndrome.
    • High pressure reduces pain in chronic pain conditions.
    • Effects likely due to tissue expansion (low pressure) or reduced swelling (high pressure).

 

  • Relative Humidity:

High relative humidity is associated with increased pain, particularly in chronic pain and hand osteoarthritis. High-pain days in the U.K. study showed above-normal humidity, and mild-to-moderate humidity was linked to increased spontaneous tender joint count in hand osteoarthritis. This may reflect inflammation or joint stiffness. Low relative humidity was associated with low-pain days in the U.K. cohort, suggesting reduced pain due to less tissue irritation.

Key Points:

    • High humidity increases pain and tender joint count in chronic pain and hand osteoarthritis.
    • Low humidity reduces pain in chronic pain conditions.
    • Effects may involve inflammation or joint stiffness.

 

  • Temperature:

Absolute temperature shows no consistent association with pain. No studies found low temperatures directly increased pain, and high temperatures were not linked to reduced pain. However, large temperature differences (monthly high-low) were strongly correlated with increased temporomandibular disorder prevalence, especially in winter, suggesting dynamic temperature changes stress tissues or trigger neurological responses.

Key Points:

    • No consistent link between absolute temperature and pain.
    • Large temperature differences increase temporomandibular disorder prevalence, especially in winter.
    • Dynamic changes may stress tissues or trigger neurological responses.

 

  • Precipitation:

High precipitation rates were associated with high-pain days in the U.K. cohort, likely linked to low-pressure systems and high humidity, exacerbating inflammation. Low precipitation rates were associated with low-pain days, indicating reduced inflammatory triggers.

Key Points:

    • High precipitation increases pain in chronic pain conditions.
    • Low precipitation reduces pain.
    • Linked to low-pressure and high-humidity systems.

 

  • Wind Speed:

High wind speeds were linked to high-pain days in the U.K. cohort, reflecting stormy, low-pressure conditions. Low wind speeds were associated with low-pain days in the same study, but in myalgic encephalomyelitis/chronic fatigue syndrome, low wind speeds were linked to increased pain, possibly due to pollutant accumulation.

Key Points:

    • High wind speeds increase pain in chronic pain conditions.
    • Low wind speeds reduce pain in chronic pain but increase pain in myalgic encephalomyelitis/chronic fatigue syndrome.
    • Effects tied to stormy conditions or pollutant accumulation.

 

  • Air Quality:

Poor air quality, characterized by high Air Quality Index and high particulate matter, was associated with increased pain and fatigue in myalgic encephalomyelitis/chronic fatigue syndrome, likely due to inflammation or oxidative stress. Better air quality, with low particulate matter and higher carbon monoxide, sulfur dioxide, and ozone levels, was linked to reduced pain.

Key Points:

    • Poor air quality (high Air Quality Index, high particulate matter) increases pain and fatigue in myalgic encephalomyelitis/chronic fatigue syndrome.
    • Better air quality (low particulate matter, high carbon monoxide/sulfur dioxide/ozone) reduces pain.
    • Effects likely due to inflammation or oxidative stress.

References

    • Schultz DM, Beukenhorst AL, et al. (2020). Weather Patterns Associated with Pain in Chronic-Pain Sufferers. Bulletin of the American Meteorological Society, 101(5):E555–E566. doi: 10.1175/BAMS-D-19-0265.1.
    • Pezot M, et al. (2025). Association between Weather Features and Symptoms in Hand Osteoarthritis. Osteoarthritis and Cartilage Open, 7(3):100639. doi: 10.1016/j.ocarto.2025.100639.
    • Lee YH, Chung JW. (2024). Climate Temperature and Seasonal Influences on the Prevalence of Temporomandibular Disorders in South Korea. Scientific Reports, 14:10974. doi: 10.1038/s41598-024-61829-2.
    • Jones CL, Haskin O, Younger JW. (2024). Association Between Chronic Pain and Fatigue Severity with Weather and Air Pollution Among Females with ME/CFS. International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health, 21(12):1560. doi: 10.3390/ijerph21121560.

 

Summaries by Increased or Decreased pain

This section organizes findings by increased or decreased pain, identifying associations with weather condition.

  • Increased Pain:

Weather conditions linked to increased pain include low barometric pressure, high relative humidity, high precipitation, high wind speed, large temperature differences, and poor air quality (high Air Quality Index, high particulate matter). Low pressure was associated with high-pain days in chronic pain conditions, increased tender joint count in hand osteoarthritis, and increased fatigue in myalgic encephalomyelitis/chronic fatigue syndrome. High humidity was linked to pain events and tender joint count, while high precipitation and wind speed were associated with high-pain days. Large temperature differences increased temporomandibular disorder prevalence, and poor air quality exacerbated pain and fatigue in myalgic encephalomyelitis/chronic fatigue syndrome. These conditions affect osteoarthritis, fibromyalgia, temporomandibular disorders, myalgic encephalomyelitis/chronic fatigue syndrome, neuropathic pain, chronic headache/migraine, and gout, aligning with your observation of 90% of patients reporting weather-related pain.

Key Points:

    • Low barometric pressure increases pain in osteoarthritis, fibromyalgia, neuropathic pain, and fatigue in myalgic encephalomyelitis/chronic fatigue syndrome.
    • High relative humidity increases pain and tender joint count in chronic pain and hand osteoarthritis.
    • High precipitation and wind speed linked to pain events in chronic pain conditions.
    • Large temperature differences increase temporomandibular disorder prevalence.
    • Poor air quality (high Air Quality Index, high particulate matter) increases pain and fatigue in myalgic encephalomyelitis/chronic fatigue syndrome.
    • Affects multiple conditions, supporting high patient-reported weather sensitivity.

 

  • Decreased Pain:

Weather conditions associated with decreased pain include high barometric pressure, low relative humidity, low precipitation, low wind speed, and better air quality (low particulate matter, high carbon monoxide/sulfur dioxide/ozone). High pressure, low humidity, low precipitation, and low wind speed were linked to low-pain days in chronic pain conditions. Better air quality reduced pain in myalgic encephalomyelitis/chronic fatigue syndrome. These conditions are less frequently reported by patients, suggesting confirmation bias toward pain-worsening conditions.

Key Points:

    • High barometric pressure reduces pain in chronic pain conditions.
    • Low relative humidity decreases pain in chronic pain conditions.
    • Low precipitation reduces pain in chronic pain conditions.
    • Low wind speed decreases pain in chronic pain conditions.
    • Better air quality (low particulate matter, high carbon monoxide/sulfur dioxide/ozone) reduces pain in myalgic encephalomyelitis/chronic fatigue syndrome.
    • Less reported by patients, possibly due to confirmation bias.

References

    • Schultz DM, Beukenhorst AL, et al. (2020). Weather Patterns Associated with Pain in Chronic-Pain Sufferers. Bulletin of the American Meteorological Society, 101(5):E555–E566. doi: 10.1175/BAMS-D-19-0265.1.
    • Pezot M, et al. (2025). Association between Weather Features and Symptoms in Hand Osteoarthritis. Osteoarthritis and Cartilage Open, 7(3):100639. doi: 10.1016/j.ocarto.2025.100639.
    • Lee YH, Chung JW. (2024). Climate Temperature and Seasonal Influences on the Prevalence of Temporomandibular Disorders in South Korea. Scientific Reports, 14:10974. doi: 10.1038/s41598-024-61829-2.
    • Jones CL, Haskin O, Younger JW. (2024). Association Between Chronic Pain and Fatigue Severity with Weather and Air Pollution Among Females with ME/CFS. International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health, 21(12):1560. doi: 10.3390/ijerph21121560.

 

Relationship Between Weather and Barometric Pressure and Temperature

Barometric pressure, the weight of the atmosphere measured in millibars (mb) or inches of mercury (inHg), typically around 1013 mb at sea level, fluctuates with weather systems and influences chronic pain symptoms. Understanding these changes and their timeframes can help predict pain exacerbations.

 

Low barometric pressure bring rain, storms, or high humidity

Low barometric pressure is associated with cyclonic weather systems, such as low-pressure systems or fronts, which bring unsettled conditions like rain, storms, or high humidity. As a low-pressure system approaches, typically 1–3 days before rain, pressure drops gradually, often by 5–20 mb over 12–48 hours, depending on the system’s intensity.

Weather forecasts predicting rain in the coming days often indicate an approaching low-pressure system, with pressure decreasing as the system nears. For example, a forecast of rain in 2 days suggests pressure may begin dropping within 24–48 hours, reaching its lowest point as precipitation starts. This drop aligns with increased pain in conditions like osteoarthritis or fibromyalgia, as noted in your patient population.

 

High barometric pressure brings clear skies, dry conditions, and weaker winds

High barometric pressure occurs with anticyclonic systems, such as high-pressure ridges, bringing clear skies, dry conditions, and weaker winds. Pressure rises as these systems move in, typically increasing by 5–15 mb over 12–36 hours after stormy weather resolves. For instance, when rain clears and skies become sunny, pressure often rises within 24 hours, stabilizing for days in fair weather. These conditions are linked to reduced pain in chronic pain patients.

 

Temperature changes

Temperature changes also influence barometric pressure, though indirectly. A rapid temperature drop, such as after a cold front passes, is often preceded by a low-pressure system and falling pressure (12–24 hours before), followed by rising pressure as cooler, denser air moves in post-front. For example, a forecast of dropping temperatures in 1–2 days may indicate an approaching cold front with low pressure, followed by a pressure increase within 12–24 hours after the front passes.

Conversely, rising temperatures, often tied to warm fronts, may coincide with falling pressure as warm, less dense air reduces atmospheric weight, typically over 12–48 hours. In your practice, temperature drops associated with low pressure may exacerbate pain, while stable or rising temperatures in high-pressure systems may reduce it.

 

Lightning and Thunder

Lightning and thunder, indicative of thunderstorms, are strongly tied to low-pressure systems or fronts, where pressure drops significantly (10–20 mb) within 12–48 hours before the storm. A forecast of lightning and thunder suggests an imminent pressure drop, often noticeable 1–2 days prior, with the lowest pressure during the storm. Post-storm, pressure typically rises within 12–24 hours as the system moves out, potentially alleviating pain.

 

Other conditions influencing barometric pressure

Other conditions influencing barometric pressure include wind patterns and seasonal shifts. Strong winds, often linked to low-pressure systems, accompany falling pressure, while calm winds signal high-pressure systems. Seasonal transitions, like spring or autumn, bring more frequent pressure changes due to shifting jet streams, with pressure fluctuations occurring over 1–3 days. For example, a forecast of stormy weather in spring may indicate a pressure drop within 24–48 hours, followed by a rise post-storm.

Altitude also affects pressure, with lower baseline pressure at higher elevations, though weather-driven changes follow similar patterns.

 

Timeframes

Timeframes for these changes vary by weather system size and speed. Rapidly moving fronts cause quicker pressure shifts (6–24 hours), while slow-moving systems may extend changes over 2–3 days. Weather apps or services like the National Weather Service provide pressure forecasts, enabling patients to anticipate pain flare-ups 1–3 days in advance. For instance, a predicted low-pressure system with rain and thunder suggests a pressure drop starting within 24–48 hours, peaking during precipitation, and rising within 12–36 hours post-storm, offering a window to adjust pain management strategies.

References

  • Ahrens CD. (2019). Meteorology Today: An Introduction to Weather, Climate, and the Environment. 11th ed. Cengage Learning.
  • Schultz DM, Beukenhorst AL, et al. (2020). Weather Patterns Associated with Pain in Chronic-Pain Sufferers. Bulletin of the American Meteorological Society, 101(5):E555–E566. doi: 10.1175/BAMS-D-19-0265.1.
  • National Weather Service. (2025). Weather Prediction Center: Surface Analysis and Forecast. https://www.wpc.ncep.noaa.gov/.

 

Summaries of Recent Studies

1. Weather Patterns Associated with Pain in Chronic-Pain Sufferers

This 15-month U.K.-based citizen-science study, Cloudy with a Chance of Pain, involved 10,584 participants with chronic pain conditions, including unspecified arthritis (34.6%), fibromyalgia (26.4%), osteoarthritis (24.1%), rheumatoid arthritis (18.5%), neuropathic pain (15.1%), chronic headache/migraine (10.3%), and gout (3.5%). Participants reported daily pain on a 5-point scale via a smartphone app, linked to weather data from the nearest Met Office station using GPS. Using synoptic climatology and compositing, the study analyzed weather patterns on high-pain days (top 10% of days with ~20% of participants reporting a ≥1-point pain increase) versus low-pain days (bottom 10% with ~10% reporting a pain increase).

High-pain days were associated with below-normal barometric pressure, above-normal relative humidity, higher precipitation rates, and stronger wind speeds. Low-pain days were linked to above-normal barometric pressure, below-normal relative humidity, lower precipitation rates, and weaker wind speeds. Temperature showed no significant association. On average, 16% of participants experienced pain events, rising to 23% on high-pain days and dropping to 10% on low-pain days. Comparisons with a prior case-crossover analysis confirmed modest associations with high humidity, low pressure, and high wind speed. The study validates patient beliefs about low-pressure weather exacerbating pain and suggests potential for pain forecasting, though results may not generalize to other climates, and individual disease responses vary.

Key Points:

    • Low barometric pressure, high humidity, high precipitation, and strong winds linked to increased pain.
    • High barometric pressure, low humidity, low precipitation, and weak winds associated with reduced pain.
    • No significant temperature effect on pain.
    • Large dataset validates patient perceptions but highlights variability by disease and climate.

References:

    • Schultz DM, Beukenhorst AL, et al. (2020). Weather Patterns Associated with Pain in Chronic-Pain Sufferers. Bulletin of the American Meteorological Society, 101(5):E555–E566. doi: 10.1175/BAMS-D-19-0265.1.
    • Dixon WG, et al. (2019). How the Weather Affects the Pain of Citizen Scientists Using a Smartphone App. npj Digital Medicine, 2:105. doi: 10.1038/s41746-019-0180-3.

2. Association between Weather Features and Symptoms in Hand Osteoarthritis: Results from the DIGICOD Cohort

This cross-sectional study analyzed 377 patients with hand osteoarthritis  in Paris, France (mean age 66.5 years, 85% female). It assessed pain, stiffness, function, tender joint count (spontaneous and pressure), VAS pain scores (pain severity scores assessed on a 0 to 10 scale), and functional scores, correlated with weather data (temperature, relative humidity, barometric pressure) from the prior 72 hours.

No significant associations were found between AUSCAN-pain, function, or stiffness scores and any weather variable. Spontaneous tender joint count was associated with increased relative humidity (mild/moderate vs. low), and pressure tender joint count was negatively associated with barometric pressure, but both lacked a dose-effect relationship. No association was found with temperature or pain scores. These results contrast with patient beliefs of worse pain in cold, rainy weather, suggesting minimal clinical impact. The large, homogenous cohort strengthens findings, but the temperate Paris climate and lack of dynamic weather change data limit generalizability.

Key Points:

    • No significant link between weather (temperature, humidity, pressure) and hand osteoarthritis pain, function, or stiffness.
    • Mild/moderate humidity linked to increased spontaneous tender joint count.
    • Low barometric pressure associated with increased pressure tender joint count.
    • Minimal clinical impact challenges patient beliefs of weather sensitivity.

References:

    • Pezot M, et al. (2025). Association between Weather Features and Symptoms in Hand Osteoarthritis. Osteoarthritis and Cartilage Open, 7(3):100639. doi: 10.1016/j.ocarto.2025.100639.

3. Climate Temperature and Seasonal Influences on the Prevalence of Temporomandibular Disorders in South Korea

This study analyzed temporomandibular disorder prevalence from 2010–2022 (using data from 224,708 patients in 2010 to 482,241 in 2022) and climate temperature records. Monthly and seasonal statistical analysis correlated prevalence with absolute temperatures and temperature differences (absolute difference between monthly high and low temperatures).

No significant seasonal increase was found in winter versus spring/summer. Temperature differences showed a stronger positive correlation with prevalence of TMD pain than absolute temperatures, especially in winter, summer, and spring. Greater temperature differences were associated with greater prevalence of TMD pain. The large population studied. enhanced reliability of the data, but the focus on prevalence of TMD pain rather than pain severity limits direct application to symptom management.

Key Points:

    • Temperature differences, not absolute temperatures, drive increased temporomandibular disorder prevalence.
    • Strongest correlation in winter, followed by summer and spring.
    • No significant seasonal (winter vs. spring/summer) increase in prevalence.
    • Dynamic weather changes are key for symptom exacerbation.

References:

    • Lee YH, Chung JW. (2024). Climate Temperature and Seasonal Influences on the Prevalence of Temporomandibular Disorders in South Korea. Scientific Reports, 14:10974. doi: 10.1038/s41598-024-61829-2.

4. Association Between Chronic Pain and Fatigue Severity with Weather and Air Pollution Among Females with Myalgic Encephalomyelitis/Chronic Fatigue Syndrome

This study involved 58 female myalgic encephalomyelitis/chronic fatigue syndrome patients in Birmingham, AL, collecting daily pain and fatigue ratings over an average of 61 days via an app. Data were correlated with weather (barometric pressure, wind speed) and air quality (Air Quality Index, particulate matter, carbon monoxide, sulfur dioxide, ozone).

The study showed increased pain severity associated with worse Air Quality Index, lower wind speeds, higher particulate matter, and lower carbon monoxide, sulfur dioxide, and ozone levels. Increased fatigue was linked to higher particulate matter and lower barometric pressure. Effects were small but significant. The small sample and regional focus limit generalizability.

Key Points:

    • Low barometric pressure and poor air quality (high Air Quality Index, high particulate matter) increase pain and fatigue.
    • Low wind speed linked to increased pain, possibly due to pollutant accumulation.
    • Better air quality (low particulate matter, high carbon monoxide/sulfur dioxide/ozone) reduces pain.
    • Effects are small but significant in myalgic encephalomyelitis/chronic fatigue syndrome.

References:

    • Jones CL, Haskin O, Younger JW. (2024). Association Between Chronic Pain and Fatigue Severity with Weather and Air Pollution Among Females with ME/CFS. International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health, 21(12):1560. doi: 10.3390/ijerph21121560.

 

Mechanisms of Barometric Pressure and Weather Changes on Chronic Pain

The following mechanisms explain how weather changes may exacerbate or alleviate chronic pain.

 

  • Biomechanical Effects on Joints and Tissues:

Low barometric pressure reduces external compression, allowing tissues like muscles, tendons, and synovial fluid to expand, increasing pressure on joints or nerves, exacerbating pain in osteoarthritis, fibromyalgia, or temporomandibular disorders. High pressure may contract tissues, reducing irritation. Cadaver studies showed joint misalignment under low pressure. Temperature differences may stress tissues, contributing to pain in temporomandibular disorders.

 

  • Neurological and Sensory Amplification:

Low pressure or humidity changes stimulate mechanosensitive or nociceptive pathways, particularly in fibromyalgia or neuropathic pain. Vestibular or hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis activation increases stress hormones like corticosterone, amplifying pain perception. Low pressure was linked to increased fatigue in myalgic encephalomyelitis/chronic fatigue syndrome, possibly via neurological pathways.

 

  • Inflammation and Cytokine Modulation:

Low pressure, high humidity, or poor air quality (high particulate matter) may increase pro-inflammatory cytokines (e.g., TNF-α, IL-6), exacerbating pain in osteoarthritis, fibromyalgia, or myalgic encephalomyelitis/chronic fatigue syndrome. High particulate matter was linked to increased pain and fatigue, suggesting oxidative stress as a mechanism.

  • Psychological and Behavioral Factors:

Low pressure, high humidity, or stormy weather may increase stress or anxiety or reduce physical activity, amplifying pain via nocebo effects or stiffness. High pressure or dry weather may improve mood or activity, reducing pain. Mood was noted as a mediator in chronic pain and fibromyalgia, with adjustment for mood showing some weather effects persist.

  • Individual Variability:

Genetic predisposition, central sensitization, or joint damage may increase weather sensitivity. Dynamic changes like temperature differences amplify responses in temporomandibular disorders, while disease-specific responses vary across conditions.

 

Clinical Implications for Pain Management

Given the high prevalence of weather-related pain complaints in your practice, the following strategies can help manage symptoms:

  • Use apps like WeatherX to anticipate low-pressure or high-humidity periods, allowing patients to adjust activities or medications.
  • Employ heat therapy, low-impact exercise, and omega-3 supplementation (1–2.7 g/day EPA + DHA) to mitigate inflammation, especially during stormy weather.
  • Address stress or depression through meditation or support groups to reduce pain amplification, particularly in fibromyalgia or myalgic encephalomyelitis/chronic fatigue syndrome.
  • Acknowledge weather sensitivity to validate patient experiences, while noting small effect sizes to manage expectations.
  • Track pain with VAS scores during weather changes to personalize treatment, especially for osteoarthritis, temporomandibular disorders, or myalgic encephalomyelitis/chronic fatigue syndrome patients on Eliquis.

Conclusions

Chronic pain patients’ perception of weather sensitivity, noted since Hippocrates, is supported by evidence linking low barometric pressure, high humidity, high precipitation, strong winds, large temperature differences, and poor air quality to increased pain.

Chronic pain conditions noted to be affected by weather include:

  • osteoarthritis
  • fibromyalgia
  • temporomandibular disorders
  • myalgic encephalomyelitis/chronic fatigue syndrome.

Weather conditions associated with increased pain include:

  • low barometric pressure
  • high humidity, high precipitation
  • strong winds
  • large temperature differences
  • poor air quality

Weather conditions associated with reduced pain include::

  • High pressure
  • low humidity
  • low precipitation
  • better air quality (less studied)

 

Mechanisms proposed to explain how chronic pain is affected by weather include:

  • tissue expansion
  • neurological amplification
  • inflammation
  • psychological factors, with individual variability playing a key role.

 

Clinical strategies

Weather monitoring, anti-inflammatory therapies, and psychological support can enhance pain managemen.

References

  • Hippocrates. (circa 400 BCE). On Airs, Waters, and Places. http://classics.mit.edu/Hippocrates/airwatpl.html.
  • Schultz DM, Beukenhorst AL, et al. (2020). Weather Patterns Associated with Pain in Chronic-Pain Sufferers. Bulletin of the American Meteorological Society, 101(5):E555–E566. doi: 10.1175/BAMS-D-19-0265.1.
  • Pezot M, et al. (2025). Association between Weather Features and Symptoms in Hand Osteoarthritis. Osteoarthritis and Cartilage Open, 7(3):100639. doi: 10.1016/j.ocarto.2025.100639.
  • Lee YH, Chung JW. (2024). Climate Temperature and Seasonal Influences on the Prevalence of Temporomandibular Disorders in South Korea. Scientific Reports, 14:10974. doi: 10.1038/s41598-024-61829-2.
  • Jones CL, Haskin O, Younger JW. (2024). Association Between Chronic Pain and Fatigue Severity with Weather and Air Pollution Among Females with ME/CFS. International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health, 21(12):1560. doi: 10.3390/ijerph21121560.

References

  • McAlindon T, et al. (2007). Changes in Barometric Pressure and Ambient Temperature Influence Osteoarthritis Pain. The American Journal of Medicine, 120(5):429–434. doi: 10.1016/j.amjmed.2006.07.036.
  • Fagerlund AJ, et al. (2019). Blame it on the Weather? The Association between Pain in Fibromyalgia, Relative Humidity, Temperature and Barometric Pressure. PLoS One, 14(5):e0216902. doi: 10.1371/journal.pone.0216902.
  • Sato J, et al. (2014). Lowering Barometric Pressure Induces Neuronal Activation in the Superior Vestibular Nucleus in Mice. Pain Research, 29:103–108.
  • Schultz DM, Beukenhorst AL, et al. (2020). Weather Patterns Associated with Pain in Chronic-Pain Sufferers. Bulletin of the American Meteorological Society, 101(5):E555–E566. doi: 10.1175/BAMS-D-19-0265.1.
  • Pezot M, et al. (2025). Association between Weather Features and Symptoms in Hand Osteoarthritis. Osteoarthritis and Cartilage Open, 7(3):100639. doi: 10.1016/j.ocarto.2025.100639.
  • Lee YH, Chung JW. (2024). Climate Temperature and Seasonal Influences on the Prevalence of Temporomandibular Disorders in South Korea. Scientific Reports, 14:10974. doi: 10.1038/s41598-024-61829-2.
  • Jones CL, Haskin O, Younger JW. (2024). Association Between Chronic Pain and Fatigue Severity with Weather and Air Pollution Among Females with ME/CFS. International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health, 21(12):1560. doi: 10.3390/ijerph21121560.

References

  • Wen Deng et al. (2023). Effect of Omega-3 Polyunsaturated Fatty Acids Supplementation for Patients with Osteoarthritis: A Meta-Analysis. Journal of Orthopaedic Surgery and Research, 18(1):381. doi: 10.1186/s13018-023-03855-w.
  • Schultz DM, Beukenhorst AL, et al. (2020). Weather Patterns Associated with Pain in Chronic-Pain Sufferers. Bulletin of the American Meteorological Society, 101(5):E555–E566. doi: 10.1175/BAMS-D-19-0265.1.
  • Pezot M, et al. (2025). Association between Weather Features and Symptoms in Hand Osteoarthritis. Osteoarthritis and Cartilage Open, 7(3):100639. doi: 10.1016/j.ocarto.2025.100639.
  • Jones CL, Haskin O, Younger JW. (2024). Association Between Chronic Pain and Fatigue Severity with Weather and Air Pollution Among Females with ME/CFS. International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health, 21(12):1560. doi: 10.3390/ijerph21121560.

 

 

 

 

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