How Weather Changes Affect Joint and Muscle Pain

Maybe you’re familiar with the cliche about older people being able to feel weather changes coming in their bones, or maybe you’ve even experienced it yourself (people of all ages have noted that old injuries and conditions like arthritis tend to flare up in the cold and damp.) But have you ever wondered about the science behind it, or if it’s true? Do weather changes affect joint and muscle pain – and why?

Well, it’s a common anecdote for a reason. Many people do notice that their joints or muscles ache more when it’s cold, rainy, or the weather is about to shift. For decades, patients in our clinics have asked: Does weather actually affect joint pain? Science suggests it can—though the reasons are more complex than you may think.

This article explores what researchers understand about weather and joint pain, weather and muscle pain, and why many experience joint stiffness in cold weather or discomfort before a storm.

Why do my joints hurt when the weather changes?

While not everyone is sensitive to weather patterns, studies show a meaningful connection between environmental changes and pain levels—particularly for people with arthritis or chronic musculoskeletal issues.

Some leading contributors include:

• Barometric pressure fluctuations, especially before rain
• Temperature drops that stiffen connective tissues
• Humidity changes that influence swelling
• Behavioral changes such as decreased movement in cold weather

What the research says:

• A 2014 study in Pain examined over 13,000 adults with osteoarthritis and found correlations between weather changes and pain severity.
• A 2017 UK study of over 2,600 participants found that higher humidity, lower pressure, and stronger winds were associated with increased pain.

These studies don’t claim weather causes pain, but they show that many people experience a measurable increase in their pain levels when conditions shift.

Does barometric pressure really affect pain?

Barometric pressure is the force exerted by the weight of the atmosphere. Before storms, that pressure drops—and this change can influence the tissues surrounding joints.

How Low Pressure May Increase Pain

Weather Factor	Possible Effect on the Body	Why It Matters
Falling barometric pressure	Causes tissues to expand slightly	Increased swelling puts pressure on nerves and joints
Rising humidity	May exacerbate inflammation	Can increase discomfort for people with arthritis
Temperature drops	Thickens synovial fluid (joint lubricant)	Leads to stiffness and slower movement

Research supports this connection:

• A 2007 study in The American Journal of Medicine found that lower barometric pressure and higher humidity were associated with more knee pain in people with osteoarthritis.

Barometric pressure doesn’t affect everyone, but those with preexisting joint issues tend to notice changes more strongly.

How does cold weather impact muscles and movement?

Cold weather is one of the most common triggers for cold weather joint pain and weather and muscle pain.

Why cold weather makes muscles hurt

• Muscles tighten as temperatures drop, reducing flexibility
• Blood flow decreases, affecting warmth and mobility
• Tendons and ligaments stiffen, increasing strain on joints (think about how it feels to sit in the stands all day at an outdoor event in the cold weather)
• Shivering and bracing against the cold can create tension patterns

Cold-induced stiffness can make movements feel more difficult, leading to secondary discomfort, especially around:

• Neck and shoulders
• Lower back
• Knees and hips
• Hands and feet

Supporting research

A 2013 study found that cold exposure decreases muscle elasticity and increases the risk of soreness and strain.

Does weather affect joint pain more for certain people?

You may feel weather sensitivity more strongly if you have:

• Osteoarthritis
• Rheumatoid arthritis
• Fibromyalgia
• Chronic muscle tension
• Previous injuries (sprains, fractures, soft-tissue damage)

Even people without underlying conditions sometimes experience mild weather-related stiffness, especially in colder climates.

Can a chiropractor help weather-related joint pain?

While chiropractic care can’t change the weather, it can improve how your body responds to it.

People often seek care for weather-related increases in:

• Joint stiffness
• Muscle tension
• Reduced mobility
• Headaches or neck pain
• Lower back discomfort

How chiropractic may help:

• Improves joint mobility, reducing stiffness during cold snaps
• Supports healthy nervous system function
• Enhances circulation and range of motion
• Reduces muscle tension, which often increases in damp or cold weather

Chiropractors also frequently guide patients through mobility routines, stretching, and ergonomic adjustments that make seasonal changes easier on the body.

Practical Ways to Reduce Weather-Related Joint and Muscle Pain

You can help your body adapt to weather fluctuations with strategies like:

Daily Movement

• Gentle stretches
• Low-impact exercise (walking, swimming, cycling)
• Mobility routines that keep joints lubricated

Staying Warm

• Heated blankets or warm showers
• Layering clothing
• Using gloves or compression sleeves

Maintaining Hydration

• Helps keep connective tissues supple
• Supports overall mobility

Getting Good, Restorative Sleep & Practicing Stress Management

As if stress wasn’t hard enough on the body, stress can increase muscle tension, making weather-related discomfort feel worse. It can also make it difficult to get sound, restorative sleep. Chiropractic care can help relieve pain and tension so you can sleep better – and feel better.

For design: Use as a callout or image

How Weather Affects Pain

Weather Change	Impact on Joints	Impact on Muscles
Cold temperatures	Increased stiffness, reduced joint lubrication	Tightness, reduced flexibility
Low barometric pressure	Tissue expansion, more nerve pressure	Increased soreness
High humidity	Potential increase in inflammation	Heavier, fatigued feeling
Wind & storms	Pressure changes trigger sensitivity	Tension from bracing against cold

Learn more about maintaining your wellness, preventing pain, and feeling your best this winter – and all year long. Follow us on social for our favorite tips, or keep reading for more.