Does Cold Weather Cause Back Pain?

It’s common for people to blame the weather on their aching joints, but is it really the weather to blame? There have been many studies conducted to try and understand the connection between the outdoor climate and people’s bodies, but nothing definitive has yet come of it. There is a definite connection between weather and back pain, though it is as yet unclear as to the specifics of that relationship.

Why Does My Back Hurt When It’s Cold?

Studies have shown changes in temperature and the surrounding barometric pressure, in either direction, can lead to increased arthritis pain and lower back pain. Some scientists theorize that as cartilage is worn away, nerves are exposed that sense changes in pressure. Others say these shifts in barometric pressure cause tendons, muscles, and scar tissue to expand and contract, resulting in joint pain. Low temperatures cause fluid inside the joints to thicken, so they feel stiffer.

What Helps Back Pain from Cold Weather?

If you’re looking for winter back pain remedies, there are a handful of options you can do to help mitigate your pain.

1. Keep yourself warm by dressing in layers.
2. Avoid anything that will strain your joints.
3. Eat well and get enough sleep.
4. Maintain a healthy weight.
5. Stay active with exercises that are easy on joints like swimming or yoga.

Natural anti-inflammatory nutrients such as grape seed extract, Boswelia, and Curcumin may be helpful easing joint discomfort.

Can Cold Weather Make Back Pain Worse?

Cold weather can affect nerve conduction, so preexisting nerve damage can actually become more noticeable. Upper back pain from cold weather may be the result of oversensitive nerves resulting in widespread muscle and joint pain.

Does Cold Weather Affect Your Back?

There is one theory that because it is colder outdoors, we’re generally more inactive during these colder months. This inactivity can weaken muscles and cause joints to be less elastic, making the muscles stiff, which can lead to spasms.

Why Does My Back Hurt in Winter?

Sicknesses are more common during the winter months, so it is possibly related to the aches and pains caused by illnesses like the flu or pneumonia or the forced reduction in activity that leads to stiffness and pain.

Upper back pain due to cold air could be the result of a spasm of the arteries called vasoconstriction. Your body uses this as a defense mechanism.

Is Seasonal Back Pain a Thing?

While we may not understand the exact relationship between back pain and weather, we know barometric pressure and shifting outdoor temperatures can cause pain. So, as the seasons shift and temperatures rise and fall along with them, it makes sense that the aches and pains associated will come along with it. It isn’t like clockwork of course, and rain and other weather may also be a cause.

Let East Bay Chiropractic Provide Relief

Whether it’s cold weather-related back pain or pain from another source, chiropractic care can help. At East Bay Chiropractic and Wellness, we provide care for back and neck conditions, headaches, hip or knee pain, shoulder pain, arm pain, and more. Call us today at (516) 679-2225 to schedule your initial consultation.