Why Does My Chronic Pain Get Worse in Colder Weather?

Why Am I Experiencing Chronic Pain Flare-ups?

As the cold weather sets in, many people with chronic pain conditions find their symptoms worsening. Joints may ache more, muscles may feel tighter, and pains may be sharper. This can be extremely frustrating, particularly when you think you were managing your condition well.

If you’re starting to feel aches and pains in your joints, learn why — and how our team can help:

Joint Pain & Cold Weather

Joint pain is one of the most common types of chronic pain. For many people, the cold weather brings on aches and stiffness in the joints that can be extremely painful.

One reason your chronic pain may worsen in cold weather is that cold temperatures can cause your joints to stiffen and ache. This is especially true if you have conditions like arthritis or fibromyalgia, which can cause joint inflammation. Cold weather can also worsen existing muscle pain, and some research suggests that people with certain chronic pain conditions may be more sensitive to temperature and barometric pressure changes.

Tips for Reducing Pain

There are a few things you can do to ease joint pain in cold weather:

• Wear warm, loose-fitting clothing to protect your joints from the cold.
• Exercise regularly to keep your joints moving and improve circulation.
• Take pain medication as prescribed by your doctor.
• Apply heat or cold packs to the affected area for short periods.
• Eat anti-inflammatory foods.

Adjusting Your Pain Management Plan

A pain management plan is a helpful tool in managing pain. A treatment plan is vital if you’re noticing a new flare-up in pain. There are many things to consider when creating a pain management plan — and your doctor will help you find the options that work best for you.

Seeing a National Spine & Pain Centers Pain Specialist

If you're struggling to manage your chronic pain, it's important to talk to a pain specialist. They can help you develop a treatment plan that includes both medication and lifestyle changes to help you find relief.

At National Spine & Pain Centers, our network of affiliated physicians is determined to help find you relief from your pain. Find your nearest center online today, and contact us with any questions.