01/27/2026
Cold winter weather can make chronic pain feel worse for several reasons:
1. Muscles and joints stiffen
Cold causes muscles, tendons, and ligaments to tighten. This reduces flexibility and range of motion, which can increase pain in conditions like arthritis, fibromyalgia, and chronic back pain. Joints may feel “rusty,” especially after rest.
2. Changes in barometric pressure
Drops in barometric pressure before winter storms can cause tissues around joints to expand slightly. If those joints are already inflamed or damaged, that pressure change can irritate nerves, worsen pain and trigger headaches.
3. Reduced blood flow
Cold temperatures cause blood vessels to constrict to preserve body heat. This means less oxygen and nutrients reach muscles and joints, which can amplify pain and slow recovery from inflammation.
4. Heightened nerve sensitivity
Cold can increase nerve excitability. For people with nerve pain like sciatica, multiple sclerosis, or diabetic neuropathy, this can lead to sharper, more persistent pain signals.
5. Increased inflammation perception
While cold doesn’t always increase inflammation itself, it can lower the pain threshold making the same level of inflammation feels more painful in winter than in warmer months.
6. Reduced movement and activity
Winter often leads to less physical activity. Staying still for longer periods causes stiffness, muscle weakness, and joint discomfort, which can create a cycle of pain → inactivity → more pain.
7. Mood and sleep effects
Shorter daylight hours and colder weather can affect mood (including seasonal depression) and disrupt sleep. Poor sleep and low mood both heighten pain perception and reduce coping ability.
8. Old injuries “acting up”
Areas with previous disruption often have altered nerve signaling or scar tissue, making them more sensitive to temperature changes. Colder weather often reminds patients of previous muscle tears, bone breaks, and surgeries.
Chiropractic care can help you get through the winter! Spinal alignments can provide quick pain relief and keep the body performing its best. Warm up after your adjustment in our infrared sauna.
