Link Between Fibromyalgia and Weather Changes

Ian C. Langtree - Writer/Editor for Disabled World (DW)
Published: 2011/11/14 - Updated: 2025/02/14
Publication Type: Informative
Topic: Fibromyalgia - Publications List

Page Content: Synopsis - Introduction - Main - Insights, Updates

Synopsis: A large percentage of people claim the weather directly affects their fibromyalgia symptoms and pain levels.

Why it matters: This article explores the relationship between weather fluctuations and fibromyalgia pain, offering insights into how temperature, humidity, and barometric pressure changes may influence symptom severity. While not a scholarly publication, it synthesizes anecdotal experiences and existing research to highlight common patterns reported by individuals, such as increased discomfort during cold, damp conditions or rapid weather shifts. Practical strategies are provided to help manage weather-related pain, including adjusting indoor environments, layering clothing, and using heat therapy. The piece is particularly relevant for those with fibromyalgia, chronic pain conditions, or mobility limitations, as it acknowledges the often-overlooked impact of environmental factors on daily well-being. By outlining adaptive approaches and validating lived experiences, the article serves as a resource for individuals seeking to anticipate or mitigate discomfort, especially older adults or people with disabilities who may face heightened sensitivity to weather changes. Its focus on accessible, non-medical interventions makes it a useful starting point for discussions about personalized pain management - Disabled World (DW).

Defining Fibromyalgia

Fibromyalgia: Fibromyalgia is a chronic disorder marked by widespread musculoskeletal pain, fatigue, and heightened sensitivity to touch, often accompanied by sleep disturbances, cognitive difficulties (commonly called "fibro fog"), and mood changes. While its exact cause remains unclear, experts believe it stems from abnormal processing of pain signals in the central nervous system, amplifying ordinary sensations into prolonged discomfort. Diagnosis typically involves ruling out other conditions and identifying tender points or persistent symptoms lasting at least three months. Though there's no cure, management often combines medication, physical therapy, stress reduction, and lifestyle adjustments tailored to individual needs. The condition disproportionately affects women and can significantly impact daily functioning, making awareness and personalized care critical for improving quality of life.

Introduction

People with fibromyalgia often claim their symptoms can vary according to temperature changes with symptoms worsening for some, and providing relief for others. In 1981, a study reported that a large percentage of Fibromyalgia patients may be more sensitive to changes in weather compared to non-Fibromyalgia subjects. The study revealed that 90% of patients reported that weather conditions were one of the most important factors influencing their Fibromyalgia pain and symptoms.

Main Item

Fibromyalgia changes were experienced in:

Feeling more tired (fatigue)
Sleeping more poorly (sleep dysfunction)
Additional, specific pains, like migraine headaches
All over, more generalized pain, like muscles aches

Continued below image.

fig 1. The location of the 9 paired tender points that comprise the 1990 American College of Rheumatology criteria for fibromyalgia.

Continued...

A Reuters Health Report Article Stated:

Cool temperatures, humidity and high atmospheric pressure may be associated with spontaneous pain among individuals with arthritis or fibromyalgia, new study findings show.

"These results support the belief that weather influences rheumatic pain, albeit in different ways, depending on the (underlying disease) and (the patient's) weather sensitivity," report Dr. Ingrid Strusberg of the Centro Reumatologico Strusberg in Cordoba City, Argentina, and her colleagues.

Strusberg's team analyzed questionnaire responses from 151 individuals with fibromyalgia, osteoarthritis or rheumatoid arthritis. In the study, participants reported on their pain symptoms and causes over one year. For comparison, the researchers also looked at 32 healthy individuals. These reports were correlated with meteorological data for the Cordoba area.

The researchers found that for participants with all three conditions, pain was significantly associated with low temperature.

In addition, pain was related to high humidity and high atmospheric pressure among rheumatoid arthritis patients, and high humidity among osteoarthritis patients, according to findings published in the February issue of the Journal of Rheumatology.

For those with fibromyalgia, pain was associated with low temperature and high atmospheric pressure. No correlation between weather and pain was found among individuals in the comparison group, the authors note.

According to Strusberg's team, the idea that weather affects joint pain is an "ancient belief" that still persists. But experts question whether this effect is a true physiological phenomenon or just a "false notion" of a relationship where there is none.

"Our study," they write, "supports the possibility that meteorological factors can have some effect on spontaneous pain in rheumatic patients."

Weather Factors Appearing to Affect Fibromyalgia Symptoms Include:

Temperature: Rapid changes in temperature and cold tend to irritate while warm temperatures are less troublesome.
Humidity: The amount of water vapor present in air. Humidity is associated with headaches, stiffness and widespread pain flare-ups in Fibromyalgia patients.
Wind: Wind usually causes a decrease in barometric pressure regardless of its force and therefore can trigger fatigue, headache, and muscle pain in Fibromyalgia patients.
Barometric Pressure: This is the measure of weight (pressure) that is exerted by the air that is all around us. Sunny days create a high barometric pressure while storms result in a sudden drop. These changes can trigger muscle aches in Fibromyalgia patients.
Precipitation: This refers to any type of water that falls from the sky to the ground (rain, sleet, snow, hail) and is usually associated with a change (usually a drop) in barometric pressure. This can result in increased pain and fatigue in Fibromyalgia patients.

Medications That May Help Relieve Fibromyalgia Pain Include:

A combination of Robaxim and Methadone can help with the pain.
Reliv, a medication used by some patients who have reported success.
Steroidal drugs such as Prednisone have been used to help when there is excess swelling in the joint, this seems to add some relief.
Pregabalin (Lyrica), an FDA approved medication for fibromyalgia that works in the central nervous system to slow or reduce certain nerve signals. It has proven effective for some with fibromyalgia.

However, medication that works for one person may have no effect on another. Your Rheumatologist or your primary care physician can play an instrumental role in help identifying which medications work best in various situations.

Insights, Analysis, and Developments

Editorial Note:

The intricate relationship between weather conditions and fibromyalgia symptoms has long been a topic of discussion among patients and researchers. Studies, such as those highlighted by Disabled World, suggest that factors like low temperatures, high humidity, and elevated atmospheric pressure may exacerbate pain in individuals with fibromyalgia. However, it's essential to approach these findings with caution. While some research indicates a potential link between weather changes and symptom severity, other studies have found no significant correlation, suggesting that individual perceptions and experiences play a substantial role. Therefore, while weather may influence symptoms for some, it's crucial to consider personal factors and consult healthcare professionals for tailored management strategies

- Disabled World (DW).

Author Credentials: Ian was born and grew up in Australia. Since then, he has traveled and lived in numerous locations and currently resides in Montreal, Canada. Ian is the founder, a writer, and editor in chief for Disabled World. Ian believes in the Social Model of Disability, a belief developed by disabled people in the 1970s. The social model changes the focus away from people's impairments and towards removing barriers that disabled people face daily. To learn more about Ian's background, expertise, and achievements, check out his bio.