How Weather Affects Arthritis ☔️☀️

        How Weather Affects Arthritis – And Why It’s Becoming More Common

Many people living with arthritis will tell you: they can feel the weather in their bones. For decades, people have reported that cold, damp, or stormy weather worsens their joint pain. While the exact science behind this connection is still under investigation, a combination of environmental and demographic factors may explain why arthritis is both widespread and increasingly impactful.
The Weather-Arthritis Connection
Changes in the weather — particularly drops in barometric pressure — are thought to influence how tissues and joints behave. When pressure falls, tissues may expand slightly, leading to increased pressure on joints. This can make symptoms like stiffness, swelling, and pain worse, especially in those with inflammatory types of arthritis like rheumatoid arthritis or osteoarthritis.
Cold temperatures can also cause muscles to contract and joints to stiffen, further contributing to discomfort. High humidity and rain are also commonly associated with increased joint sensitivity, though more research is needed to fully understand why.
The Role of an Ageing Population
One reason arthritis is becoming more prevalent is the ageing global population. As people live longer, chronic conditions like arthritis naturally become more common. Age-related wear and tear on joints, combined with slower regeneration of cartilage and tissues, makes older adults particularly vulnerable to osteoarthritis. This demographic shift means healthcare systems must increasingly adapt to meet the needs of people with chronic musculoskeletal conditions.
Chiropractic Care and Arthritis Relief
While conventional treatments like medication and physical therapy are widely used, complementary therapies are gaining attention. Chiropractic care offers a drug free approach which involves the manual adjustment of the spine and joints — has shown promise in managing arthritis symptoms, particularly in cases involving the spine and lower back.
A study published in the Journal of Manipulative and Physiological Therapeutics found that chiropractic interventions may help improve joint mobility, reduce pain, and enhance quality of life in patients with osteoarthritis.(1) Chiropractic care can also help by improving posture, reducing muscle tension, and promoting better movement patterns, all of which may ease strain on arthritic joints.
Managing Arthritis Proactively
If you’re dealing with arthritis that flares with the weather, or you're exploring supportive therapies, here are some practical steps. Stay warm: Dress in layers, use heating pads, and consider warm baths to ease stiffness. Exercise regularly: Gentle activity like walking, yoga, or swimming helps maintain joint flexibility.


Arthritis might be common, especially among older adults, but with the right care and proactive management — including staying informed about weather impacts and available therapies — it doesn’t have to control your life.

Reference

1.         Thorman P, Dixner A, Sundberg T. Effects of Chiropractic Care on Pain and Function in Patients With Hip Osteoarthritis Waiting for Arthroplasty: A Clinical Pilot Trial. Journal of Manipulative & Physiological Therapeutics. 2010;33(6):438-44.