Dr. Toombs often hears patients say:
“I know it’s going to rain — my joints are already aching.”
If you’ve ever felt increased joint or back pain before a storm or a shift in the weather, you’re not imagining it. This phenomenon is very real, and it often has to do with changes in barometric pressure.
What Is Barometric Pressure?
Barometric pressure refers to the weight of the air around us. When weather systems change — such as before rain, snow, or storms — barometric pressure typically drops.
While we may not consciously feel this change, our bodies often do.
How Barometric Pressure Can Affect Joints and the Spine
Inside your joints are tissues, nerves, and fluid-filled spaces. When barometric pressure decreases, the surrounding air pressure drops as well, allowing tissues in the body to expand slightly.
For healthy joints, this change may go unnoticed. But for joints affected by:
- Arthritis
- Prior injuries
- Degenerative disc disease
- Chronic inflammation
- Spinal conditions
That subtle expansion can increase pressure on sensitive nerves, leading to pain, stiffness, or discomfort.
This is why people with existing joint or spine issues are more likely to notice pain before a weather change.
Is This Scientifically Proven?
While research is ongoing, multiple studies suggest a correlation between low barometric pressure and increased joint pain, especially in patients with arthritis and chronic musculoskeletal conditions.
What’s important to understand is that weather itself doesn’t cause the condition — it can simply aggravate symptoms that are already present.
Why Some People Feel It More Than Others
Not everyone experiences weather-related pain. You may be more sensitive if you have:
- Joint degeneration
- Nerve compression
- Previous surgeries or injuries
- Chronic inflammation
- Reduced joint mobility
These conditions make the body more reactive to environmental changes.
What You Can Do to Manage Weather-Related Joint Pain
While you can’t control the weather, you can take steps to reduce its impact on your body:
Stay active – Gentle movement keeps joints lubricated and flexible
Maintain a healthy weight – Less pressure on joints means fewer flare-ups
Use heat therapy – Helps reduce stiffness during cold or damp weather
Stay hydrated – Joint tissues function better when well hydrated
Address underlying conditions – Treating the root cause can significantly reduce symptoms
If pain is frequent or worsening, it may be a sign of an underlying spine or joint condition that should be evaluated — and our team at Spine Medicine and Surgery of Long Island is here to help.
When to See a Specialist
Occasional weather-related aches are common, but persistent pain is not something you should ignore. If joint or back pain is affecting your quality of life, daily activities, or sleep, a professional evaluation can help identify the cause and guide proper treatment.
Final Thoughts
Your body isn’t predicting the weather — it’s responding to real physical changes in the environment. Understanding why joint pain happens before weather changes empowers you to manage symptoms and seek appropriate care when needed.
If you have questions about chronic joint or spine pain, a consultation can help determine the best next steps toward relief.
