No Direct Connection Found Between Weather and Musculoskeletal Pain

A study performed by the University of Sydney has discovered no conclusive evidence linking the weather to back, knee, or hip discomfort. This finding challenges the widespread notion that variations in weather factors, such as temperature and humidity, might exacerbate musculoskeletal pain or arthritis. 

Although it’s common knowledge that weather variations, such approaching rain or a shift in temperature, can cause or exacerbate muscular and joint pain, Australian researchers haven’t discovered any conclusive correlation between the two. 
Warm weather may cause dehydration and raise uric acid content in gout sufferers, according to research that suggests high temperatures and low humidity may quadruple the chance of a flare-up.  

The study’s findings point to a larger problem: even though over 25% of Australians suffer from a chronic musculoskeletal disorder, there are still many common beliefs and few available treatments.  According to researchers, patients frequently get inadequate support while they try to manage and comprehend their medical conditions.  

“Lead author Professor Manuela Ferreira from Sydney Musculoskeletal Health, an initiative of the University of Sydney, Sydney Local Health District, and Northern Sydney Local Health District, stated that there is a common perception that there is an increase of musculoskeletal symptoms such as back pain, hip pain, or arthritic symptoms during certain types of weather.” 

The Kolling Institute in Sydney is home to Professor Ferreira. “Our research challenges that thinking by showing that come rain or shine, weather has no direct link with most of our aches and pains,” Ferreira said. The data from over 15,000 individuals in previous international studies on the relationship between weather and musculoskeletal pain—which included over 28,000 new episodes or worsening’s of muscle or joint pain—were combined by the researchers.  The most prevalent conditions mentioned were rheumatoid arthritis and low back pain, followed by osteoarthritis in the knees or hips.  

According to the analysis, variations in air temperature, humidity, pressure, and precipitation do not appear to raise the likelihood of experiencing symptoms of knee, hip, or lower back pain and are not linked to new occurrences of seeking treatment for arthritis.  

This is the first study to assess data from studies created especially to examine how weather and other temporary, adjustable risk variables affect symptoms related to the muscles and joints.  The results, according to the researchers, “debunk” a widespread medical misconception while simultaneously cautioning patients not to let the weather dictate their course of therapy.  

“When seeking pain prevention and relief, both patients and clinicians should focus on how to best manage the condition, including weight management and exercises, and not focus on the weather and let it influence treatment,” Professor Ferreira says. Seminars in Arthritis and Rheumatism published the study. 

Journal Reference  

Manuela L Ferreira et al, Come rain or shine: Is weather a risk factor for musculoskeletal pain? A systematic review with meta-analysis of case-crossover studies, Seminars in Arthritis and Rheumatism (2024). DOI: 10.1016/j.semarthrit.2024.152392.