Yes, rain and associated weather changes often worsen fibromyalgia symptoms, primarily due to dropping barometric pressure and increased humidity, which can cause tissues to expand, irritating nerves, and increasing inflammation, leading to more widespread pain, stiffness, fatigue, and brain fog. While not fully understood, these shifts in atmospheric conditions trigger flares in many chronic pain sufferers, though individual responses vary.
Additionally, changes in barometric pressure, which often occur during seasonal transitions, can also affect fibromyalgia symptoms. Research has shown that fluctuations in barometric pressure can lead to increased pain sensitivity and discomfort in individuals with chronic pain conditions, including fibromyalgia.
Muscle Stiffness: Exposure to cold temperatures can cause muscles to contract and tighten, which may exacerbate the muscle pain and stiffness associated with fibromyalgia. Cold weather can worsen the sensation of “tightness” in the muscles, leading to increased discomfort and difficulty moving.
Inflammation Triggers
Weather changes, particularly drops in barometric pressure and temperature, may stimulate inflammation in sensitive tissues. Inflammatory conditions like rheumatoid arthritis or fibromyalgia may flare up when the body's inflammatory response is triggered by environmental shifts.
Humidity and chronic pain
Humidity levels can affect your perception of chronic pain. High humidity may contribute to swelling and inflammation, particularly in colder conditions. But at the same time, very low humidity can contribute to dehydration and worsening pain.
Certain events or changes in your life can trigger a fibromyalgia flare-up. Everyone is different, and what triggers symptoms for some people might not for you. In general, anything that increases your stress can trigger a flare-up, including: Emotional stress caused by your job, financial situation or social life.
Extra fluid puts pressure on nerves.
Our joints are filled with fluid, and when the atmospheric pressure decreases, that fluid is forced out of the joints and into the surrounding tissues. This extra fluid puts pressure on the nerves and can result in pain.
Physical and Emotional Exertion
Engaging in physical or emotional activities beyond one's capacity can lead to fibromyalgia flares. Overexertion, such as intense exercise or prolonged periods of physical activity, can strain the muscles and trigger pain.
Exercise, but don't overdo it
Researchers don't understand why, but regular cardio exercise has shown to be an imperative part of keeping fibro patients healthy. Getting low-intensity exercise during a flare-up is crucial. Don't lie in bed all day. Get your body moving in the gentlest way possible.
Some research suggests there might be an increased sensitivity in skin temperature nerve fibers, potentially affecting temperature perception6. This, combined with other factors in fibromyalgia, could contribute to feeling colder and experiencing worsened pain in chilly weather.
Doctors sometimes recommend nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) to ease deep muscle and joint pain caused by fibromyalgia. NSAIDs, such as ibuprofen and naproxen, are available without a prescription.
Is the sun good for fibromyalgia? Yes and no. Sunlight provides vitamin D, which may treat pain, inflammation, fatigue, poor sleep, and depression. 12 However, some people with fibromyalgia find they easily overheat and have more severe symptoms when it's hot.
Managing barometric pressure headaches
Take over-the-counter pain relievers, such as ibuprofen or acetaminophen, as directed by your healthcare provider.
Comfort-oriented gifts like weighted blankets, ergonomic pillows, and heated slippers are popular choices that provide immediate relief and relaxation. Therapeutic tools such as TENS units, handheld massagers, and heat/cold therapy devices offer effective at-home pain management solutions.
Fibromyalgia is not an inflammatory or autoimmune disease. Research suggests that the nervous system is involved. Brain chemicals, like serotonin and norepinephrine, may be off balance, changing reactions to painful stimuli. Fibromyalgia may cause fatigue, poor sleep, and mood problems, like anxiety or stress.
It's important to be physically active if you have fibromyalgia. This can be difficult if you're in pain, but regular exercise has been shown to help reduce pain and improve overall quality of life.
Additionally, vitamin D deficiency has been associated with fibromyalgia-like symptoms, such as chronic widespread pain and fatigue, although the link between the two remains controversial [9,17]. Interestingly, vitamin D levels have been reported to be generally lower in FMS patients than in healthy controls [18].
TNX-102 SL (Tonmya; Tonix Pharmaceuticals), cyclobenzaprine HCl sublingual tablets, has been approved by the FDA to treat fibromyalgia in adult patients, making it the first new treatment approved for the musculoskeletal and chronic pain disorder in over 15 years and the fourth treatment approved overall.
Fibromyalgia Tender Points
Foods to Eat With Fibromyalgia
Eating lots of fruits and vegetables can improve the health of a fibromyalgia patient. Fruits and vegetables are low in calories and high in fiber and antioxidants. Vitamins A, C, and E are found in fresh fruits and veggies, and these also fight free radicals to keep your body normalized.
Fibromyalgia is often triggered by an event that causes physical stress or emotional (psychological) stress. Possible triggers include: a serious injury, such as after a car accident. an infection, such as Epstein-Barr virus or Lyme disease.
6 ways to manage your fibromyalgia
Since your joints are used to feeling more pressure from the air, that drop in air pressure can make the tissues around your joints swell. Furthermore, storms often come with rain, leading to higher humidity levels in the atmosphere, which increases joint pain, too.
Barometric pressure changes can alter vascular tone and fluid distribution in the head. If your neck is misaligned, the muscles at the base of the skull (suboccipitals) often tighten, compressing local nerves and restricting normal motion. This increases sensitivity to weather fluctuations.
Fibromyalgia. The National Fibromyalgia Association links weather and fibromyalgia symptoms when the weather is humid. People who suffer from rheumatological conditions have “temperature sensitivity” meaning any extreme temperatures (both hot and cold) can have worsening symptoms and heightened pain.