Bad Weather Isn’t to Blame for your Aching Back

The notion that changes in weather, such as impending storms, can affect back pain has been a common belief among many individuals, especially older adults. However, a study conducted by Australian researchers challenges this perception.

The research, led by Daniel Steffens from the George Institute for Global Health at the University of Sydney, followed nearly 1,000 individuals who sought treatment for acute low back pain in primary care clinics in Sydney. The team aimed to investigate whether there was a correlation between weather conditions and the onset of back pain. They recorded the weather conditions when the back pain started, as well as one week and one month earlier.

Surprisingly, the results showed no significant connection between back pain and temperature, rain, humidity, or air pressure. The findings challenge the previously held belief that certain weather conditions could increase the risk of lower back pain. Daniel Steffens stated, “Our findings refute previously held beliefs that certain common weather conditions increase the risk of lower back pain.”

This research suggests that the association between weather changes and back pain might be more anecdotal than scientifically supported, and other factors likely play a more significant role in the onset of back pain.

Weather and pain – more research needed

The sudden onset of low back pain is a common experience, with most people encountering at least one episode during their lifetime. While some individuals attribute such occurrences to changes in the weather, a recent Australian study does not provide support for this belief.

The connection between pain and weather has been a topic of interest for some time. In 1995, a study led by Robert Newlin Jamison, PhD, professor of psychiatry and anesthesiology at Harvard Medical School, surveyed over 500 individuals with chronic pain in four different cities. The majority reported that weather did affect their pain, although the perceptions were not linked to regional climate. The study, however, could not definitively determine if changes in weather had a direct impact.

The Australian study adds to the discussion, suggesting that weather conditions might not be a significant factor in the onset of sudden low back pain. However, it’s worth noting that research in this area is ongoing, and findings may evolve over time. While animals are known to sense earthquakes, the ability of people with back pain, arthritis, or other types of pain to detect subtle changes in the weather remains a topic of exploration. As of now, conclusive proof of a direct link between weather changes and pain perception in humans is yet to be established.