Cold weather and arthritis

Since the weather turned bitterly cold this week my back has been stiff and painful. The site where my hardware was installed seems to be the worst of it and nothing I have done seems to have an effect on it. I know they say the cold does not have an effect on arachnoiditis but some of us with it developed it during treatment of other spinal injuries.

My spondylolisthesis and spondylolisis are the cause of my osteoarthritis. The surgeon told me I would possibly have some pain from this and in the past I have, but by far this episode seems to be the worst of them all.


Cold weather causes aches and pains

Cold Weather Can Cause More Aches and Pains for Arthritis Sufferers

Cold weather can cause arthritis sufferers like you to feel increased stiffness and arthritis pain. When the temperature warms up, these feelings may disappear.


Interestingly, little research has been done about cold temperatures having any direct effect on arthritis or the progression of the disease, says Richard Konsens, MD, an orthopedic surgeon from Orlando, Florida. While weather can be measured easily, he said, patients’ pain and stiffness are tougher to gauge: “There’s no scale for stiffness.”

However, the most common weather-related complaints are joint and muscle aches, Konsens says. “Cold weather generally increases stiffness in everybody.” Since people with arthritis complain about stiffness as one symptom of the disease, “it’s reasonable to assume that cold weather makes arthritis patients extra stiff,” he said. “They may have to work harder to limber up or warm up.”

“There’s not a lot of research on this subject,” he says, “but women with arthritis seem to be more affected by the cold than men.”

Changes in climate and humidity levels can also increase arthritis pain and overall pain, Dr. Konsens points out. This does not mean you need to alter your lifestyle, but you should be aware rapid temperature changes can be a factor when you feel extra stiff and achy. You will probably start feeling less achy when the weather improves.

Dressing properly can also help, says Brent Dodge, PT, CSCS, a physical therapist and strength-conditioning specialist for Medical Multimedia Group in Missoula, Montana. This includes layering your clothes, “so you’re not just wearing dress pants and going from a 70 degree vehicle to -20 degrees outside. Dress for the transition,” he says.

Dodge says people who live in colder climates can adjust to the cold temperatures, but he adds, “That’s no excuse to challenge the body or put it to the test. You still need to know your body’s limitations.”

Ultimately, Dr. Konsens recommends winter as a good time for arthritis patients to get a complete medical evaluation.

I like that she says the body can adjust to the colder climates but I disagree with the challenge your body comments. While I am not going to run out and go skiing or anything I am also not going to move to a climate like Arizona.