There is a widespread belief that changes in the weather can increase back, knee or hip pain. A current study should clarify whether this assumption is correct and whether weather parameters such as temperature and humidity can really lead to musculoskeletal pain or arthritis.
In a meta-analysis involving experts from the University of Sydney, the temporary risk of musculoskeletal disorders in connection with various weather parameters was examined and assessed. The results can be read in the English-language journal “Seminars in Arthritis and Rheumatism”.
Do weather changes cause pain?
“There is a widespread opinion that musculoskeletal symptoms such as back and hip pain or arthritic problems occur more frequently in certain weather conditions,” reports study author Professor Manuela Ferreira in a press release.
Although this hypothesis is widespread, research on this topic has so far led to contradictory results.
For their new review, the researchers summarized data from international studies on weather and pain in the musculoskeletal system. The participants particularly often suffered from osteoarthritis in the knees and hips, followed by pain in the lower back and rheumatoid arthritis.
Connection to the weather?
It showed that changes in air temperature, relative humidity, barometric pressure, temperature or precipitation do not contribute to an increased risk of rheumatoid arthritis, knee or lower back pain, the team reports. The new study results thus refute a widespread medical myth.
However, the team also found that in people with gout, the combination of high temperatures and low humidity was associated with greater pain, redness and joint swelling.
Still, the “search for pain prevention and relief should focus on how best to manage the condition, including weight management and exercise, and not on the weather,” emphasizes Professor Ferreira
In summary, weather changes are not a risk factor for rheumatoid arthritis, knee pain, hip pain, or lower back pain. However, for people with gout, the weather can have a significant influence on the symptoms. (as)
