We’ve just come back from half term and as always, it was equal parts brilliant and exhausting.
We had a fantastic week over on the Isle of Wight. Jack absolutely loved it (or at least didn’t complain, which at his age is a win). Florie had a great birthday and today is actually Kit’s birthday, so we’re still very much in celebration mode. Seven years old… how does that even happen?
We managed lots of cycling while we were away mostly into a headwind, which felt character-building to say the least. The kids got a solid lesson in perseverance: when you’re cycling into the wind, you just have to keep pedalling. Excellent preparation for the Tour de France, clearly.
There were also daily cold water dips, which were exactly as cold as you’d imagine in February. Refreshing? Yes. Comfortable? Absolutely not. But it definitely wakes you up.
One of the highlights was Kit learning how to fish for scallops after the storms had stirred everything up and the tide was coming in. We found a few beauties… although we did the honourable thing and handed them over to the local fishermen. Still, it felt like proper coastal living for a moment.
The Isle of Wight really does have a different pace of life. It’s relaxed, slower, maybe a little bit old school in places but that’s part of the charm. It’s good for the soul.
And now… we’re straight back into it.
This Tuesday we’ve got our StimPod Workshop and I believe we’ve got just a couple of spaces left. If you’re curious about how this cutting edge neuromodulation tech can help with nerve pain, neuropathy or recovery, make sure you grab a spot via the link below.
https://westchiropractic.lpages.co/stimpod-talk/
Then the following Tuesday, we’re running our Balance & Falls Workshop, which I’m really looking forward to. Stability, confidence, and staying strong as we age is such an important topic and one we’re passionate about.
So it’s back to school, back to clinic, and back to routine (sort of).
Ever noticed that your back starts whispering (or shouting) complaints just before the weather turns? One minute you’re fine… the next, a cold front rolls in and suddenly your lower back feels like it aged ten years overnight.
You’re not being dramatic. And no, it’s not “just in your head.”
Weather changes genuinely can influence how your spine, joints and nerves feel. Let’s break down why and what you can actually do about it.
1. Barometric Pressure Drops = More Pressure Inside You
When the atmospheric pressure drops (as it does before rain or colder weather), your body tissues can expand slightly.
If you already have:
- Disc degeneration
- Previous injury
- Arthritis
- Sciatica
- Joint inflammation
That tiny expansion can increase pressure on nerves and sensitive structures in your spine.
Research suggests people with chronic musculoskeletal conditions report increased pain during low barometric pressure periods.
Your spine doesn’t love sudden change and weather is full of it.
2. Cold Weather Makes Muscles Tighten
Cold temperatures cause muscles to contract to preserve heat. Tight muscles mean:
- Reduced spinal mobility
- Increased stiffness
- Higher strain on joints
- Greater risk of flare ups
If you already sit a lot (desk job, driving, Netflix marathons), colder weather amplifies that stiffness.
That’s why many patients say:
“I feel fine in summer… winter ruins me.”
3. Joints Like Warmth
Synovial fluid the lubricant inside your joints, becomes slightly thicker in colder temperatures. Less smooth movement = more friction = more discomfort.
Combine that with reduced activity levels in winter and you have a recipe for stiffness.
4. Mood, Sleep & Pain Sensitivity
Grey skies, shorter days and disrupted sleep patterns can increase pain sensitivity.
There’s a strong link between:
- Poor sleep
- Low mood
- Increased inflammation
- Heightened pain perception
So when the weather changes, your nervous system may simply become more reactive.
Pain is not just structural, it’s neurological.
Why Chiropractic Can Help
Weather is unpredictable. Your spine doesn’t have to be.
Chiropractic care focuses on:
✔ Improving joint mobility
✔ Reducing nerve irritation
✔ Decreasing muscle tension
✔ Supporting healthy movement patterns
When your spine moves well, it adapts better to environmental stressors including seasonal shifts.
Studies show spinal manipulation can improve pain and functional outcomes in people with lower back pain.
Think of it as keeping your spine “weather-resilient.”
What You Can Do When the Weather Turns
Here’s your simple survival plan:
Stay Warm
Layer up. Keep your lower back warm. Heat relaxes muscles and improves circulation.
Keep Moving
Gentle walking, mobility work and stretching prevent stiffness from settling in.
Hydrate
Discs rely on hydration. Even in winter, drink enough water.
Sleep Smart
Cold weather + bad posture = morning stiffness. Supportive mattresses and spinal alignment matter.
Get Checked
If your back predicts the rain better than the Met Office… it might be time for a spinal check.
The Bottom Line
You’re not imagining it.
Weather shifts can influence joint pressure, muscle tension and pain sensitivity.
But here’s the good news:
A healthy, mobile spine handles change better.
So while we can’t control the British weather…
We can help your spine cope with it.
And that’s something worth staying ahead of.
References
- McAlindon, T. et al. (2007). Changes in barometric pressure and ambient temperature influence osteoarthritis pain. American Journal of Medicine, 120(5), 429–434.
- Smedslund, G., & Hagen, K.B. (2011). Does weather affect pain? Pain, 152(4), 912–918.
- Paige, N.M. et al. (2017). Association of spinal manipulative therapy with clinical benefit and harm for acute low back pain. JAMA, 317(14), 1451–1460.
- Coulter, I.D. et al. (2018). Manipulation and mobilisation for treating chronic low back pain. European Spine Journal, 27(11), 2731–2744.
