Cold Weather & Aches and Pains: Why Your Body Hurts More in Winter

If your joints feel stiffer, your back aches more, or old injuries seem to “wake up” when temperatures drop, you’re not imagining it.
Cold weather affects muscles, joints, circulation, and nerves, and for many people, it makes existing pain harder to ignore.

Understanding why winter hurts more can help you take the right steps to stay comfortable and active.

Why Cold Weather Increases Pain

As temperatures drop, your body responds in several ways that can increase discomfort:

1. Reduced Circulation

Cold causes blood vessels to constrict, which limits blood flow to muscles and joints. Less circulation means:

• Less oxygen and nutrients to tissues
• Slower healing
• Increased stiffness

2. Muscle Tightening

Cold muscles naturally tighten to conserve heat. Tight muscles:

• Pull on joints
• Restrict movement
• Increase joint pressure
• Make strains and spasms more likely

3. Joint Stiffness & Inflammation

Barometric pressure changes and cold temperatures can affect joint fluid, making joints feel less mobile, especially if arthritis or past injuries are present.

4. Less Movement

Winter often means less activity. When joints don’t move regularly:

• They lose lubrication
• Muscles weaken
• Pain patterns worsen

Motion is one of the best forms of pain relief, especially in cold weather.

Common Winter Pain Complaints

Cold weather often worsens:

• Low back and neck pain
• Arthritis stiffness
• Sciatica and nerve pain
• Headaches
• Muscle tightness
• Old sports or work injuries

Many people chalk this up to “getting older,” but it’s usually a sign the body needs support.

How Chiropractic Care Helps in Cold Months

Chiropractic care addresses the mechanical and neurological causes of winter pain. At Active Family Chiropractic & Acupuncture, care may include:

• Spinal adjustments to restore motion and reduce joint stiffness
• Improved nerve communication, helping muscles relax properly
• Supportive therapies (e-stim, cold laser, ultrasound, decompression) to reduce inflammation and pain
• Rehab and mobility exercises to keep joints moving and muscles strong
• Acupuncture (select clinics) to improve circulation and calm pain

Regular chiropractic care helps keep joints mobile and the nervous system balanced, even when it’s cold outside.

Simple Winter Pain Prevention Tips

You don’t have to hibernate to feel better:

• Stay active with gentle movement
• Warm up before activity
• Stretch daily, especially hips, neck, and back
• Dress warmly to keep muscles relaxed
• Stay hydrated
• Keep up with regular chiropractic care

Don’t Let Winter Slow You Down

Cold weather may be unavoidable, but constant pain isn’t. If aches and stiffness are making winter uncomfortable, it’s time to address the root cause instead of waiting for spring.