MAINE, USA — Question: When there are storms bearing down on us, many folks will complain about having headaches. Is there a real connection between low pressure systems and aches or pains?
I've heard this too. Fortunately, I personally don't experience it. We also hear from viewers occasionally who suggest they can "predict" an incoming storm solely based on their joints!
First, let's look at what the two most likely weather factors could be:
1) Drops in barometric pressure -- in other words, going from high pressure (nice weather) to low pressure (a storm).
2) Temperature swings -- going from cold to warm, or warm to cold, in a short period of time. There are some indications humidity plays a role, but for simplicity, most studies focus on temperature. Swings in humidity often align with swings in temperature.
Here's what we know:
There does appear to be a connection between migraines and weather. A 2004 study conducted right here in New England found that migraines were triggered by weather changes in 51% of the patients participating.
As for joint pain or discomfort, there are mixed results.
A recent study, in 2017, found weather changes play no role in back pain or the most common forms of arthritis.
That said, this a topic that is still very much up for debate.