Cold Weather, Hot Pain: Dr. Jordan Sudberg Explains Why Chronic Pain Worsens in Winter

If you live with chronic pain, you may have noticed an all-too-familiar pattern: as the temperatures drop, your pain levels rise. Whether it’s joint stiffness, muscle aches, or old injuries flaring up, colder weather seems to make everything hurt a little more. But why does this happen?

Dr. Jordan Sudberg, a well-respected pain management specialist, has spent years helping patients understand and manage pain through all seasons — especially during those colder months when symptoms tend to worsen. According to Dr. Sudberg, the connection between chronic pain and cold weather is real, and there are both physiological and environmental reasons behind it.

In this article, we break down why chronic pain can intensify in cold weather — and what you can do to stay comfortable when the temperature drops.

Why Does Cold Weather Affect Chronic Pain?

1. Muscle and Joint Stiffness Increases

Cold temperatures can cause muscles to contract and tighten, leading to reduced flexibility and increased stiffness — especially in the joints. For individuals with arthritis or fibromyalgia, this can make movement more difficult and painful.

“When your body is cold, your soft tissues lose elasticity,” explains Dr. Jordan Sudberg. “This makes joints feel stiffer and movement more uncomfortable, particularly in the morning.”

2. Changes in Barometric Pressure

Another major factor is the drop in barometric pressure that often comes with cold or stormy weather. As the air pressure decreases, tissues in the body may expand, putting more pressure on joints and nerves.

Dr. Sudberg notes that many patients with conditions like arthritis or past injuries become “human barometers,” able to predict weather changes based on their pain levels.

“It’s not just in your head — barometric pressure changes can cause real physiological shifts that increase pain,” says Dr. Sudberg.

3. Reduced Physical Activity

In colder months, people tend to be less active, spending more time indoors and moving less overall. While that might seem like rest, too much inactivity can actually worsen chronic pain by causing muscles to weaken and joints to become less mobile.

Dr. Sudberg encourages patients to find gentle, indoor activities to stay moving even during winter.

4. Increased Sensitivity to Pain

Some studies suggest that cold weather may heighten the body’s pain receptors, making individuals more sensitive to existing pain. This can amplify discomfort, particularly in conditions like neuropathy or complex regional pain syndrome (CRPS).

“Cold environments can increase nerve sensitivity in certain patients, especially those with nerve-related pain,” Dr. Sudberg explains.

Tips from Dr. Jordan Sudberg: How to Manage Chronic Pain in Cold Weather

Fortunately, there are practical steps you can take to manage chronic pain during the colder months. Here are Dr. Sudberg’s top recommendations:

 Stay Warm

• Dress in layers and keep affected areas covered.

• Use heating pads or warm baths to relax muscles and soothe joints.

• Keep your home comfortably heated and avoid cold drafts.

Keep Moving

• Engage in daily stretching, yoga, or indoor walking routines.

• Don’t let cold weather lead to a sedentary lifestyle.

• Dr. Sudberg emphasizes movement as medicine, even if it’s low-impact.

Hydrate and Eat Well

• Cold weather can lead to dehydration, which can affect joint health.

• A diet rich in anti-inflammatory foods (like berries, fish, and leafy greens) can support overall pain management.

Consider Physical Therapy or At-Home Exercises

• Ask your provider about exercises tailored to your condition.

• Dr. Sudberg often works with physical therapists to create customized winter routines for chronic pain sufferers.

Consult with a Specialist

If your pain worsens significantly in winter, it may be time to review your treatment plan. New therapies, medications, or interventions might offer relief.

Conclusion: Weather the Storm with the Right Tools

While we can’t control the weather, we can control how we respond to it. Cold temperatures may aggravate chronic pain, but with the right strategies and support, you don’t have to suffer through the season.

Dr. Jordan Sudberg’s expertise in pain management helps patients navigate seasonal challenges with confidence. By staying warm, active, and proactive, you can keep your pain in check — even when winter is at its worst.