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Why Your Back Pain Gets Worse When Temperatures Drop
Cold weather can make back pain worse — even in Las Vegas. At McNulty Spine, Patrick S. McNulty, MD, our double–board-certified orthopedic surgeon and spine specialist, often hears from Nevadans whose symptoms worsen when the temperature dips.
While cold weather doesn’t directly cause back pain, studies show that it can exacerbate existing conditions. Here’s why that happens — which spine problems are most affected — and how you can find relief.
Why cold weather makes back pain worse
Several factors can explain why you feel more discomfort when it’s cold outside:
Muscle stiffness
Cold air can cause muscles to tighten and contract, increasing tension in the spine.
Joint changes
Drops in temperature and barometric pressure can irritate joint tissues and ramp up inflammation.
Reduced circulation
Blood vessels constrict in the cold, slowing the delivery of nutrients and waste removal in sore areas.
Activity levels
People often move less in winter, which weakens support muscles and reduces flexibility.
Weather sensitivity
Some people have heightened nerve sensitivity to changes in the weather.
Mood changes
Dampened mood or the “winter blues” can make you more susceptible to and perceptive of the sensation of pain.
Each of these factors can stack up, turning a manageable ache into a distracting, day-derailing pain — especially if you already have a spine condition.
Back conditions that often flare up in the cold
Not all back problems respond equally to weather changes. Some are more likely to worsen during cold spells:
- Arthritis of the spine: Inflammation can spike with pressure and temperature changes
- Degenerative disc disease: Cold weather stiffens discs and surrounding tissues
- Muscle strains: Already tight muscles become more rigid in cold air, increasing pain
- Nerve compression (sciatica, herniated discs): Nerves become more reactive
If any of these conditions or scenarios sound familiar, a winter back-pain plan can make a big difference in how you feel day to day.
How to manage cold-weather back pain
You don’t have to dread winter. These practical steps help protect your back and ease discomfort:
- Dress warmly, especially around the lower back and hips
- Stay active with gentle mobility work, walking, and core-strength routines
- Warm up before outdoor time or workouts to reduce strain
- Use heat therapy — heating pads, warm showers, or baths — to loosen tight areas
- Mind your posture at your desk, in the car, and on the couch
Layering these small habits creates a protective buffer, keeping muscles supple, joints mobile, and nerves calmer when the mercury drops.
When back pain is more than a weather issue
If your pain is severe or persistent, wakes you at night, or is accompanied by red-flag symptoms like numbness, weakness, or shooting pain down a leg, it’s time to get checked. Those signs can point to problems that won’t improve with warmer days alone, and early treatment can prevent more significant issues.
At McNulty Spine in Las Vegas, Dr. McNulty offers thorough evaluation and a full spectrum of care — from targeted conservative therapies to advanced surgical solutions when needed — tailored to your diagnosis and goals.
Don’t let colder weather call the shots. If your back pain is spiking as temperatures drop — or if it’s interfering with work, sleep, or daily life — schedule a visit with Patrick S. McNulty, MD, at McNulty Spine in Las Vegas. Call our office or request an appointment online today.
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