A friend told me that her fibromyalgia is worse in the summer months but seems better in winter. She said her arthritis is also better in winter. Summer can be horrible for my fibro flare-ups due to the heat and humidity (terrible sleep, muscle aches), but the arthritis seems to ease up. During late fall (my favourite season) and into winter, the fibro appears to ease up a bit, but the arthritis flares up (due to the cold and dampness). So the issue is complicated by having both fibromyalgia & arthritis, which seems to each flare up opposite to the other!! This got me wondering if and how these chronic disorders may be affected by the season/ weather and how one can best be mindful of managing known climate triggers.
Fibromyalgia is a chronic pain disorder that can have a significant impact on a person’s quality of life. Many people with fibromyalgia report experiencing changes in their symptoms based on the time of year. In this blog post, we will explore the seasonal effects on fibromyalgia and what you can do to manage your symptoms.
Winter:
During the winter months, many people with fibromyalgia report worsening symptoms. This may be due to the colder temperatures and changes in barometric pressure. Cold temperatures can cause muscles to tighten and become more painful, while changes in barometric pressure can cause joint pain.
To manage your symptoms during the winter months, it is important to stay warm and dress in layers. You may also want to use a heating pad or take warm baths to help relax your muscles. Additionally, practicing stress-management techniques like meditation and deep breathing can help reduce your overall pain levels.
Spring:
As the weather starts to warm up in the spring, many people with fibromyalgia report feeling better. The increase in sunlight and warmer temperatures can help improve mood and reduce pain levels. However, changes in humidity levels can still impact symptoms. Seasonal allergies can certainly factor in to your sense of wellbeing due to the symptoms and /or side effects of antihistamines/medications.
To manage your symptoms during the spring months, it is important to stay active and take advantage of the improved weather. Gentle exercises like yoga and walking can help improve flexibility and reduce pain levels. You may also want to consider taking supplements like vitamin D to help improve your overall health.
Summer:
Summer is often a mixed bag for people with fibromyalgia. While warmer temperatures can be helpful, excessive heat and humidity can exacerbate symptoms. Additionally, changes in routine like travel and vacations can increase stress levels and impact symptoms.
To manage your symptoms during the summer months, it is important to stay cool and hydrated. Avoid spending too much time in the sun and take breaks if you start to feel overheated. You may also want to consider practicing relaxation techniques like meditation and yoga to help manage stress levels.
Fall:
Many people with fibromyalgia report feeling better in the fall. As the temperatures start to cool down, symptoms like joint pain and muscle stiffness may improve. However, changes in weather patterns like increased rainfall can still impact symptoms.
To manage your symptoms during the fall months, it is important to stay active and take advantage of the cooler weather. You may want to consider trying new indoor exercises like swimming or dancing to help stay active. Additionally, practicing stress-management techniques like guided imagery or deep breathing can help reduce pain levels.
In conclusion, there are many seasonal effects on fibromyalgia that can impact symptoms. By being aware of these changes and taking steps to manage your symptoms, you can improve your overall quality of life. If you are struggling to manage your symptoms, be sure to talk to your healthcare provider about additional treatment options.
Please feel free to comment below about your experience with seasonal effects on your overall wellbeing and how do YOU manage those problems?
The Fibro Vagabond 