On June 4, 2013, ScienceDaily released a report that found weather changes including temperature, sunshine, and precipitation to not be a factor in the fluctuation of fibromyalgia symptoms. Dutch researchers found hard medical evidence that supported this conclusion and published their reports to Arthritis Care & Research, an American College of Rheumatology journal.
At Southwest Spine and Pain Center, our medical staff continues to investigate the science behind fibromyalgia. As one of medicine’s greatest mysteries, scientists and investigators worldwide continually study the truths behind this condition.
Based on the new research, 2 percent of the world’s population is affected by fibromyalgia. The condition also affects more women than men. The American College of Rheumatology approximates that 5 million American people have unexplained widespread pain, fatigue, headaches, and sleep deprivation. Fibromyalgia is considered a chronic pain syndrome and many studies suggest that increased sensitivity is associated with 92 percent of weather changes and exacerbated symptoms.
The Dutch research team studies 333 female patients with fibromyalgia syndrome for at least two years and with a mean age of 47 years. Over a 28-day period, the participants filled out questionnaires about their pain and fatigue symptoms. After the 28 days, researchers found that 10 percent of the analyses showed weather variables to be a significant but small contributor to pain or fatigue. Twenty percent of the analyses showed small differences between the participants’ responses to weather, proposing that fatigue and pain were affected differently by weather conditions (ie more pain with high atmospheric pressure). The researchers found that the differenced in symptom response to weather conditions were not related ti demographic, mental health, or seasonal variations.
Dr. Ercolie Bossema, first author, says, “Our analyses provide more evidence against, that in support of, the daily influence of weather on fibromyalgia pain and fatigue.” The researchers were the first to investigate weather changes and the impact on fibromyalgia symptoms in a large group. Future studies may include more patient characteristic differentiations including personality, beliefs on chronic pain, and attitude about weather’s impact on symptoms.
Southwest Spine and Pain Center, in addition to many investigators worldwide, search to explain weather sensitivity to its impact on fibromyalgia symptoms. We know that weather changes do impact nerve pain and other chronic pain conditions. To find out more about how Southwest Spine and Pain Center can help mange your chronic pain, consult with a physician in any of our Utah locations, today!
If chronic pain is impacting your life, don't wait to schedule an appointment at Southwest Spine and Pain Center. With four locations and same day appointments, the pain management specialists at Southwest Spine and Pain Center are dedicated to helping those who suffer from chronic pain live the life they want to! To schedule an appointment, visit our locations tab!
The advice and information contained in this article is for educational purposes only, and is not intended to replace or counter a physician’s advice or judgment. Please always consult your physician before taking any advice learned here or in any other educational medical material.
©Southwest Spine and Pain Center, 2013
©Medical Marketing Solutions, 2013