Some people experience muscle pain in cold weather. This may be due to the effects of cold temperatures. For example, being cold can make muscles tense.
Can cold weather cause muscle pain?
It may be possible for cold weather to cause or contribute to muscle painTrusted Source or muscle injuryTrusted Source. However, research on this is still Trusted SourceevolvingTrusted Source.
Scientists do know that people with pre-existing muscle pain can experience worse symptoms in cold weather, particularly if they have certain underlying conditions.
For example, fibromyalgia causes long-term and widespread muscle pain throughout the body. A 2021 review found that a subgroup of people with fibromyalgia perceive cold temperatures as physically painful, worsening their symptoms.
This does not necessarily mean all people with muscle pain in cold weather have a chronic condition, though. There are several reasons why people may have this symptom.
Why might cold weather cause aches?
There are several theories about the potential relationship between cold weather and aches and pains in the muscles. These include:
Muscle tension:
Cold temperatures cause muscles and tendons to stiffen. In some cases, a person may shiver, which occurs when the muscles rapidly tighten and relax to create heat. This is part of the body’s way of staying warm, but it may result in muscle tension or aches, especially if a person is cold for long periods.
Muscle injury:
Research has not established a direct causal link between cold weather and injuries, but the authors of a 2021 reviewTrusted Source theorize that there may be a connection. Cold weather may affect muscle power, dexterity, or fatigue, increasing the risk of injuring muscles during physical activity.
Pain sensation:
A 2022 reviewTrusted Source of previous studies notes that cold temperatures may affect pain sensitivity or tolerance. In some cases, they may also play a role in nerve inflammation.
Behavior changes:
Some people are less physically active during cold weather than they are in warm weather. A lack of activity may lead to muscle stiffness or weakness, which could result in pain.
Is muscle pain in cold weather typical?
It is unclear how common muscle pain is during cold weather. This is, in part, because there is not yet definitive proof that one directly causes the other. This makes it difficult to know whether mild aches and pains are typical.
That said, anecdotal evidence suggests that many people do experience this problem. Whether it is cause for concern or not may depend on the individual, and whether there are any other underlying causes.
Any muscle pain that occurs suddenly, is severe, or interferes with a person’s ability to do daily tasks could be a sign of an underlying health condition. People who notice significant pain should speak with a doctor.
Home remedies for pain during cold weather
Home remedies for muscle pain may help reduce this symptom and ease discomfort. However, it is important to note that they cannot treat underlying conditions.
Some ways of alleviating muscle pain in cold weather include:
Warming the body:
Where possible, try and stay warm in cold weather by keeping the body’s core at a comfortable temperature. When a person is warm enough, it may help the muscles relax.
Warming the muscle:
Muscles that are cold and tense may benefit from more specific heat application. A person may use a warm compress, heat pack, hot water bottle on the muscle.
Stretching:
Gentle stretches can help extend tight, stiff muscles and tendons and may help with certain muscular conditions, such as back pain. However, it is best to ask a doctor before trying them and to start slowly.
Massage:
Massage can also help muscles relax and increase blood flow. People can learn self-massage techniques at home, or visit a massage therapist.
