01/18/2026
You’ll often see fibromyalgia mentioned in the Aches & Pains forecast I put out and if you suffer from it, this week’s probably been especially difficult. If you’re not familiar, fibromyalgia is a tough, chronic condition - widespread pain, deep fatigue, sleep issues and that infamous "fibro fog". For many who live with it, weather often feels like an extra adversary.
Research shows mixed results overall, but there's growing indication that **weather changes**, especially **falling barometric pressure** (think incoming storms or low-pressure systems), high humidity, or cold snaps, can worsen symptoms like pain, stiffness and tiredness in a significant portion of patients - often over 50-90% in self-reports. Some studies link lower pressure to higher pain scores, possibly through tissue expansion, nerve sensitization, or reduced activity, while others find effects are more individual, rather than universal, sometimes tied to personal beliefs about weather triggers. The mind is powerful!
There’s no one-size-fits-all, but if you're weather-sensitive with fibro, tracking your patterns alongside forecasts can be a game-changer for managing flares. Weather doesn't cause fibromyalgia, but for some, it sure amplifies the struggle. I’ll keep including it in the Aches & Pains forecast when flares are more likely. Stay strong out there! 💪 🌧️
