Cold Weather and Joint Pain: How Chiropractic Can Help

Hey there, welcome back to the Wellness Minute. I’m Dr. Brent Johnson.

Today, let’s talk about cold weather and joint pain. If your knees, back, or shoulders tend to ache more during the winter or when a cold front rolls in, you’re not alone—and you’re not imagining it.

So what’s going on?

As temperatures drop, the pressure in the atmosphere around us can also fall. That shift in barometric pressure can cause joints to expand slightly, putting more pressure on the surrounding nerves. Add in cold, stiff muscles and less movement overall, and you’ve got a recipe for discomfort.

Many of my patients say they feel “tight” or “creaky” when the weather changes. This is especially common in areas where there’s already some wear-and-tear—like old injuries or arthritis.

That’s where chiropractic care can make a big difference. Through gentle adjustments and targeted soft tissue work, we help restore normal movement in the joints and reduce inflammation. It’s not just about cracking a back or neck—it’s about getting the whole body moving better, even in cold weather.

We also focus on improving circulation and flexibility, which can help fight off that cold-weather stiffness. In fact, staying mobile is one of the best things you can do when the temperatures drop. And if you’re dealing with an old injury that flares up in winter? That usually means the joint hasn’t fully healed or is still compensating in some way—and we can address that.

Remember, joint pain in cold weather isn’t just a seasonal annoyance—it’s your body telling you something needs attention. We’ll take a full-body look and create a plan to keep you moving comfortably, all winter long.

If your joints are giving you trouble this season, give us a call or visit our website to schedule. Let’s get ahead of that winter stiffness together.

Talk to you next time.