You have probably felt it before—a sudden headache before a storm, dizziness as the weather shifts, or an unexplained increase in pain when the seasons change. You might have even heard someone say they can “feel the weather in their bones.” What if those sensations were not just old wives’ tales but a reflection of how your nervous system responds to changes in barometric pressure?
What Is Barometric Pressure?
Barometric pressure, also known as atmospheric pressure, is the force exerted by the air around us. It fluctuates due to weather patterns, altitude changes, and even seasonal shifts. High pressure usually brings clear skies, while low pressure is often associated with storms and unsettled weather.
The body is constantly adapting to these shifts, but for some people—especially those with neurological conditions or chronic pain—these changes can be a significant trigger for symptoms.
Who Is More Susceptible to Barometric Pressure Changes?
Not everyone reacts to fluctuations in atmospheric pressure the same way. Several factors can increase sensitivity, including:
- A history of concussions or traumatic brain injuries – The brain’s ability to regulate pressure changes may be impaired.
- Chronic pain or unresolved injuries – Nervous system hypersensitivity can amplify responses to external stimuli.
- Migraine sufferers – Many people with migraines report worsening symptoms before storms.
- Vestibular dysfunction or vertigo – The inner ear and brainstem play a role in balance, and pressure changes can disrupt their function.
- Dysautonomia and nervous system dysregulation – The autonomic nervous system, responsible for regulating involuntary processes, can be especially sensitive to atmospheric shifts.
The Neurological Impact of Barometric Pressure Shifts
Chronic Pain and Old Injuries
For individuals with chronic pain, especially those recovering from past injuries, barometric changes can feel like turning up the volume on discomfort. Why? Pressure fluctuations can influence joint fluid levels, alter circulation, and even affect how nerves transmit pain signals. If an injury caused nerve damage, that tissue might be more reactive to pressure shifts, leading to increased pain perception.
Changes in air pressure can also lead to inflammation, causing additional discomfort in joints and muscles. For those with arthritis or previous joint damage, this can be especially problematic. Weather-related pain has been documented in studies, particularly in individuals with osteoarthritis, fibromyalgia, and neuropathic conditions.
Concussions and Brain Injuries
After a concussion, the brain’s ability to regulate changes in intracranial pressure can be compromised. Barometric fluctuations may trigger headaches, brain fog, dizziness, or an overall increase in neurological symptoms. Since the brainstem plays a crucial role in regulating autonomic function, disruptions can amplify sensitivity to external stimuli—including weather patterns.
Additionally, individuals with post-concussion syndrome may experience increased light and sound sensitivity, making stormy or overcast weather even more overwhelming. This can contribute to heightened fatigue, difficulty concentrating, and worsened mental clarity.
Migraines and Headaches
Many migraine sufferers recognize weather changes as one of their top triggers. Research suggests that dropping barometric pressure can alter the brain’s vascular system, leading to dilation of blood vessels, increased inflammation, and heightened pain sensitivity.
Low pressure before a storm can also contribute to fluid retention in the brain, which may increase intracranial pressure and trigger migraine episodes. This is why many people report headaches in the hours or days before bad weather arrives.
Interestingly, some research suggests that rapid shifts—rather than just low pressure—can be the biggest culprits. The speed at which the weather changes can impact neurotransmitter balance, particularly serotonin, which plays a key role in migraine regulation.
Vertigo and Balance Disorders
The vestibular system, located in the inner ear, relies on stable pressure to help the brain process balance and spatial awareness. Sudden changes in barometric pressure can disrupt inner ear fluid levels, causing dizziness, nausea, and unsteadiness. For individuals already dealing with vestibular dysfunction, these shifts can make symptoms significantly worse.
People with conditions such as Meniere’s disease or vestibular migraines are particularly vulnerable. When atmospheric pressure drops, it can lead to excess fluid buildup in the inner ear, further exacerbating vertigo and balance problems.
Dysautonomia and Nervous System Dysregulation
Dysautonomia is a condition where the autonomic nervous system (ANS) has trouble regulating heart rate, blood pressure, digestion, and other involuntary functions. Because the ANS plays a role in adapting to environmental changes, individuals with dysautonomia may struggle to cope with barometric fluctuations. Common symptoms include:
- Increased fatigue
- Brain fog
- Heart rate irregularities
- Blood pressure instability
These effects can be particularly pronounced in people with postural orthostatic tachycardia syndrome (POTS), a form of dysautonomia that makes it difficult to regulate blood flow when moving between positions.
In extreme cases, people with dysautonomia may find that even minor weather changes leave them feeling completely drained or unable to regulate temperature properly, further compounding their symptoms.
How Can You Mitigate the Effects of Barometric Changes?
While we can’t control the weather, we can take steps to minimize its impact on neurological health and pain levels. Consider the following strategies:
Regulate Your Nervous System
- Engage in deep breathing exercises, meditation, or vagus nerve stimulation techniques to support autonomic function.
- Stay hydrated to help stabilize blood pressure and inner ear fluid levels.
Support Brain and Vestibular Health
- Use proprioceptive exercises, balance training, or visual-motor therapy to enhance brainstem function.
- Minimize sudden postural changes to reduce dizziness episodes.
- Consider dietary approaches that support nervous system health, such as increasing omega-3 fatty acids and reducing inflammatory foods.
Manage Pain Proactively
- Apply heat or cold therapy to affected areas during pressure fluctuations.
- Incorporate myofascial release or neuromuscular therapies to calm hypersensitive nerves.
- Maintain an anti-inflammatory lifestyle through movement, stress management, and targeted nutrition.
Track Weather Patterns
- Monitor barometric pressure forecasts and plan accordingly for potential symptom flare-ups.
- Adjust daily routines to accommodate increased sensitivity during weather shifts.
- Experiment with compression gear, such as weighted blankets or pressure vests, to help stabilize nervous system input during fluctuations.
Your Nervous System and the Weather Connection
Barometric pressure changes are an unavoidable part of life, but they do not have to dictate your well-being. By understanding the connection between atmospheric pressure and neurological function, you can take proactive steps to manage symptoms and support your nervous system.
The key is awareness—knowing your triggers, listening to your body, and implementing strategies to navigate the shifts. Your nervous system thrives on stability, and with the right approach, you can help it adapt more effectively to the ever-changing environment around you.
If you or someone you love is suffering from increases in symptoms with barometric pressure changes and you would like to learn how chiropractic neurology can help, contact the team at Georgia Chiropractic Neurology Center today. We look forward to hearing from you.
Written by Sophie Hose, DC, MS, DACNB, CCSP
Peer-Reviewed Sources:
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- Hoffmann, J., Supronsinchai, W., & Akerman, S. (2021). “The Role of Atmospheric Pressure in Migraine Pathophysiology.” Cephalalgia, 41(2), 134-141.
- Baloh, R. W., & Halmagyi, G. M. (2020). “Vestibular Adaptation and Sensory Integration in Barometric Pressure Changes.” Journal of Vestibular Research, 30(3), 123-135.
- Benarroch, E. E. (2019). “Dysautonomia and the Autonomic Nervous System: Mechanisms and Clinical Correlates.” Autonomic Neuroscience, 220, 102567.
- Johnson, A. C., & Hedges, D. W. (2020). “Post-Concussion Syndrome and Sensory Processing Dysfunction in Relation to Weather Sensitivity.” Brain Injury, 34(5), 678-690.