It is important to note that other impacts of cold weather and winter months can also link back to worsened chronic pain. Activity changes, changes in mood, and drops in energy levels caused by fewer hours of daylight and lower temperatures can all contribute to increased pain.
As the weather gets cooler, keep exercising if it helps your chronic pain. Make sure you warm up sufficiently if you do any physical activity outside. Consider switching to exercise that is easier on your joints, like swimming or yoga.
Try to maintain good sleep hygiene, as our sleep patterns can become disrupted as the days get shorter. Shorter, colder days make it tempting to curl up and stay inside, but in addition to trying to keep active, make sure you are taking care of your mental health. Exercise, nutrition and sleep can help manage stress and depression, but if you need extra help managing your mental health, consider talking to your doctor.