What Is the Best Climate for Fibromyalgia?

Fibromyalgia is a condition that causes many symptoms, the most prominent of which are widespread pain and fatigue 1. Most sufferers of fibromyalgia report that the weather plays a significant role in how they feel. Certain climates can spur increased muscle pain, headaches and, in some fibromyalgia patients, even depression. When looking for the best climate, there are certain weather elements to look for and others to avoid.

Temperature

Many of those with musculoskeletal disorders find that temperature makes a difference in how they feel and fibromyalgia patients are no different. They report that cold weather makes their symptoms worse. A climate where the temperature remains warmer will be better for the condition.

Precipitation

A damp climate can also worsen the symptoms of fibromyalgia 1. A combination of cold and damp (from snow or sleet) could be the most difficult climate for the condition. Someone with fibromyalgia would want to avoid areas like Alaska or the Midwest where there is a lot of snow during a cold winter.

Humidity

Humid climates, like that of the Southern United States, can cause more pain and bring on other symptoms for a fibromyalgia sufferer 1. The moisture in the air can equate to more pain in muscles, while dryness is more tolerable.

Barometric Pressure

For someone with fibromyalgia, sometimes it's not the actual climate that makes such a difference as trying to adjust to one that is not consistent. Changes in the barometer, brought on by precipitation, can trigger symptoms. The combination of humidity and barometric pressure makes someone with fibromyalgia feel worse when it is going to rain or snow before the precipitation actually occurs. There are certain locales--Florida in the summer where it rains almost every day comes to mind--that can increase fibromyalgia pain and discomfort.

Considerations

A consistent warm, dry climate is probably the best for fibromyalgia. The Southwestern United States (Arizona, New Mexico) would fit the ideal weather pattern. It is a place where it is not often cold and the weather doesn't change often enough to trigger the pain and other symptoms.