Heat waves and cold snaps linked to greater risk of severe chronic pain
The end of the summer forces many indoors as the United States battles record-breaking
temperatures. In the southern region, temperatures unfortunately do not drop until
late September. For people living with chronic pain, the heat and the cold can bring
more than temporary discomfort. Dehydration and hypothermia are not the only concerns
middle-aged and older adults may have.
A study led by Kai Zhang, Ph.D. of UNT Health's Department of Public Health and Feinuo Sun, Ph.D. of the Department of Kinesiology at the University of Texas at Arlington, reveals the implications of prolonged exposure to extreme cold and heat for middle-aged and older adults. Their studies examined the associations between daily ambient temperature and pain symptoms in individuals with pain-related conditions.
Nonetheless, longer-term exposure to extreme temperatures can have substantial health consequences, shaping high-impact chronic pain outcomes. Some of the outcomes reported include cardiovascular disease and cognitive decline. During shorter-term cold events, individuals are likely to take proactive measures such as limiting outdoor activities and pre-heating their homes to prevent the onset of pain.
Some of Zhang and Sun's key findings highlighted the relationship between temperature
extremes and HICP. Researchers found that long-term exposure to extreme cold was significantly
associated with HICP. They also found that extreme heat was linked to a marginal increase
in HICP among rural residents, while the association was not significant among urban
or suburban residents. Researchers suggest that factors such as limited access to
air conditioning, health care resources and other infrastructure may contribute to
this difference.
Additionally, among individuals who did not already have HICP, long-term exposure to extreme cold did not appear to increase the likelihood of developing the condition.
The research examined more than 35,000 adults age 50 and older over a 20-year period, providing one of the most comprehensive looks at how environmental conditions can influence chronic pain outcomes over time. Rather than focusing on a single heat wave or cold snap, the study analyzed the cumulative effects of exposure to extreme temperatures within participants' communities.
Researchers noted that temperature can affect the body in several ways. Cold weather may increase pain sensitivity and joint stiffness, particularly among individuals with arthritis and other musculoskeletal conditions. Extreme heat can contribute to dehydration, disrupted sleep and reduced physical activity, all of which may worsen existing pain symptoms.
As climate change continues to increase the frequency and intensity of extreme weather events, the findings raise important public health questions. Discussions surrounding heat safety often focus on heat stroke, dehydration and cardiovascular risks. However, Zhang and Sun's research suggests that chronic pain should also be considered when developing strategies to protect vulnerable populations during periods of extreme temperatures including in cold weather.
“For middle-aged and older adults living with chronic pain, the forecast may influence more than daily plans," Zhang said. "It may affect mobility, independence and overall quality of life."
To read the full study and learn more about the relationship between temperature extremes and chronic pain, visit the article published in Environmental Research: Health.