Many people notice their headaches or migraines flare up when the weather shifts—before a storm, during a cold front, or even when flying on a plane. If you’ve ever asked, “Why do I get migraines when the pressure changes?” you’re not alone.
In a recent episode of The Headache Doctor Podcast, Dr. Taves explains how barometric pressure changes affect the joints in your body—especially the upper neck—and why this can lead to headaches and migraines.
How Pressure Changes Affect the Body
When the atmosphere changes, like before rain or snow, the barometric pressure drops. Inside your body, joints are enclosed by capsules filled with synovial fluid. These capsules are pressurized systems, and when outside pressure drops, the pressure inside the joint increases.
Most people may notice general stiffness on cloudy or rainy days. For those with arthritis or inflamed joints, the effect is stronger—they often describe feeling achy or being able to “predict the weather.”
Why This Matters for Migraines
Headaches and migraines often stem from problems in the upper neck. The top two joints (C0-C1 and C1-C2) are highly mobile and support the weight of the head. Over time, these joints can lose mobility, become inflamed, and generate pain that refers to the head, temples, or behind the eyes.
When barometric pressure drops, the increased joint pressure in an already inflamed neck can trigger or worsen a migraine. According to Dr. Taves, even if pressure changes seem to be the problem, the neck is often still involved—and the good news is, this is something that can be addressed.
Common Scenarios That Trigger Pressure-Related Headaches
- Weather changes – rain, snow, or cold fronts
- Travel – driving up to higher altitudes or flying
- Congestion – sinus pressure or allergies
What You Can Do About It
You can’t control the weather, but you can reduce how your body responds to pressure changes:
- Keep your neck healthy: Restore mobility and reduce inflammation in the upper neck through treatment.
- Stay active: Moderate movement throughout the week supports joint health and reduces stiffness.
- Prioritize posture and sleep: Avoid prolonged sitting or poor sleep positions that increase neck tension.
- Plan ahead: If the forecast predicts a pressure drop, manage your activity and avoid adding strain to your neck.
Ultimately, treating the underlying neck problem is what allows people to tolerate pressure changes without migraines.
Finding Relief
If pressure changes are one of your biggest triggers, you don’t have to live in fear of the next storm or flight. By addressing the root cause—neck mobility and inflammation—you can find lasting relief.
At Novera: Headache Center, we specialize in helping people break free from headaches and migraines without relying on medication.
👉 Book your free discovery visit today at www.noveraheadachecenter.com.
