Barometric Pressure and Headaches
Author: Dr. Maria Parisien
How does barometric pressure changes impact patients who suffer with headaches?
Some of you may know if a storm or a low-pressure system is coming before the meteorologists. This is usually always blamed on barometric pressure.
Barometric pressure also known as atmospheric pressure is always compared to sea level.
at·mos·pher·ic pres·sure
noun
1. the pressure exerted by the weight of the atmosphere, which at sea level has a mean value of 101,325 pascals (roughly 14.6959 pounds per square inch).
There is low barometric pressure when there is less mass above the sea level location (ie: on a mountain top) and there is a high barometric pressure when there is more mass above the location (ie: deep under the water). When we are under extreme barometric changes (ie: when climbing a mountain, flying or scuba diving) it is possible to get non-migraine headaches due to this change in pressure. (3)
Let’s chat headaches! There are many different types of headaches, the most common ones that we see in the office are tension-type, migraine and cervicogenic headaches. Migraine headaches are unilateral in nature, usually last 4-72 hours and have a tendency to be aggravated by activities. They are associated with nausea and sensitivity to light and sound they can sometimes be coupled with a visual disturbance and vomiting. (1) There are multiple stressors that can trigger a migraine headache such as: food, light, smell, noise, sleep disturbances, fasting, hormonal changes, psychological stress and the one we are talking about today weather. (2) Of all the triggers mentioned above, the three that individuals seek treatment for the most are: psychological stress, hormonal changes and weather. (2)
A cervicogenic headache, is one of a secondary cause and is commonly treated by chiropractors. These types of headaches are associated with referred pain from one or more sources of the head and neck. Evidence suggests that chiropractic care, including spinal manipulation improves migraine and cervicogenic headaches. The type of treatment and frequency of care is based on the individual seeking care and guidelines.
But how does weather effect these headaches you may be wondering!? A study was conducted on headache sufferers and the researchers had each individual record their headaches in a headache diary. They recorded their headaches for 2-24 months. Pre-intervention they asked patient if they thought that weather had an influence on their headaches. They were asked to include their triggers and weather changes. They collected weather data which included humidity, temperature, and changes in barometric pressure from where all the participants reside. They found that 50% of headache sufferers ARE sensitive to barometric pressure changes and 62% of headache sufferers BELIEVE they are sensitive to changes.
Other similar studies have concluded that if the barometric pressure was lower than 5hPa the day after the headache occurred the migraine became more frequent.
References:
1. Bryans R, Descarreaux M, Duranleau M, Marcoux H, Potter B, Ruegg R, Shaw L, Watkin R, White E. Evidence-based guidelines for the chiropractic treatment of adults with headache. Journal of manipulative and physiological therapeutics. 2011 Jun 30;34(5):274-89.
2. Prince PB, Rapoport AM, Sheftell FD, Tepper SJ, Bigal ME. The effect of weather on headache. Headache: The Journal of Head and Face Pain. 2004 Jun 1;44(6):596-602.
3. Kimoto K, Aiba S, Takashima R, Suzuki K, Takekawa H, Watanabe Y, Tatsumoto M, Hirata K. Influence of barometric pressure in patients with migraine headache. Internal Medicine. 2011;50(18):1923-8.
