Can Weather Changes Cure Sacroiliac Pain in Ankylosing Spondylitis Patients?

Q: Can Weather Changes Cure Sacroiliac Pain in Ankylosing Spondylitis Patients?

Hello： Ankylosing spondylitis cannot be cured, please cooperate with the treatment from the rheumatology department for proper management. <br>Thank you! Changhua Hospital, Orthopedics, Dr. <br>Li Wen-Hong.

Can the pain caused by weather changes in patients with sacroiliitis (ankylosing spondylitis) be completely cured?

Hello Dr.
Li, I am a patient with ankylosing spondylitis (20 years old), and I have been experiencing symptoms for 3.5 years.
Currently, under the treatment of a rheumatologist, I have achieved good control over the pain in my sacroiliac joints.
However, since two years after the onset of my condition, I have noticed that during winter, the pain in my sacroiliac joints tends to recur easily due to cold fronts.
My rheumatologist mentioned that my sacroiliac joints have become more sensitive, making them prone to pain with sudden weather changes.
Since my primary care physician is a rheumatologist, their main advice has been to take medication and exercise more to prevent this phenomenon.
However, I would like to seek the opinion of an orthopedic doctor.
Therefore, I would like to ask Dr.
Li: 1) Although my sacroiliac joint pain is currently well-controlled under rheumatology treatment, I am concerned that the pain may easily return next winter with the cold fronts.
Can the symptoms that only occur with weather changes be completely cured? 2) If there is a possibility of complete cure, should I consult a specialist in sports medicine and arrange for out-of-pocket rehabilitation sessions to help prevent future pain in my buttocks due to sudden weather changes? Or are there any other recommendations you could suggest? Thank you, doctor.

Zhong, 20~29 year old female. Ask Date: 2023/05/04

Dr. Li Wenhong reply Orthopedics

Hello: Ankylosing spondylitis cannot be cured, please cooperate with the treatment from the rheumatology department for proper management.
Thank you! Changhua Hospital, Orthopedics, Dr.
Li Wen-Hong.

Reply Date: 2023/05/04

More Info

Sacroiliac pain in patients with ankylosing spondylitis (AS) can indeed be influenced by weather changes, particularly during colder months. This phenomenon is not uncommon among individuals with AS, as the condition often leads to increased sensitivity in the sacroiliac joints, making them more susceptible to pain during fluctuations in temperature and humidity.
1) Can Weather Changes Cure Sacroiliac Pain?
While weather changes themselves do not cure sacroiliac pain, they can exacerbate symptoms in susceptible individuals. The pain you experience during colder weather is likely due to the inflammatory nature of ankylosing spondylitis, which can lead to increased stiffness and discomfort in the joints. Unfortunately, there is currently no definitive cure for AS, and while symptoms can be managed effectively with medication and lifestyle changes, the underlying condition remains.
Your rheumatologist's advice to continue medication and engage in regular exercise is crucial. Medications such as non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) can help reduce inflammation and pain, while physical therapy and exercise can improve flexibility and strength, potentially mitigating the impact of weather changes on your symptoms.
2) Can Specialized Rehabilitation Help?
Seeking advice from a sports medicine specialist or a physical therapist who specializes in AS can be beneficial. They can design a tailored exercise program that focuses on strengthening the muscles around the sacroiliac joint, improving overall flexibility, and enhancing your physical endurance. This proactive approach may help reduce the frequency and severity of pain episodes triggered by weather changes.

In addition to exercise, consider incorporating other strategies to manage your symptoms during colder months. These may include:
- Heat Therapy: Applying heat to the affected area can help alleviate pain and stiffness. Warm baths, heating pads, or warm compresses can be effective.

- Cold Therapy: Conversely, some individuals find relief from applying cold packs to reduce inflammation during flare-ups.

- Lifestyle Modifications: Maintaining a healthy weight, practicing good posture, and avoiding prolonged periods of inactivity can also help manage symptoms.

- Mind-Body Techniques: Practices such as yoga, tai chi, or mindfulness meditation may help reduce stress and improve your overall well-being, which can be beneficial for managing chronic pain.

In summary, while weather changes can exacerbate sacroiliac pain in ankylosing spondylitis patients, they do not provide a cure. However, with appropriate medical management, physical therapy, and lifestyle modifications, you can significantly improve your quality of life and reduce the impact of weather-related pain. It is essential to maintain open communication with your healthcare providers to adjust your treatment plan as needed and to explore additional therapies that may be beneficial for your specific situation.

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