The Link Between Weather Changes and Headaches — and How Chiropractic Care Can Help

When the weather shifts in Everett — from crisp, sunny afternoons to damp, gray skies — many people feel the change not only in their mood but also in their head. Barometric pressure fluctuations, common in fall across the Pacific Northwest, can trigger or worsen headaches and migraines. But why does this happen, and how can chiropractic care help?

Understanding Weather-Related Headaches

When air pressure drops before a storm, it can cause subtle changes in the pressure within your sinuses and inner ears. For some, these shifts trigger inflammation, nerve irritation, and muscle tension around the neck and skull — all of which can contribute to headaches or migraines.

A 2011 clinical study in Internal Medicine found that 64% of migraine patients reported their headaches occurred alongside drops in barometric pressure, suggesting that rapid atmospheric changes can influence migraine onset (Kimoto et al., 2011).

Similarly, a 2024 systematic review and meta-analysis confirmed that weather factors such as ambient pressure and temperature shifts are significant migraine triggers (SpringerLink, Journal of Neurology, 2024 study). These findings align with what many people in the Pacific Northwest experience each fall: a connection between stormy weather patterns and headache flare-ups.

While not everyone reacts the same way, a 2019 review in Current Pain and Headache Reports notes that “barometric pressure changes are a recognized trigger for primary headache disorders in susceptible individuals,” emphasizing that environmental triggers often combine with muscle tension, posture, and stress (Maini & Schuster, 2019).

The Neck–Headache Connection

The muscles and joints in your upper neck play a big role in how your head feels. When posture shifts — especially after long hours of driving in the rain, scrolling on devices, or hunching to stay warm — tension builds around the base of the skull. This tension can irritate nerves that travel up toward the head, causing cervicogenic headaches — pain that starts in the neck but radiates upward.

How Chiropractic Care Supports Migraine and Headache Relief

Chiropractic adjustments aim to help restore joint mobility, relieve muscle tension, and improve nervous system function — all of which can reduce the frequency and intensity of headaches.

In fact, a randomized clinical trial published in The Spine Journal found that patients with cervicogenic headaches who received targeted upper cervical and thoracic spinal manipulation experienced significant reductions in headache intensity, frequency, and duration compared to those who received mobilization and exercise alone (Jull et al., 2016).

For many people in Everett, this kind of hands-on care offers a natural, drug-free way to manage pain, improve mobility, and support the body’s ability to adapt to weather-related stress. Combining chiropractic care with massage therapy or physical therapy can further enhance circulation, flexibility, and posture — creating long-term relief rather than temporary fixes.

Simple At-Home Tips for Weather-Triggered Headaches

You can support your body between visits with these steps:

1. Stay hydrated: Dehydration increases headache risk, especially in cool, dry air.
2. Stretch daily: Gentle neck stretches and shoulder rolls relieve built-up tension.
3. Use warmth: Apply a warm compress to the neck or upper back to relax tight muscles.
4. Watch your posture: Keep screens at eye level and avoid looking down for long periods.
5. Track triggers: Weather apps can help you predict barometric changes and plan self-care accordingly.

Find Relief This Fall in Everett

If fall weather has you battling more frequent headaches, you don’t have to simply wait them out. Chiropractic care can help your body adapt naturally and reduce the strain that leads to recurring pain.

Our Everett team offers personalized chiropractic adjustments, massage therapy, and physical therapy to address both the root cause and symptoms of weather-related headaches — so you can enjoy the season with fewer interruptions.