Do you feel sluggish when a typhoon approaches? The relationship between changes in atmospheric pressure and headaches/neck and shoulder stiffness.
Hello.
This is Re・Set, a chiropractic salon in Hashimoto.
As a typhoon approaches,
- I feel heavy in my head, I have a headache.
- My neck and shoulders are stiffer than usual.
I feel sluggish.
- I'm concerned about old injuries and joint problems.
I feel a bit unwell.
Don't you ever feel that way?
According to the Japan Meteorological Association's forecast, the number of typhoons approaching Japan in 2026 is likely to be average or higher than average, particularly in August . Typhoon season is a time when it's important to pay attention not only to the weather but also to changes in your physical condition.
Typhoons and changes in atmospheric pressure
A typhoon is a developed tropical depression characterized by low atmospheric pressure near its center. As a typhoon approaches, the surrounding atmospheric pressure and weather conditions change.
It's not true that everyone gets sick when there's low pressure, but there are studies that have shown a link between changes in atmospheric pressure and headaches, especially migraines. On the other hand, there are significant individual differences, and weather isn't the only cause of headaches.
Why do my neck and shoulders get sore on typhoon days?
It's not just atmospheric pressure that matters; the changes in daily life that occur during typhoons also play a role.
As people stay home more often and avoid going out,
- Spending more time looking at smartphones
- Staying in the same position on the sofa for an extended period
- Reduced physical activity
・ Prone to slouching and rounded shoulders
This is a common situation.
This can lead to a decrease in the amount of time your neck, shoulders, and back move, resulting in a feeling of "heavy head and stiff neck and shoulders."
On typhoon days, it's especially important not to stick together too much.
On days when the weather is bad and you can't go outside, there's no need to do strenuous exercise.
Inside the house,
- Slowly rotate your shoulders
- To stretch oneself
Take a deep breath.
Avoid staying in the same position for extended periods.
Walk within reasonable limits.
Even small movements can help you avoid staying in the same position for extended periods.
Especially if you spend long hours at a desk or looking at your smartphone, try to be mindful of moving not only your neck, but also your shoulder blades, back, and chest .
It's also important not to assume that all headaches are "due to changes in atmospheric pressure."
Even if you experience headaches during typhoon season, it's not necessarily caused by changes in atmospheric pressure.
If you experience symptoms that are clearly different from your usual state, such as a sudden, very severe headache, numbness or weakness in your hands and feet, slurred speech, or altered consciousness, you should seek medical attention rather than going to a chiropractor.
It's also important not to assume that it's just your usual weather-related pain.
Re-Set checks not only the neck and shoulders, but the entire body.
At Hashimoto's chiropractic salon Re・Set,
• Tension in the neck and shoulders
・Scapular movement
・Slouching or rounded shoulders
- Stiffness in the back and chest area
• Ease of breathing
・Normal posture
We will perform the treatment in a way that suits you, taking into consideration factors such as these.
"My neck and shoulders feel heavy on typhoon days and rainy days."
"My head feels heavy from all the desk work."
"Even if I massage my shoulders, they go back to normal right away."
For those individuals, it might be helpful to re-examine not only their neck and shoulders, but also their posture, shoulder blades, back, and even their breathing .
Please note that even after a typhoon weakens into a tropical or extratropical cyclone, heavy rain, strong winds, and high waves may continue. If the weather is bad when you visit, please do not go out unnecessarily and check the latest weather information.
If you are looking for a chiropractic clinic near Hashimoto Station, please feel free to contact Chiropractic Salon Re・Set.
References
- Japan Meteorological Agency: "What is a typhoon?"
A typhoon is defined as a tropical depression located in the Northwest Pacific Ocean or South China Sea with a maximum wind speed of approximately 17 m/s or higher. Pressure patterns and weather conditions change dramatically around a typhoon. - Katsuki M, et al. “Investigating the effects of weather on headache occurrence using a smartphone application and artificial intelligence.” Headache. 2023.
Studies investigating the relationship between low atmospheric pressure, changes in atmospheric pressure, humidity, rainfall, and headache occurrence have reported a correlation between these weather conditions and an increase in the number of headaches. - Ministry of Health, Labour and Welfare, "Guidelines for Occupational Health Management in Information Equipment Work"
When working with computer and other information equipment, it is recommended to take care to reduce strain on the neck and shoulders by taking short breaks, stretching, and doing light exercise.
*While a link between changes in atmospheric pressure and headaches has been reported, not all headaches are caused by weather, and there are individual differences.
