Sciatica is a very common condition. 10-40% of people will experience sciatica at some point in their lives. Past conversations with people with sciatica have found that when the temperature drops, their pain increases. Sciatica is a term used to describe symptoms of leg pain, tingling, and numbness or weakness that originate in the lower back of the sciatic nerve at the back of the leg. It is not a disease, but a symptom of an underlying disease.
Two large studies have recently suggested that cold weather may have an effect on sciatica. Both studies found that participants who worked outdoors in cooler conditions were more likely to report neck or back pain than those who worked in warmer conditions. Those who work in cooler temperatures experience pain more frequently for several reasons. Colder weather can stiffen your muscles, making them more prone to injury, and the increased tension on your muscles can exacerbate your existing pain. Another possible cause could be a drop in air pressure before a storm or a sharp temperature change. Changes in air pressure can irritate already sensitive nerves in the lower back, and cooler weather can also mean more physical stress on the body. Whether the stress is due to snow, lifting heavy objects, or slipping on ice, sciatica can be aggravated.