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What Areas in the USA Have the Fewest Barometric Pressure Changes?

O. Wallace
O. Wallace

Barometric pressure is the weight of air in a particular area, which is measured in inches in mercury (inHg) or hectopascals (hPa). Though the degree of air pressure in any place continually fluctuates, some areas experience greater fluctuations than others. In the US, the places with the smallest range of barometric pressure changes are Honolulu, Hawaii and San Diego, California. Since large fluctuations in pressure, particularly decreases, are thought to cause or exacerbate a variety of health problems, many people prefer to live in areas with fewer changes.

Biggest and Smallest Ranges

A pocket barometer, which can be used to measure atmospheric pressure.
A pocket barometer, which can be used to measure atmospheric pressure.

Honolulu, Hawaii is the place in the US with the overall smallest range of changes in barometric pressure, ranging from 29.34 to 30.32 inHg (993.56 to 1026.75 hPa). San Diego is the city with the smallest range of changes in the continental US, with an average range of about 29.37 to 30.53 inHg (994.58 to 1033.86 hPa). Although places like Denver, Colorado may consistently have low pressure, they may also have a greater range of pressure changes. As for the places with the greatest range of pressure changes, St. Paul, Alaska ranges from 27.35 to 30.86 inHg (926.18 to 1045.04 hPa). In the contiguous US, Charleston, South Carolina has the largest range of changes, with a 27.64 to 30.85 inHg (936.00 to 1044.70 hPa) range.

Barometric Pressure Defined

Clouds in the sky.
Clouds in the sky.

Barometric pressure, also known as air pressure or atmospheric pressure, is the weight of the air, as measured by a barometer. Low pressure means that there is less weight pushing down. It also indicates that the air is rising and cooling, which helps to form clouds. High pressure means that there is more weight and indicates the presence of sinking air that is warming and less humid. Pressure at higher altitudes is adjusted to what it would be at sea level in order to provide a uniform reading.

Causes of Pressure Changes

Barometric pressure is the weight of air in a particular area.
Barometric pressure is the weight of air in a particular area.

The air pressure of an area is affected by several factors, including the gravity of the Earth in general, and the temperature and altitude of specific areas. Places at higher altitudes have less pressure than those at lower altitudes, and warmer places have less pressure than colder ones. Weather changes also affect barometric pressure, especially storms, which are preceded by decreases in pressure. Solar winds, which are powerful streams of charged particles with magnetic fields that affect the Earth's atmosphere, are also thought to raise atmospheric pressure incrementally.

Related Health Problems

Clear and calm weather conditions are indicative of high atmospheric pressure areas.
Clear and calm weather conditions are indicative of high atmospheric pressure areas.

Changes in barometric pressure are thought to be related to a wide range of health problems, though most of the evidence is anecdotal. Many people with arthritis experience increased joint pain when barometric pressure decreases, such as before a storm, and people also tend to be more prone to general aches and pains when barometric pressure decreases. Many people also experience congestion and sinus headaches, which may be because the changes in pressure can cause air to get trapped in the sinuses. Many people also find changes in pressure to be a trigger for migraines, but this varies from person to person.

Weather changes also affect barometric pressure, especially storms, which are preceded by decreases in pressure.
Weather changes also affect barometric pressure, especially storms, which are preceded by decreases in pressure.

Some people may experience inner ear problems, such as ear pain and dizziness. This is particularly common in people who have existing health problems related to the inner ear, like Meniere's disease. A 2001 study by Bianchi-Demicheli et al. also found that pressure changes were connected with pelvic pain, miscarriages, and vaginal bleeding, though the reason for the correlation is not clear.

Discussion Comments

anon995749

Thank you so much! This text scroll saved me hours of random searches, def. Looks like I've got a few places to visit (Hawaii, AZ, SD.)

To the anon who asked about a "constant pressure home", I thought I was silly for thinking about wearing a pressurized suit/helmet.

It's great just to know there's a possibility of change/escape.

anon994412

Great info! To the people that can't figure out why their pain is worse in some of the good places, it's because your migraines or other issues aren't triggered by barometric pressure. There are other triggers like allergies, even sunlight. So it may not be the answer for everyone.

I moved to Seattle with my ex ten years ago. Ugh. This is a brutal place for migraines, tinnitus, arthritis, depression, sinus issues. Every time I'm back in California, or in eastern Washington (when it's warm over that way,) I'm a different person.

My new husband has RA, and I'm trying to convince him we need to move to Cali. He grew up in the PNW, so he thinks the pain is inevitable. But he also feels terrific when he visited Arizona, California, etc., seriously. Do not move to western Washington or Oregon if you have any of those health issues or struggle with depression.

d42862

Wonderful postings, very helpful. I am taking the advice of visiting the mideastern coastal area of Florida before I make a non educated mistake. I am from Ohio, love it here, with very deep roots, but could rebuild what I have here down south if all the health puzzle pieces fall into place. I suffer from severe migraines due to our highs and lows in Ohio, and I am not too proud to admit I can't take the winters much longer. The cold, chilly weather is not conducive to my joint health, head or mentality.

I literally halt my dressage training when the cold hits which is no longer acceptable for me or my furry kids, but the pain and SAD beginnings are getting worse. When I do get a migraine, it throws everything off and I am usually found sitting in the corner of a hot shower making a sauna to balance out the pain. Any Ohioans with Florida advice? I would love to be a snowbird and keep both, but that's not in the cards.

anon957794

Has anyone explored the possibility of a constant pressure home?

anon948499

Amputees also suffer. It is the same as having your feet swell on a plane and then if you took your shoes off having a hard time getting them back on. I have taken tow and three month road trip across the US in the last two years. Massachusetts is the worst. I have two barometric graphs from 2014 that are staggering. The high in one and the low in the other go off the graph measured in inches of Hg.

The volatility is what kills me. From Colorado through Utah, Nevada and finally San Francisco and San Diego (It's true! Comfort city!) I found less volatile barometric pressure eased my pain significantly. I was able to go on hikes in the Nevada desert on my prosthesis. I can't walk more than 2 blocks on it in Boston. The table pressure lasted until after Houston and I began to hurt more and more as we drove north and east. The answer? I'm moving. I lived in California for 30 years anyway. It's home and it's better.

anon945492

I suffer from chronic migraine and one trigger I cannot escape is the barometric pressure change. I currently live in northern CO and can tell if a front is moving through one or two days in advance. Who needs a weatherman?

I've tried every medication known to man, including the herbal supplements, but I have bad reactions to all of them. I cannot even take Dramamine for the migraine induced vertigo. I have gone the Botox route, and my forehead will never move again. The migraines have reduced with the shots, but with the medication sensitivity, I still have them.

We're currently looking at Phoenix as a place to move since I found a blog/research article that says the barometric pressure days are lower. We thought about SD or LA, but Phoenix won out for cost of living.

I want to go during the monsoon season to see how bad the migraines would be, but my other half wants to go outside of monsoon season to see how I would be when it's "more stable". --Frustrated in CO!

anon944088

Whenever there's a major change in barometric pressure, my body feels it. I get tightness and nausea, then after the weather passes, I feel better.

Sunobsessed

Wow. I am not alone in the fight against how the weather affects me. I am 35 years old and have suffered chronic sinusitis my entire life. I've been on endless amounts of antibiotics for sinus infections, have had five sinus surgeries, and have allergies.

After reading several comments/health issues above, I can agree about San Diego. A couple years ago, I asked my ENT of over 15 years, where I should live if I want to feel "normal". He said San Diego. I told him I couldn't afford San Diego, so then he said AZ. I do like CA, but love AZ. I've been to AZ several times during different months out of the year and I haven't felt bad. I haven't been sick or felt sinus pressure at all. I think the dry heat helps my sinuses.

Today, I've done some research on pollen, mold and barometric pressure. There still is pollen in AZ, but I think the barometric pressure is less than where I live in MN.

For anon3112, have you looked at AZ?

anon924899

A shortage of oxygen at low air pressure is my problem, below 29.90, there's not enough oxygen. Above 29.90 and I have no problem and I am supposed to have COPD.

My meter will show about 90 percent oxygen below 29.90 and 94 to 96 percent above 29.90. It takes about a half a day after the pressure change to settle down.

gatormom

This has been very helpful to read. My daughter suffers. We moved to Charlotte, North Carolina from the Tampa Bay area of Florida three years ago. She has been a migraine sufferer since age two. We have determined most of her triggers, but more lately are looking at barometric pressure.

About 16 months ago, she got a 24/7 headache that has not gone away and the barometric pressure makes it worse. It may be coincidence but she did go downhill more since moving here. It could be her age. However, we have heard since we moved here that people who never had allergies or sinus issues before have them in North Carolina, at least in Charlotte. The company I used to work for has an office in San Diego. I am tempted to take my daughter there on a vacation and see how she does.

I am very curious about San Diego. It seems that most of what I have read on this site notes positive things about it, but I did see a few negatives. I know nowhere is perfect. I am going to try mediclim as one poster indicated (thanks!). This is a new area for us to look at. I know she will always have them as she has multiple triggers but if we can control something additional to minimize or stop the pain and missing so much school we are all for it.

Any additional thoughts on San Diego? Best of luck to everyone. For those of you wondering about Florida -- it definitely did not seem as bad as here, but heat, humidity and barometric pressure changes did affect her. We are also considering a move closer to the water in Florida, although the pressure does change, the humidity is not as high. Who knows?

BillB

I am 65 and live in Seattle, Washington. I have osteoarthritis in most joints as well as degenerative disk disease in neck and lower back.

I have traveled or worked in most states always returning to Seattle for the last 45 years and suffer extreme pain and depression living here. Do to my age and inactivity because of the weather my pain is off the charts and I have no energy. I rush outside on the three months of sunny weather until late and often depressed when the sun goes down in the middle of the day.

I am truly 20 years younger and pain free in Southern California where I have worked and we own a townhouse, but my wife will not move.

Move inland off the water or to Las Vegas -- a short 4 hour drive from OC, where rents are cheaper and the sun always shines.

anon346453

Great discussion. I have migraines. My experiences:

Hawaii: good. Washington, D.C.: inconsistent. Bad summers if heat is a trigger. Southern Vermont: Good, after altitude adjustment (in summer). Poconos: Good, after altitude adjustment (in summer). Florida: inconsistent (visited in winter - cold front came in). Chicago: inconsistent. New York: inconsistent.

This is based on my triggers which are: heat (usually upper 80s and 90s) and big fluctuations in barometric pressure.

Humidity does not impact me as much. I've had to really pay attention to these trends because if I feel a headache coming on, I will look at the weather report. If bad weather is coming, I will take medicine and go with the "if it moves, kill it" strategy. However, my migraines are so frequent that I risk over-medicating. If the weather is going to even out at night or the next day, I will not medicate and see if my head adjusts.

I have to tell you, it's a pain. All of the constant babysitting of my head.

But a bigger pain is when a storm comes in. If I didn't medicate on time, I have my own reality show: "Headaches Gone Wild." The only thing that can kill my wild headaches is an IV at my neurologist's office.

These came on suddenly three years ago, and after a third terrible summer in D.C., we're seriously talking about going to HomeAway or something and swapping homes with someone for the summer in Vermont or Maine while our kids are in camp.

Exercise daily in the morning is a really awesome preventative and helped me. The blood sugar / hormone thing is also a factor for me, in addition to barometric pressure. I must get enough sleep, do not drink alcohol, limit my screen time, and no drama.

anon339662

My father, my daughter and I are all chronic migraine sufferers who are constantly seeking an acceptable solution to our frequent -- almost daily -- migraines.

I was told that as I got older, my headaches would subside, but the opposite has occurred and I now suffer daily headaches.

Among the usual triggers we can control, barometric pressure is a major factor over which we have no control in the cause of our migraines. More often than not, it is a confluence of unavoidable triggers that is the cause. After perusing the entries on this site, the overriding theme is that all of us chronic migraine sufferers are individuals who are affected uniquely in what triggers our headaches! What affects one person spares another. The one common thread in this blog seems to be that the barometric pressure is a bona fide trigger for all of us. The key is to find a doctor and treatment that allows us to function on a daily basis if possible. Not to be pessimistic, but until they find a universal cure, it seems we are all at the mercy of our affliction unfortunately. Wishing you all many migraine-free days!

anon337036

Has anyone tried Puerto Rico? I'm currently in Central America and doing very well, but would prefer a US territory.

anon330301

This is a relief to find people who experience aches and pain with weather changes. I moved to Wisconsin in 1994 and got Fibromyalgia and Chronic Fatigue. I prayed and prayed because doctors would not confirm the pain and fatigue as being that. I was finally healed by God, not a doctor. The last 4 years I have begun to suffer aches and pain at the onset of winter and then in the Spring before the first rain falls. Afterward, I feel better but it is subject to return during both those seasons.

It seems now to focus on the right side of my face, neck and shoulder. Sometimes it shifts from the right side to the left. I know when snow or rain is coming before the meteorologists do because the pain increases until the weather arrives. Then I get some relief.

I grew up in Chicago and was there until my thirties and moved to Wisconsin. I've been here 19 years. The aches and pains are getting worse as I get older. Have to leave. This is miserable. As I write this, I know rain was in the forecast before checking because last night the right side of my face was aching so bad I did not sleep well.

I found this article while searching for places in the country where I can find relief from this.

People who don't experience this or other types of changes in their health have no idea how miserable it is. Just moving is not that easy. I don't have much money, mainly because of medical issues that began after moving to Wisconsin.

Now I sometimes feel stuck. I don't want to spend the rest of my life looking for temporary remedies.

Winter is physically draining and it's hard to concentrate. I'm irritable and grouchy. Just before the first snow, the pain is horrible until it falls. Then relief comes all over.

Spring is draining. I get aches and pain until the first heavy rain falls and then get some relief.

Fall and Summer generally do not affect me in any way. This is my most enjoyable time.

I plan to move but with limited income the very places that may do me some good appear to be unaffordable to live in.

I do find staying hydrated with water helps to some degree. I'm going to try epsom salt baths as someone here mentioned that. They are good for muscle tension maybe it will help with this. Thankful for the article and everyone who commented - really encouraging.

anon325717

I use the "Barometric pressure graph" android app for tracking pressure changes. I don't know if there's an iphone version.

anon324087

I just noticed a distinct difference during my life. I don't think I am nuts, and would like to know what you think too. I was born in the Midwest, lived in central Illinois, and went to camp in Colorado when I was younger. I felt great when I was there. I came back to Illinois and felt crappy.

Later, I was stationed at Fort Lewis Washington, and felt crappy until all of us would go across the mountains to Yakima. I came back to the Midwest and felt crappy, then was stationed in Colorado and felt great again.

I moved to Minnesota and again felt pretty crappy from November or December through April every year for 15 years. I moved to New Mexico for two or three years and felt absolutely great again. No colds, no joint aches, no sinus attacks, dropped weight without changing my diet at all. I had to move back to Minnesota in July, went through one winter and Bam! The cold/sinus attacks and sore achy joints came back again.

My take is there is something definite about sun, altitude, and humidity. Period. Moving to the same areas back and forth have proved it to me.

anon320846

There are tracking systems online you can use to track migraines. I've used one for two months now to be sure that our decision to uproot our family and move is based on solid evidence. I can also create reports and bring them to my doctor, It takes a little getting used to, especially when in the middle of a full blown attack, but may be enlightening.

anon320845

I was completely amazed that the Pacific Northwest came up at all! I've tracked changes this week that go from 30.5-29.7, which made me too ill with a migraine to leave my bed for anything other than to vomit.

I live in Portland and after three years of this, I'm ready to move back to South Florida, or anywhere else that may offer relief. In SW Florida, I only got a few migraines a year rather than several per month lasting for a couple of days to a week or more. I don't recommend SW Florida due to its economy and general lack of things to do for families, compared to where we live now, but this is insanity.

Maybe if we were loaded, SW Florida would make sense but sadly, that's not the case. Maybe the east coast? California? I'm also a student- which is problematic in its own right with chronic migraines. I feel like a junkie because I have to take so much pain medication just to function at all.

I don't want to live my life like this, let alone raise my kids like this. I'll be trying the Epsom salt bath.

anon305198

Can't imagine how Seattle, Olympia and Astoria, OR ended up on a list of steady barometric pressure. It says "steadier than other places in the US". However, I would guess that compared to Honolulu or San Diego, they would be very high.

anon300144

I was so glad to find this site tonight. I was feeling panicky at my condition the last few days. I suffer from asthma and some arthritis but never like this. My rescue inhaler isn't helping at all and I hurt to the touch, with pain all over, but, like one writer said, not really like a flu. My breathing is so bad I am registering low on my meter. But, and this is a big but: we are only in the first day of what is expected to be historic hurricane Sandy here on the east coast. It is expected to last up to three days at least and have very low readings.

Just a couple of days ago, I felt great and when I got so bad as the storm moved in, I began to wonder if it could be related to the drop in BP. It is most encouraging, and may be long term helpful to find all this info because some of the places I have been considering a move to due to my asthma sound bad for BP, which I didn't consider till now. So in that way, this was a blessing, and I'm so glad I found others in this situation.

But I agree with the writer who said instead of all of us moving away and all over the country, maybe we should be trying to get solutions. I am concerned because the worst of this storm won't be here for two days yet and the eye is passing right over my area. I wonder how much my body can handle if I feel so bad already. And to those struggling with family and friends who can't understand or help, I empathize as I know how it feels. Good luck to all.

debded2

In reading all the posts, I see the most common thread is Fibromyalgia. I have lived with this debilitating condition for over 10 years. I recently moved from Denver, Colorado to Sheboygan, Wisconsin. These past eight weeks have been the worst in my life. I've had allergies, over-sensitivity to everything, even the smell of my own deodorant. Things that normally would not bother me have become super triggers.

My throat tightened, my shoulders and neck were killing me and I thought I was having panic attacks or severe allergies. There were definitely allergies involved of the ragweed variety, but I grew up in Michigan, and lived there my whole life except the last two in Denver and I never had these issues so severely.

Seven days ago, just on a hunch that it might help, I began taking minimum 30-minute hot epsom salt baths. I lay on my belly in the bath and submerged my face and nose and ears. The pressure equalized. It felt so good! I then remembered another help: a neti pot. I've been using it twice a day for the past seven and I have seen dramatic improvements. I can breathe normally again.

In my case, I believe the new toxins from this past awful, humid, hot summer were stored and built up in my sinus cavities and a few good flushes with the baths and salt – bingo!

I know the barometric pressure changes are hard on me, but armed with the right information and trying new things helps. If you have not tried epsom salt baths, please try implementing them for a week and see if you too don't feel better. We live in an increasingly intolerable environment, no matter where we live in the USA. We will have to learn how to mitigate the symptoms brought on by the environment. I too believe the electromagnetic fields have something to do with the amount of pain and suffering, therefore, I turned my display on my computer down to 67 percent and that also has helped. Thank you for this site and I wish you all improved health!

anon293278

There is no such thing as constant weather or few pressure changes. If this was the case, there would be no wind, no nothing on how our earth works. Pressure shows how our complex earth works. I think what happens when a lot of people move -- it's just a guess -- that it is not pressure, but you can't rule out allergens. However, I do believe pressure can impact a lot of people, especially those in high heat and low pressure states.

However, making sure you have a stable diet helps. Also look up D-Ribose for fatigue and good heart energy, and as well as supplements to increase oxygen output in the body. A lot of times what happens is we are not getting enough oxygen in the body to your brain causing low blood flow and vasoconstriction.

I used to have severe headaches growing up. the biggest thing I did was started training my butt off and got more fit, and now my blood sugar is stable and I hardly get sick no matter where I am. I've lived in Ohio, Dallas and South Florida. Exercise, people (if you're healthy enough). Best of luck to all! I do hear people in Denver get sick a lot, though. Whether it's due to air pressure, I don't know. But a lot has to do with metabolism in maintaining a constant body-temperature. More mood-swings in temperature makes the body work harder to regulate its core, which, over time, can decrease your immune system because of how hard it's working. Keep this in mind too.

anon264437

I'm trying to find places other than Hawaii and San Diego with a more reasonable cost of living where the barometric pressure is fairly stable. Any ideas?

anon255088

I've noticed that barometric pressure does affect me, but the heat and humidity are even larger rivals. It seems that most people like the heat instead of the opposite. My RA isn't really sure what it is that I have: it's anywhere between arthritis to fibromyalgia. I also have allergies.

So I'm thinking a cooler climate with steady barometric pressure? Does this exist? And if so, where? I currently live in Lincoln, NE, and in spite of the fact that I do love where I live, the weather is just too much. Suggestions?

bookworm

To the poster from Calgary. I visit Palm Springs often. Since I do not have any medical issues with changes in barometric pressure I can not advise you on that particular subject.

What I want to suggest to you is to stay in Palm Springs for an extended period of time to test if the weather agrees with you. I know a number of people who come from Canada, and Chicago area, spend the winter in Palm Springs, something like October to April, and then go back home for the summer.

They are the so called snowbirds. Flying away from snow and toward the warm weather.

There is an abundance of condos in Palm Springs to choose from, and prices are reasonable. If you find out that Palm Springs weather is better for you, by all means you could consider moving there permanently. Although, remember the summers there are really hot.

chester4090

I live in Calgary, Alberta Canada and for any Canadians who may be reading this wonderful site, you should learn from my mistake when I moved here six years ago.

Calgary is the migraine capital of Canada. It sits, much like Denver, alongside the Rocky Mountains and experiences rapid weather changes brought along by strong winds called Chinooks. They are frequent and deadly. Temperatures have been known to rise or fall 20-30 degrees Celsius in 10 minutes! I too, am preparing a move out of here! I have tried every medication known to the industry and one round of Botox which worked for about 10 weeks; it was a fantastic reprieve. But it came to an abrupt halt and the second round doesn't seem to be working with the same success at all, but we are in the middle of a Chinook and the Botox is recent so I'm trying to be patent.

The neurologist who runs the Headache Clinic at the Foothills Hospital here is a leading specialist and absolutely recognizes the impact changes in barometric pressure has on migraine succeeded. And for the person wondering about strong odors, that is a very well known trigger as well. For example, Vegas and I don't get along very well due to the excessive amount of smoke you have to walk through to get to the shows and restaurants. Smoke is a big trigger for me, as is the odor of auto tires. I can't take my car in to have tires changed twice a year; the smell kills me. But everyone is different! We all get to know our own bodies the best.

Does anyone have any thoughts on Palm Springs, CA area, as we are considering that area for a retirement place? Seems like I have thrived there on vacation. Thanks for sharing!

anon244188

I am not alone. Finally, I have found a site where there are other people who have problems with the barometric pressure, although my situation is a little different. I have what are called "silent migraines," we think. My symptoms are extreme vertigo, which in turn causes vomiting, diarrhea, etc. I get to the point where I can't stand and can barely see. They last about an hour and a half and the only way to get rid of it is to sleep. I am then extremely exhausted.

Anyway, I grew up in the Boston area. When I was young, my doctors chalked it up to "seasickness," gave me antivert and they went away for a while. I then moved and lived in Los Angeles for most of my adult life with no symptoms whatsoever. I recently moved back to Boston to be with family. Big mistake. I am going back to Los Angeles to feel good again.

unsure

I would like to thank everyone who has posted something. Granted it doesn’t change what we all have going on inside of us, but it does ease the soul to know we are not alone.

Like many of you, I have been diagnosed with several pain in the neck conditions, a few of which started after an illness. I have myofascial pain and headache syndrome, fibromyalgia, osteoporosis, osteoarthritis, (with bone spurs in the lower lumbar and in the neck) chronic fatigue syndrome, narcolepsy and/or sleep disturbance, morton’s neuroma hand bilateral plantar fasciitis, and most recently, raynaud’s syndrome and allergies (several wild flowers, mountain cedar, horses, and black mold). This all happened over the last ten years. I used to think I was lucky only to have hypothyroidism, acid reflux-gerd and a hiatal hernia.

What does all this have to do with the article? Well, I too suffer from the horrible headaches of the barometric changes and where I live it goes up and down like a yo-yo. It’s not the gradual changes that really hurt; it’s the spikes, the sharp up and downs that just kill! (I take sudafed or the store brand with a mild pain killer to help take the edge off) Over the last six years I have tried to track how my health would change when I would have to go out of town. First for post 51, you can look online to see everything you would want to know about the weather everywhere. Underground weather has helped me stop thinking I was crazy.

And as for post 121, who mentioned the lower levels or altitude, this did help me with some pain and a lot of the fatigue I suffer from. Example: I had to go to Omaha, NB with my son’s baseball team. It was late June so it was almost 100 degrees and 100 percent humidity. It was gross, but I had more energy there than I usually do at home, even with the stress of the team. Another time we went on a trip to Tucson, AZ (for baseball) and it happened again. The energy was up and muscle pain was down. However, we were only there for a few days, so I didn’t have any headaches. (except when we got home, I had one for almost a week). This also happened on two other short trips, one to Las Vegas and the other to southern California. One friend said I felt better because I was on vacation.

Well, a few months ago, I was able to go to Seattle/Tacoma, WA for a week and Los Angeles for 2 1/2 weeks, and I did every day stuff that you would do at home. In Washington, the energy was somewhat better, and yes it did rain, but it was on the day we were leaving. In California, the energy was better, the muscle pain was better, (I even hurt myself and it was a lot better in a week or so, and at home it would have taken months or more). We even had a wind storm of 70 miles an hour, but over the 2 1/2 weeks, I think I had three to four mild headaches and maybe one bad one. I think I suffered only three or four days with major fatigue. I don’t count or track the minor stuff. I figure I can try and live with that.

Which brings me to what one post asked about how to get friends and family to understand. I hate to say it, but you don’t. I have tried all kinds of ways. I have tried examples of when things have happened to them, and it might click for a little while, but then they forget. You just try to do what works for you.

Now the hardest part of dealing with this is, do you move somewhere that might let you feel a little better? No matter what, no place is perfect. You have to stop and think: which is worse, the headaches or the muscle and joint pain? For me I think it’s the major fatigue, the total exhaustion and the barometric pressure headaches, because it’s real hard to pull it together when you are in pain and in a total fog.

I live in Colorado Springs, CO. It has only been the last eight years out of the 26 that I have lived here that I have had these health problems. Now that my kids are grown (one just started college and other is looking to buy a house), the decision to move or stay is not any easier and I don’t think I can really ever leave them. So I feel for all of you who have to make that kind of decision. Wouldn’t it be great to be able to do both. Stay where your life is for a few months and then leave for a little while to get some relief. I wish all of you the best of luck.

anon241676

I live in charleston sc and can tell you for a fact that it is horrible for arthritis sufferers. I had minor low back pain before I moved here in 2008, and now it is chronic in 2012.

I am taking diclofenac twice daily plus zantac for stomach upset with diclofenac, and also use a lidoderm patch daily. It is beginning to affect my hands. The heat and humidity is off the charts almost three seasons of the year. I am trying to decide where I can move to return to somewhat normal?

anon237399

I notice windy days are the worst. I have had some sort of bad sinus spell these last two days. I normally get a migraine every few months but this is two days in a row with sinus pressure and now my ear hurts. I have always lived on the East Coast.

anon236662

I just had my third sinus surgery and the doctor said to get off of the East Coast. Hawaii sounds great but it's so far from family here. What about places in AZ?

anon234276

My baby girl suffers from hydrocephalus and has a VP shunt. We live in Texas currently and it is a complete nightmare! I would move to the ends of the earth if it meant she would feel better.

When the barometric pressure is on the rise, she is vomiting and in so much pain for days. My husband and I have tried everything and neurologists don't really acknowledge this sort of thing. Does anyone have any advice on somewhere to live that would be a lot more stable in terms of pressure? She is her best at low pressure.

anon231757

I have been diagnosed with torn miniscus in my left knee with surgery scheduled for 12-08 and will soon be wearing a brace on my right knee. I try to ride my bike at least 1 mile a day but often can ride 2 to 5 miles. The weather changes still affect me but not as bad since I exercise often. The docotr says that is the best thing to do for this type of pain. I know it hurts, but it is worth it in the long run. --jbuck

anon231740

I forgot to mention that I also have year round horrible allergies and sinus infections. They cleared up by the ocean in Florida and were gone for a long while after I came back to St Louis.

I am allergic to dust, tree and grass pollen and mold.

This is why we are trying to move along the west coast of Florida also, not inland. I don't know what I will do in the extreme summer heat, but it gets extremely hot and humid and we have lots of pollution here in St Louis.

I am happy to find this site, too. We know our bodies best.

anon231738

I have osteoarthritis, degenerative disc disease, fibromyalgia and migraines. I live in St Louis, Mo. My husband and I went to Panama city beach in Feb. 2011 and I felt wonderful! I still had the stuff, but not nearly as bad! When I came back to Missouri, it was many times worse. I was almost bedridden, until I saw the RA doctor.

It is starting again and I am in agony. My husband and I are planning to move to Florida soon, but we've had many delays. He has liver disease and he even felt better down there. We want to be near the west coast of Florida. If we ever get there, I will occasionally post here to say if it is still helping to live there.

Siren126

@anon44098: Where did you find the homeeopathic specialist in AZ?

I've lived in the Phoenix area for about six years, from Springfield MO. There was definitely a reduction in headaches but I'm getting them more frequently than when I first moved here.

Does anyone know - is it the BP level that causes the pain or the actual fluctuation?

anon226908

I have fibromyalgia and I live in Indiana. It is hard to explain to the people in my age group that I have pain all over all the time and then at times it seems I feel great and in almost no pain. Then I found out that air pressure works into the equation.

anon226020

I live in Denver, CO. I have Fibromyalgia and chronic fatigue symptoms. Recently, I took a trip to Georgia, Florida, and Tennessee and felt a lot better, though it was just last September, so not quite as hot as it can get. It seems the closer I get to sea level, the better I feel.

As soon as I got back to Colorado, I felt like I was not utilizing oxygen properly and I have gone downhill since then in terms of energy and appetite. I think I need to move away for my own productivity in life. The heat and the altitude here in the summer bothers me as well.

anon225375

I live in Austin, Texas and the humidity and heat here are unbearable. The second I go outside I feel sweat running down my back. By the time I get into my car my shirt is almost soaking wet. I have to have other clothes stashed at my office to change into when I get there.

The average daily humidity here is 73 percent. Add that to 108 degree days. It's like living in a sauna.

I suffer from panic attacks in the summertime when the humidity is at it's highest. I live a miserable existence.

I'm planning to move to Bakersfield, CA or Denver, CO at the beginning of the year. I might have to take out a loan on my 401K for moving expenses and having money to live on until I get a job. But it will be so worth it.

I'm so glad I found this site! I thought I was the only one who will be moving across the country to be able to breathe better.

anon221695

Back from another summer in San Diego and still feeling good. Had a total knee replacement but still having some problems. Weather doesn't seem to effect me as much. I ride my bike five miles a day and don't take any meds. Problem is walking and soon will have an MRI on one knee and CT scan on repaired knee. Hope things will get better as I would like to walk and jog more.

anon221477

I lived in Honolulu for eight years, and my migraines always came during September-November. Now I live in Jakarta, Indonesia and my migraines come during the transition from the dry to rainy season which is also September to October.

anon192354

I am so thankful to have found this site. I have been suffering with pain/exhaustion when the barometer changes for the past 30 years. I've been calling myself the human barometer for a long time now, and few people understand what I'm going through.

I'm 50 years old and have lived in the Chicago area for most of my life. The winters here are unbearable and the hot/humid summers with the up and down temps are even worse. I am intrigued about New Mexico and would like to check it out for retirement.

Can I ask: is the part of New Mexico the person posted about near the Alamogordo or Carlsbad area of New Mexico?

Sending good thoughts to everyone on here and I am so grateful to have found this site.

Hooray for being able to google words like "barometric pressure and pain" on the internet and being able to learn about this site and that I'm not alone!

anon187904

I used to have daily, brutual sinus headaches when I lived in suburbs outside of NYC for close to ten years in a row. When I moved to California, they went away.

Now, the tough thing, I have recently accepted job in Denver Colorado area and am wondering what to expect with headaches and sinus issues. On one hand, I hear people with allergies do great in Colorado but I did not have allergies and am afraid they could be related to the barometric changes.

What does everyone think? Is there anything I can do prior to moving to get my health in proper order to prevent the headaches from returning?

anon184121

This is response to post #34, Poochiemama: Your son is experiencing what my son was going through until he was diagnosed with Celiac Disease. I beg of you to have him tested for that. Also to you and others, food allergies play a huge part in sicknesses and migraines. Dairy is a huge trigger for migraine sufferers.

weatherAlert

I have been suffering from migraines for 17 years. Once a month is must (no escape) and occasionally, twice a month, but since i have moved to San Diego, i have gotten a headache every single day for the last seven months. I supposed the barometric pressure changes were supposed to be less and i am so confused about why this is happening to me. Any comments?

garyp41

Don't move to Denver! I have been getting bad sinus headaches for years. There are wide temp changes. It is not uncommon to have 70s one day then 50s the next, especially in the spring and fall. I have friends who have migraines and they have a lot of headaches. The sudden changes in temps which cause sudden barometric changes are just too extreme.

anon177601

Do not move to Texas or the Gulf Coast. I lived in West Palm FL for a few years and occasionally noticed the barometric pressure would trigger my migraines, but often there were other factors.

Now I have lived in Houston for eight years and have experienced nothing but misery. Low pressure systems and tropical storms are an almost year-round occurrence, daily in the late summer and fall. The humidity is worse than Florida--no breeze, just swamp. It is like breathing through a soaking wet towel. The heat is unbearable, due to the humidity and smog effect. The hot air just hangs over the city. This is the worst place I have ever lived and cannot wait for the miracle that will release me from this godforsaken swamp.

anon173534

I am 62 years old and live in denver co. I have had lots of colon and bowel surgery due to colon cancer rupture. My digestive tract and bowels don't work on their own any more so with the help of drugs and a process called irrigation (enemas), I try to eliminate my waste and toxic buildup.

I came into this site because I have so many problems with water going in and not coming out pass the gas when the pressure falls and it seems to always be falling here. I thought someone else might suffer bathroom problems with pressure changes, but have found mostly head pain and breathing disorders.

I am feeling like a freak and was hoping to come up with some kind of suggestions, but none. I am so sorry for all of your pains and problems, as I read some of them I realize mine could be worse. So bless you all and good luck from denver co.

anon171486

Is there anybody out there who actually lives inland of San Diego. What city? Please help.

Do any of you live there for certain months of the year, e.g., winter? If so where can a person find a good unfurnished/furnished rental?

anon168538

So, which place is better for the least amount of BP changes? Las Vegas, or Phoenix Az?

anon165015

I am also a migraine suffer for the last 28 years. I have been on every medication and have taken every tests known to man. I lived in Ohio until 2010 and would average four headaches a week. We moved to Arizona for four months and my headaches were greatly reduced to maybe one or two every two weeks.

We then transferred to Mobile, Al for the last four months and I am suffering terribly, probably four or five headaches a week. The temperature changes, the barometric shifts and the humidity are killing me.

We are leaving in a week to go back to Arizona so I can have some type of life. I am a wife of 18 years and a mother to three boys and I feel like my life is passing me by as I lie in this bed day in and day out.

anon164158

Don't move to Salt Lake City! We have had a brutal barometric pressure winter. I watch the pressure and can always predict the next storm. It is almost unbearable and I want to move. I am surprised to find so many people in the same boat.

The ups and the downs here seem to exacerbated by the high elevation. I felt great in Jacksonville, Florida when I visited there last fall, but I want to find somewhere closer to Utah. I hate St. George. It is just too hot in the summers and very dry. Anyone know about Nevada?

anon156823

I have CM and migraines and can definitely feel the effects when the barometer changes - and this year in Seattle has been a doozy.

One thing I use is Mediclim. You enter your email address and zip code and they will send alerts when the weather in your area may aggravate your symptoms.

anon156496

How many of you with these health conditions hate your jobs?

anon156249

My daughter has Epilepsy and Chiari malformation. She has had eight surgeries and still lives with constant headache pain 24/7. We have tried everything.

We live in the Chicago area and the winters are brutal. A few days to a week before a big snow storm, she feels the change and the day before she is incapacitated with pain, sleeping all day long.

The summer is similar, but the winter is worse. She gets a lot of sinus problems and asthma. She can have a seizure from almost anything, but the heat triggers them in the summer. We keep the house temp low all year long. Her pain specialist recommended that we move to Arizona or San Diego.

I was glad that he validated her problems with high and low pressure changes. I don't know what the second and third choices for best cities with the least pressure changes are either. Please post advice. Thanks.

anon152283

i live in minnesota and suffer from severe HA's caused by two rear end collisions and two surgeries after that have not helped a whole lot both fusions to the neck area and when the barometer goes low it gives me HA's till it finally rises and goes to normal.

I too would like to relocate when my kids are grown, in two or three years, I've heard northern florida is better. does anyone have any suggestions.

also if you have never had bad HA's until now, you may have high amounts of mercury and lead in your system. i did from working at railroad shop all my life.

i had to go out on a disability because i had severe HA's all the time but now after chelation to remove mercury and lead and aluminum and cadmium, now i only get them when the weather changes.

I've also heard that places like phoenix where south winds blow polluted air from places like kodak in mexico is affecting small kids with mercury poisoning so if you live there and suffer HA's, or your kids do it could be mercury or lead poisoning. Most doctors don't catch this as heavy metals give people different health problems and then doctors treat you for that but not for the real problem.

anon151846

For anyone who wants to move to the Southwest! My family and I lived in Tucson for 13 years before we moved to someplace where we could find work since we don't speak spanish and are not hispanic.

If you are hispanic and/or able to speak Spanish then you will not have any problems finding a good job. If you are not hispanic and/or speak Spanish, then I wish you a lot of luck because you will need it! As long as you understand what you will be getting into concerning the job market, then it is a nice place to live as long as you like lots of very hot and I do mean hot weather!

anon151148

We moved to Hawai'i in 2006. We lived up and down the west coast, and my bones would just kill me kind of pain no matter where we lived. I would lay in bed, rolling holding my legs, crying in pain. Nothing helped, not even pain meds. I could literally tell you when a storm front would be moving in without listening to any weather info. I noticed on each trip to Hawai'i even during storms, my bones did not hurt. Bingo. We moved here - no more bone pain. However, this is a huge caveat - the medical care in Hawai'i in general stinks!

This is especially true on each of the outer islands. Take this into consideration if you have other serious illnesses because I learned the hard way. I was not 'sick' when we moved here, but developed ME afterward. I can't get out of bed, and MDs have no clue, don't want to learn, and most specialists while 'nice,' are clueless. I know. I am a nurse.

Make sure you are fully aware before moving here. Otherwise, think of some place else. Sign me -stuck in paradise but that's OK-would rather be sick here than there.

anon150628

My daughter has a severe form of epilepsy and is affected by barometric pressure. I also have struggled with migraines. One of the remedies I have explored is a homeopathic remedy called Mercurius.

One of the guiding symptoms is "human barometer." She has a full blown 30 minute seizure nearly every time the barometric pressure drops before storms. We live in Illinois and have considered moving to a more stable barometric area.

So glad to find this site. Most doctors think my "observation" of the barometric changes are flaky. Moms are the best observers!

anon150093

I live in Portland, OR and have suffered a lot since moving here. It literally hit me within the first week here, of not being able to get out of bed. I was diagnosed with every possible illness, yet I knew how great I felt in places like hawaii and southern california. Not even my naturopath could figure it out.

Finally, 10 years later, I find this site, and started monitoring the pressure and finally have any answer! Here, it's either 'low' or 'falling' 75 percent of the time. It's rarely steady except for six great weeks in the summertime. I always thought I had vitamin D deficiency, yet nothing added up. I can't wait to move to the southwest! Now if I can just find a job!

jbuck

To the person that has asthma in the winter: You may need a large cool mist humidifier during the winter as your heating system dries out the air inside. Your doctor could verify this. We have to use one for my granddaughter.

anon148306

I have suffered from migraines for many years. Pressure change definitely affects the frequency and severity, but there is also another cause to migraines.

Cardiologists have discovered that the once "common" occurrence of a hole in the heart plays a big part in migraines. I know four people, including me, who've undergone the simple, non evasive procedure (called a PFO closure). For some, the migraines are cured completely. For others, they only get one or two a year. You need to do research to find the right cardiologist who has experience in this. It is fairly new and not widespread throughout all cardiologists yet. It has cleared up my daily migraine problem.

Now I only get them with the pressure change. That's due to a head injury I got in a car accident. I am grateful for all the comments on this site regarding places that have worked for them. I have noticed that my asthma flares up in the cold weather months along with the headaches. A relocation might be helpful for me as well.

anon145109

I live near Cincinnati, Ohio and have had severe reactions to barometric pressure changes. I didn't realize that I was so very sensitive to these changes when I was younger but now I am very aware of it.

I am unable to fly due to poor pressure in the cabins of the jets. I get very ill. I recently drove through high elevations (mountains) which resulted in horrible head pressure and a severe panic attack.

In Cincinnati, the jet stream comes through all the time with changing weather conditions which always seem to give me migraines. I also get colds easily and stay sick longer when the pressure changes, which seems like always.

I have lived in Tucson and San Diego. Both were nice but I had to move back to where my family lives. I am now considering northern Florida which is further from the jet stream and has about 40 percent of the barometric pressure changes as does here in Cincy.

I have had a neurological disorder for the past four years which has made everything far worse. I have migraines and insomnia, and despite being very healthy, I get sick a lot and subsequently am depressed. When i vacationed in Florida, I had no headaches and I felt great. Now I am back and am getting sick already. Thanks to all and good luck!

anon145101

My name is Steve. 38 years old, married, two kids, and lives in Pennsylvania, just north of Philadelphia. I got diagnosed with Fibromyalgia two years ago, but my problems go back to 1999.

Fatigue, muscle and nerve pain, brain fog, insomnia, digestive problems, headaches, ear pressure... All I can say is, the winters here are truly awful. This year especially, there has been sustained cold for a long period of time. My eyes get so dry and I have so much facial pain, I just want to hibernate until winter is over.

The real feel temp here is always about 10 degrees cooler than the actual temperature. And then shoveling all this snow? I seriously have though about moving to New Mexico or perhaps St. George, Utah, in the SW part of the state. The low in January there is 53. That 15 degrees makes a big difference in tolerability, plus you get much more sun out there. Anyone else have experience with St. George, Utah?

jccummings

I live in Minnesota and have severe tinnitus, (ringing in the ears). Barometric pressure change affects it the most. I find that during the winter months, Minnesota is unbearable.

After extensive travel at different times of the year, I have concluded that year round I am the most comfortable in San Diego, but not too close to the ocean. The most stable barometric pressure seems to be the San Diego inland valley areas along Interstate #15. Phoenix is also great in the winter, but not during the hot summer months, because the air pressure is too low. I have discovered this over a 30 year period.

Honolulu sounds great, but I don't want to live on an island that far away. It is reasonable to rent in San Diego during the winter months because there is less rental demand than the summer months.

anon142975

I used to live in Phoenix, and I moved to San Diego because I got tired of the heat. I did get migraines in Phoenix pretty often, and since I've moved to San Diego, they have gotten even worse. Much worse. I get them on a daily basis now. Being close to the ocean seems to be a very big factor.

It is not dry in San Diego. There are constantly clouds in the sky, and in the mornings there is always dew on the windows of my car. Everyone's body is different though, but my experience is that San Diego is not ideal for migraines. From my experience, it seems like cities with a higher movement of electrical energy in the atmosphere seem to effect migraines the most.

I think migraines (as well as epilepsy) are really just a high sensitivity to electromagnetic energy. I am considering moving back to Arizona, but maybe Flagstaff (to escape the heat). Not sure what to do.

I am torn, because San Diego is way cooler than living in Arizona, but I am tired of the constant pain and depression. All I can say is this: I can't wait for the jig to be up. Tired of this crap.

jbuck

Migraine sufferers: exercise, exercise, exercise, helps plus aspirin and caffeine when the first signs appear. Barometric pressure changes affect the blood flow so move, move, move.

I know it hurts at first, but worth the first pains. Since I have been going to the gym on a regular basis, with advice from a good trainer, I have felt much better.

Now, all I have to do is have my knee replacement surgery and I will be good as new.(grin) Also I will back in San Diego for the summer. Wahoo

anon137868

I live in Eau Claire, Wisconsin. I have had excruciating headaches since 1986, and I am now on permanent disability for daily migraine headaches. I am 44 years old, and I am taking loads of prescription meds daily.

I have been trying to figure my situation out for years, and it finally dawned on me that the barometric pressure changes must be playing a major role in my headache misery. I would stand on my head in the middle of the road to cure myself -- if it worked. I am waiting a few more years, until my daughter graduates from high school, to consider relocating with my wife, and getting my health back.

Life is too short to be lying around, medicated-up, and still in a lot of pain. I have travelled to s. Mexico, and Las Vegas (both, twice) in the last seven years, and I felt great -- no headaches! It has to be the barometric pressure of the geography where I live that makes me feel so ill.

Does anybody have any insight, or advice to share with me? Thanks.

anon136631

I am a native Texan. We have major barometric pressure changes here. It is a cheap place to live but not worth it for migraine sufferers. Can't wait to move to the desert SW.

anon134095

I have a neurological condition that is worst in high pressure, especially in hot sunny summers in New York.

Does anyone know an area with usual low pressure?

The winters are better for me, but I can't walk on snow/ ice. I thought Portland/ Seattle may be good. Any help is appreciated!

anon131307

This site is what I have been looking for 18 months now. I had surgery at a hospital and they overdosed me in recovery and I died. Really, no vitals, and cpr. Now ever since I woke up its been non stop full blown migraine. I live west of Denver, co. I've been through everything for the pain and now it is monthly pain management. Appointments and medication every 6-8 hours.

Colorado isn't that bad because it has become very predictable for me. I know what is a good day and what will be a bad day but not until that day and most of the time it can change in a second. Thank you for your website, sometimes I feel like I'm crazy, but I know that's just the pain talking.

anon128244

What a great site! I lived in West Palm. Every time a low pressure system would come in pain would increase ten fold. I have Ankylosing Spondylitis. I could not put up storm shutters do to pain and fatigue.

Moved to western Pa only to find every low pressure system would bother me, There would be two or three bad episodes a year. Cold isn't the problem, nor was the humidity. Just the low pressure systems and some are stronger than others.

jbuck

I had open heart surgery in Oct. 2008. After that every time the weather changed I would be in severe pain in every joint. I knew I had arthritis but it had never bothered me this much before. Since I am retired, I started working as a campground host at Silver Strand State Beach in San Diego. I almost canceled my work schedule, thinking I would be in too much pain from the damp weather.

I live in Hemet, Ca. which is very dry but has many changes in the barometric pressure. Boy, was I surprised at how much better I felt in San Diego. When I have to return home in the fall, I began having the severe pain again. I felt that it was the barometric changes, rather than the humidity itself. Now that I know others have noticed the same thing, I think I will try to increase my work schedule or work at another campground.

anon118845

I am blown away by this site - I did not know so many people suffered like I do with the air pressures changes. I moved from Seattle to the San Diego area five years ago, and it made a huge difference in my pain (osteoarthritis), and well being. However this year it has been overcast and coolish and my pain is back! I live near the coast but inland is sunnier and probably better for me.

Everyone mentions San Diego being expensive but if you go away from the coast it is not that expensive to live at all. Places like Vista, Escondido, El Cajon etc. Not cheap as the midwest or south but not too bad, especially to rent.

anon112876

#31 - I was in a car accident and have struggled with spatial disorientation, unsteadiness, vertigo, etc... I had a lot of inner ear tests done and my ENT doesn't believe that it's in my inner ear but my neck.

I now see a chiropractor who has diagnosed me with cervicogenic vertigo, which means my issue is related to my cervical spine posture. However, some days I feel like I'm getting better and other days I feel like I am regressing.

My chiro mentioned that my instability could be related to barometric pressure so I'm glad I found this site. Nevertheless, consider looking into Pettibon Systems. It's a new method in chiropractic care that emphasizes correct posture for optimal health.

Even though I am still struggling with the unsteadiness, my neck has much greater mobility and my thoracic back moves much better and I believe with continued treatment, though slow, will eventually lead me to feeling normal again.

jimfelder

Wow, I'm not alone! my problem is I'm not moving. My family is here. My parents and my closest brother are here. I'd have to be totally disabled to have to move and take the chance that it won't work.

My question is, why is this happening now at the age of 47 and I've lived in Oklahoma all my life?

The last "doctor" I went to for this problem was an acupuncture doc. He told me to drink hot tea with ginger. I couldn't stand the taste so I don't know if it worked or not. He even told me to eat the root raw. No way.

I know, I'm not willing to try anything so I'm still suffering. It's so hard to explain this problem to other people and doctors. I've had CT scans, MRI, acupuncture, chiropractor. The reason for the head scans is my dad had a tumor in his brain non-cancerous. So we ruled that out.

So the bottom line here is move to fix the problem or is there something else that others are doing or taking? I haven't read every post here.

I'll look into this Tahitian Noni Juice. Good luck to all you sufferers.

anon103288

I have fibromyalgia and severe Chronic Fatigue Immune Dysfunction Syndrome, along with many trailers. I moved to the desert of Peru: no weather, no storms and no fronts. And no pain or fatigue. Drastic measure.

I later moved to Costa Rica where I live now. Seldom any pain from fibro but fatigue is bad. Tropical storms often but move out quick. Sure beats the wheelchair I was in for three 1/2 years, though. It's dry and hot, but not too hot, and fewer weather fronts.

CFIDS people have less blood flow in the brain, and the barometric pressure affects the flow. I can see why we can't get out of bed for days during fronts.

anon102773

I have a mild traumatic brain injury due to a car accident. It left me with a chronic 24/7 migraine type headache. After many attempts of medications, injections, chiropractic treatments, biofeedback, acupuncture, etc., I was treated with cutting edge pain management called neurostimulators.

I have three, but typically a person can have one. I went from a 7-8-9 pain level every day to a 2-3-4. I just completed my college degree due to this wonderful help.

Barometric changes affect my body with major aches and pains (due to trauma induced Fibromyalgia) though. I really appreciate all the comments each of you have made. I will check out Hawaii and the chiropractor that was mentioned. I lived in CA and am not fond of the earthquakes. My cutting edge anesthesiologist Dr. Alo in Houston was trained by my neurosurgeon Dr. R. Weiner in Dallas. Check it out. Unfortunately many neurologists are not aware of the neurostimulators being used for headaches, only back pain. Read about neurostimulators for headache relief.

anon95767

Don't move to Fort Worth, Tx; it's the worst state i have ever lived in. i hope to move soon, my children and i all have migraines i have hemiplegic. as soon as my husband and i get done with school we're moving so i can cut back on my meds.The best states so far were NH, CA and CO. hoping to visit ME and see how that goes. otherwise NH it is.

anon92810

I live in NE Arkansas and am just learning about the effect of barometric pressure and migraines. It seems every time you turn on the tv we have a unstable air mass moving in. Low pressure is better for me. The higher it goes the more my head feels like it's going to explode.

We have a huge fluctuation in pressure. The saying for Arkansas is, "if you don't like the weather, just hang around; it will change" and it's true! I recently visited my daughter in Honolulu, not a single headache! Not one for a whole week, and it was amazing since I am almost a daily sufferer. Honolulu, from what I've read, has the least fluctuations in pressure change. I'm a believer and am seriously considering relocating to escape the pain.

I've tried topamax and am now on keppra, as well as imitrex injections that I can't seem to keep enough of! Short of moving, any suggestions for better control are much appreciated. Hope you all have a pain free day

bw77

P.S. I am just wondering, for those of you who have found a place where you feel better but you have allergies that bother you there, why not do a course of allergy desensitization shots? They are proven to work and would be preferable to the constant migraines and pain, if that is the only thing holding you back.

bw77

lilacslady, I too am in the pacific northwest. When the weather is cold and damp, I really hurt. I find that on the bad days the most helpful thing is to know that good ones will come again soon and I'll feel better but how true it is what you said, "for every nice sunny warm day, we have 10 days of rain and cold." It gets tough when you know it may be a long while until the next nice day!

On the positive side, it is beautiful here and very green, we don't have much hot humid weather, and we have no cockroaches and the like. So I try to remember that. But I just wonder if I am going to be crippled when I get old and if I'd still be skipping around if I were somewhere warm and dry. Very hard to leave family and loved ones, though. Sigh...

anon92462

After reading comments on migraines and back issues due to barometric pressure changes, I may have come up with an out of the box solution.

There is something called Matrix Energetics. It is a healing modality that causes the body to transform bad energy patterns without your involvement and is pain free.

Locate in your area a Matrix energetics practitioner. Tell them you want to get rid of migraines due to barometric pressure or what ever issue you have. You may need a few sessions.

It is worth going. At this point it may be your best option.

Matrix energetics was developed by a chiropractor and does not manipulate the body -- it causes the body to remind itself to only follow correct energy patterns.

Mary Jennifer

anon91346

I have suffered with Fibromyalgia for many years. I am also borderline Lupus, with ANA positive blood. I think what all i just wrote means is I have fibromyalgia with muscle inflammation and swelling.

Knowing and trying desperately to find out the connection with change in the barometric is extremely wonderful. Everyone thinks it is impossible, but finding all of you will finally prove my sanity!

lilacsldy

To the nurse with 38 years of experience: Although I have never lived in Ark., from my research on this topic, I have learned that the air pressure changes cause all kinds of ailments. Yes, it is a real condition and you are not alone. There are thousands of us out here with you.

There does not seem to be anything to be really done about it except recognize it for what it is and do whatever helps you get out of that pattern of feeling ill. I suffer from the same ills as you are having and throw in one more, constant, chronic migraines with each and every change. I live in the Pacific Northwest and for every nice sunny warm day, we have 10 days of rain and cold. It is warmer in Alaska right now then it is here!

Do research, blog on the internet, just some suggestions, maybe even think about moving to a drier climate. We are trying to sell our house and move maybe to Ariz. or Tex. Best of luck to you! lilac study

anon89719

I live in Arkansas and have observed that with falling barometric changes I become extremely fatigued, anxious depressed and have difficulty breathing.

I have worked for 36 years as a nurse. Now I am unable to work due to these symptoms with barometric changes constantly in my area. No one seems to understand and am beginning to lose my friends and family. Is there anything I can do to avoid these occurrences and to help others understand this is a real situation. Anyone with any ideas why this occurs?

anon88688

My husband has had four back surgeries and he absolutely knows when a storm is coming. We live two hours north of Seattle on the coast. We recently visited Las Vegas and he was slightly better there, but nowhere near as good as he was when we visited SE of Phoenix.

We hope to have our house paid off in a few years a move to Phoenix, although I'm open to New Mexico. Maybe we'll visit there next. Thanks to all of you for your input.

anon88480

I have read that Springfield, MO is the US city with the worst barometric changes. Tulsa follows closely behind. Honolulu and San Diego have the least, but both are expensive.

Actually, one way to decide if a place has extreme pressure changes is to ask yourself if the area sometimes has tornadoes. The same conditions cause both. Therefore, the central states and FL are probably the worst places, followed by the upper midwest and south.

I lived in Springfield, MO for years -- had migraines associated with the climate, as well as fibromyalgia made worse by it, and sinus and allergy problems besides. I have also lived in Kansas City, Dallas, Ft. Meyers, FL and Sacramento, CA. I did not fare well in any of those places -- Springfield and Ft. Meyers were the worst.

Five years ago, I moved to far north Phoenix. Actually, I came here on vacation, having never been in central AZ, went home, packed up and moved! I am much, much better. Not perfect, but much better. I have had maybe four or five short migraines in the five years I've been here (in MO, they lasted from Oct-April every year and I had many in the summer, too). Here, I have hardly any fms pain (the fatigue associated with it is not gone, though). I am also allergic to something here that makes me sneeze 2-3 weeks every spring. But no sinus problems.

We do have occasional dust storms here and if you live in Phoenix proper, south Phoenix or Scottsdale, they can be nasty. But I live in the northernmost suburb and they don't blow this far north. Maybe once in the five years have I been affected just because the dust was so bad down south.

Also, I have never lived in NM but I drive through there and I don't feel as well as I do here. I think it may be related to elevation -- much of NM is high desert. I've read that what people like us need is stable barometric pressure and lower elevations.

anon81833

I have lived in AZ for 13 years but moved to the Pacific Northwest in 03. I do know that lower humidity does help some migraine suffers, as well as people with any kind of joint pains (back, too).

However, if very high temps bother you at all then it is not the best place either. I have been trying to do research on weather with frequent air pressure changes and also agree that AZ does not have much change except in the summer months of late July and comes early August when the monsoons strike, which is usually every afternoon during that period of time.

I suggest that you do as much research as possible in order to make the best choice possible. I have also been advised by not only doctors but fellow barometric pressure headache sufferers that if possible, take a trip to where you decide would be the best place to move. Best of luck! lilacs lady

anon81473

I too, have what I thick are back pain and migraines having to do with with humidity or barometric pressure.

I know that I am fine in the months of September through early January. But when late January hits I am very bad. I have back issues along with migraines all the way through april.

I live in the Northeast on the shores of Lake Erie. I thought it was the humidity but I am leaning toward barometric pressure.

I have had several back surgeries with metal and screws and bilateral hip replacements and revisions to those. I also have nerve damage to L-3, L-4 AND L5SI. I know in February I can hardly sleep due to extreme back pain not felt in the fall months all the way to the snows and cold of December.

If anyone has any light to shed on the subject please do. I would much appreciate it.

anon81412

I live in Missoula Montana. I have had symptoms that have horribly worsened since I live here. I moved here from Boise. Boise was not as bad. More sun and fewer clouds.

The humidity seems to worsen it. I worked in Seattle and Spokane and had horrible breathing there too. I have been diagnosed with POTS Postural Orthostatic Tachycardia. Also have Vasovagal syncope.

I have traveled to AZ and feel so much better there. I believe the dry climate and little change in pressure and change helps so much more!

lilacsldy

Thanks Amy, I very much appreciate your information re AL. Now we have started trying to find somewhere else with the most stable weather possible. I called the National Weather Service and did not get much assistance. I was given the phone number for the National Climatic Weather Center.

There, I was told by a gentleman trying to help, that it would seem that the higher the elevation, the thinner air would not be good not only for those with any kind of breathing issues, but also the lower air pressure would cause more pain re headaches and fibromyaliga too.

I am now seeking information about Corpus Christi, TX and the southern FL area such as in the Tampa area? Also,does anyone know anything about Puerto Rico? Thanks, lilacsldy

amypollick

lilacsldy, I am a native of Alabama, and as much as I love my state, and the Gulf Coast, I don't think that's what you're looking for.

For one thing, it sits on a giant bathtub called the Gulf of Mexico that funnels moisture in on a regular basis. That, combined with incoming low-pressure systems, means a fair amount of rain and constant humidity.

You get the gulf breezes, which help mitigate the humidity, but heat combined with humidity, especially when you're not used to it, is miserable. There's also a risk of severe weather, like tornadoes, in the spring and hurricanes in the fall. Mobile is only about 140 miles or so east of New Orleans, if that tells you anything.

Honestly, the Florida Keys might be a solution. Yes, you get heat and some humidity, but overall, the weather is much more stable. You might take a vacation to Key West for a week or so to see how you tolerate the weather, and can ask the natives what they think. You still may have to watch for hurricanes, but the weather overall, I think, is calmer than it is around Mobile.

You can also contact the National Weather Service offices in any particular city or region and just ask a meteorologist what the climate is like. Tell him/her your problem and ask about pressure changes. I promise they won't think you're nuts, and will be able to give you useful information. Good luck!

lilacsldy

I know that it has already been said many, many times but this site is a real life saver! I thought that I was all alone suffering with these daily migraine headaches that last if not all day, most of it, going and coming.

I have finally, through much research done on my own, discovered what all of you already know: this is a barometric pressure headache! I arrived at this on my own! The dozens of doctors that I have seen have been no help whatsoever, instead they made me feel like I was just doing it to myself by taking pain killers and that I should go cold turkey to get off. Well, that not only did not work, it nearly killed me and left me with a very large dose of guilt that I was such a weak person that I could not take the intense pain.

That is when I started doing the research and now with the help that I have gained from finding this site and all of you, I finally feel like there is some kind of help and even answers.

Regarding the moving, I too, have arrived at that same answer. I have the same problems as well. Where to go? I have lived in Tucson, AZ and that worked up to a point. I had headaches there on the average of one or two a week but they were really nasty.

I am, however, also allergic to the desert plants, especially the few trees and some of cacti. We now live just north of Portland, OR and the headaches are daily and have stolen my life for the past six years! What little information that I have been able to find on barometric pressure changes I am looking towards the Gulf Coast around Mobile, AL. Does anyone have any info on this area of the country?

anon75711

To bp sufferers: My wife had migraines and they are almost gone after taking a beta blocker for more than 1/2 year. But bp and fibromyalgia pain in soft tissue of legs persists. Husband near Philadelphia!

maggie3

I live just outside of Boise, Idaho, and we have lots of barometric weather changes here. For years, I suffered from horrible migraines and often times had to go to the emergency room. I tried all kinds of meds, but nothing helped.

In 2002, I very reluctantly began drinking a juice called Tahitian Noni Juice. I simply did not believe that this juice would help me, and it was sold on a MLM basis, so I thought it was a scam.

However, in only two weeks, I noticed that my weather headaches were gone. I still did not want to admit that it was this juice, but I had changed nothing else, so I finally had to admit that it was the juice that helped me.

I read that it can stabilize blood vessels, so this may be why it helped me so much. I do not sell this juice, but I do tell everyone about it.

It is expensive, but it is so worth it for me. I received help from it by drinking only one ounce per day. It might be different for others.

I no longer use caffeine or alcohol, as I do not want to mess with my blood vessels. Nicotine also affects the blood vessels. Do not use these products within one hour of drinking the Tahitian Noni Juice.

Remember that certain foods like chocolate also contain caffeine.

I still get leg aches that get worse with barometric weather changes.

anon74914

I am also, like many of you, looking for a place where the barometric pressure is relatively stable. I currently live in Tucson, AZ, where I moved five years ago to escape the migraines I was getting in the Northeast US. They are somewhat better here, but still a huge issue for me. My son and grandson live in Oklahoma, and when I go to visit I really get bad headaches.

I have experienced severe headaches here and in Phoenix, so to those of you looking to escape your headaches I have a suggestion - take a vacation here and see what happens.

Also, there is a very helpful book, "The Migraine Brain," by Carolyn Bernstein, MD. I highly recommend it.

anon69017

Of all the places I've lived, San Diego was my most migraine free. I went about 16 months without one! Ohio, Upstate NY and Knoxville, TN were all pretty bad.

anon68881

Wow! What a treat to find so many fellow travellers with barometric pressure issues! I do live in Dallas and the changes are profound here: I can forecast the change in humidity and storms coming days before they arrive.

The aches are bad but really the breathing and mental depression and exhaustion put me to bed! I am the picture of health in two places: San Diego area and Phoenix.

Denver is terrifying and Chicago, too. Thanks for the tip about vitamin D, also relates to the amount of natural sunshine we get and need each day!

Since SD is so pricey I plan to move to Phoenix where I felt great in grad school. I am certain the reason is also related to the low relative humidity in both places. Watching the weather channel to see the jet stream and storm flow helps. I just got a barometer on my Iphone today. At least I can see what is happening and get a grip.

Weather forecasting has come a long way in the past few years. For example, heat index and cold index matter.

I recommend the Iphone app which automatically gets the reading where you are. $1.99. Don't think there is a thing we can do about the earth's axis or sun spots which are causing weather issues for all the planets the next few years.

anon68462

I suffer with chronic migraines on a daily basis and currently live in California. I have been contemplating moving to Dallas. Does anyone currently live there or know if the fluctuations in the barometer is extreme there? Looking forward to hearing your comments.

anon67458

Aloha, I do live on Oahu. Still get tired when pressure drops. Still get joint pains. Even though the weather probably most consistent. Maybe it would be better if I wouldn't have to work, then I'd more time and energy to stay on the beach or do something touristy.

Food is expensive, processed, fruits are shipped from mainland by the time you buy at big chain, it's already spoiled.

California at least has best fruits I ever tasted. For the wealthy retired it's a good place to live. Still beats Cleveland, Oh. LOL

anon63701

I have just written a book on Dysautonomia. It is called POTS (postural orthostatic tachycardia syndrome) Together We Stand; Riding the Waves of Dysautonomia. It sounds like many of you may have this syndrome.

The main hallmarks of this illness are: migraine, dizziness, fatigue, joint pain, tachycardia, anxiety, syncope, (or presyncope) difficulty maintaining body temperature, etc. The symptoms wax and wane at a moments notice.

Heat, exercise and stress often exacerbate the symptoms. People who have this often have been incorrectly diagnosed with fibromyalgia, CFS, or rheumatoid arthritis.

Most people who have this syndrome are adversely affected by barometric pressure changes. Two of my kids suffer from this illness and the cardiologist we just saw suggested that we move to San Diego or Honolulu. I now have to convince my husband to move.

Be sure to consider moving not only to a place that has little barometric pressure change but also one that is at Sea level. Good luck to everyone!

anon62917

Does anyone know how to tell if and when the barometric pressure changed yesterday? Around noon yesterday I became very ill out of the blue -- very dizzy, shaky and very warm and nauseous. I was wondering if this had anything to do with the pressure increase or drop. Any ideas? tlm - athens, tx

anon62414

I am so glad I went to this site! I have always had allergies but in recent years I know that the barometric pressure has affected me strongly. It almost feels like a panic attack! My head hurts and I feel very restless and sleepy. It is so amazing that when I begin to feel better, I feel like a different person. I grew up in the east, moved to the midwest and spend part of the winter in Clearwater, FL. I don't think any of these locations is good for those who suffer from symptoms from the barometric pressure changes. With all of these people suffering from this same problem, it seems that there should be more research on this subject and some medical advice.

anon62130

I live in KCMO and have awful migraines related to pressure changes. Our pressure changes very frequently and I hate it here. Today was another 20 degree temp drop from yesterday and a drop in the pressure.

I had hoped FL was the place to go, but I might take a trip to NM and see how I do there. I am open and will be happy if I can get off of some of my meds. I have tried Rx, chiropractic and am going to add acupuncture next. I hate the way migraines steal my days. Thanks for the great info!

anon62079

I wonder if the people studying this will find a remedy that works other than all of us moving around and hoping for the best - sounds so primitive and yet, what else is there?

anon61728

I moved from San Diego to the mountains of New Mexico. The pain is so much worse here I can barely function. The monsoons and the rainy winters are just horrible. Next move is Hawaii. I will go just about anywhere to escape this pain.

anon60591

I've heard an ionizer may help - has anyone had success with one? Thanks. -Mass.

anon59216

I, too, am very happy to have found this site! I have been doing extensive research since becoming increasing sensitive to barometric pressure. I have fibromyalgia and can't work on days when storms move in (interestingly, neither can my co-worker, who has epilepsy).

I currently live in the Sierra Nevada mountains of California, which are beautiful, but can get pounded with pressure waves year round.

I was especially pleased to see the posts, such as the one by SeaShell 723, about New Mexico. I had narrowed down my search to the Southwest, and New Mexico in particular. I lived in AZ for two years and loved it, but I am allergic to the desert, so I moved. But I now feel I can deal with my allergies better than the flare ups of my fibromyalgia.

Also, the post about Vitamin D has merit, I believe. My research has shown a link in low levels of Vitamin D and pressure sensitivity. I also found evidence of increased phosphates and cytokines in the body contributing to barometric pressure sensitivity. Perhaps our RN might have comments on that? (by the way, I love storms, as well - it's too bad they affect us so).

Thanks for taking the time to post - it helps to know I'm not the only human barometer out there =]

- lee

anon55833

I am from Thunder Bay, Ontario Canada, and I have always been weather sensitive. I can tell you when a storm is coming long before it is reported. If the barometric pressure drops so that there is a huge snowstorm coming into ontario, i feel it. My sinuses go wacky, i sneeze a lot and i am super restless. i have an awful time. It is like having a panic attack. Tonight there is a giant storm blowing through southern ontario, and it is far away from me but i feel the whole effect. My daughter is the exact same way. We also get migraines with flashing lights as our aura. Glad to hear that we aren't crazy and others suffer the same effects. :)

RASuffrage

This is quite odd because both my husband and I have Rheumatoid Arthritis (RA) which is supposed to be kind of rare in the U.S. with only 2 million sufferers out of 360 million people. But the odd part is that I'm originally from San Diego, CA and maybe that's why it didn't affect me until the last 10 years since I've moved to the Midwest.

He and I had also been dreaming of taking a trip to Hawaii via cruise, but didn't realize that we might need to move there or to San Diego.

Luckily I still have family members that live there and so I may have help, but I still believe both Honolulu and San Diego are a little out of our range.

I noticed that some people mentioned Astoria Oregon and that's good as I have family that owns land there, it's also very beautiful as I have visited once, but still think with all the rains that San Diego really might be our best bet.

We had just spoken with a university research team about this particular question about a year ago just out of curiosity as I had been watching his good / bad days in comparison with the barometric pressure and darned if he didn't change with every fluctuation.

What's sad is we used to have a life, but he's in so much pain all the time on either side of the barometer now, that we barely get four good days a year together and that's really no way for people to live.

If anyone knows of a less expensive place than Honolulu, San Diego, or Astoria that has a stable barometric pressure year round - please do post here.

Thank you so much and Happy Holidays and Happy New Year!

anon55567

I can't believe so many people out there suffer from the same symptoms that I do. I have chronic migraines and live in Oklahoma.

I have learned that migraines are allergy related and OK is not the place you want to live! With all of the wind here, allergies are worse than most parts of the country.

Also, our weather changes so frequently here, but I can tell you when a front is moving in by how I feel. I get pressure in my sinus area down to my teeth and jaws.

My doctor has told me that he sees more patients when the BP fluctuates than any other time. For the longest I thought my migraines were only from having allergies, but thought it was weird that I felt crappy in mainly the winter months.

I'm so glad I found this site because I was thinking of moving to Florida! Now I am considering NM and Arizona. Thank you to all who have posted.

anon55293

Wow! I am so glad to have stumbled upon this website.

I have multiple sclerosis and it always flares up before a storm. I have talked to several doctors about this who pooh-poohed me but I am planning on making a t-shirt that reads MS: It's the Weather Stupid!

Anyway there is recent research out linking MS to a vascular condition and certainly veins must be affected by barometric pressure? Right?

Anyway, I live in Chapel Hill, North Carolina and I have to say the summer's hard and the winter's hard, so it is not ideal. Key West, Florida may be the best place.

anon55053

hi i am a 42 year old mother and housewife. i have suffered so many years with sinus/allergy problems and anxiety disorder.

Just within the past five years, I've started to realize that these problems seem to get worse through the summer and winter months. The symptoms seem to get really bad, with high humidity and barometric pressure changes. I get really tired and sleepy and have no energy. I also have trouble breathing and have bad anxiety attacks at times, which also keeps me from sleeping.

i live in southern illinois, which seems to be the place for lots of humidity and weather changes. I've lived here most of my life, and love the peace and beauty of this place. it is a place I'm happy to call home, but living here has come with a price. i really can't afford to move, and don't have any desire to. besides, i am agoraphobic, and traveling causes me great anxiety. i wish so much that it didn't, because i would love to see the world!

Is there anyone who could give me the facts on the area in which i live, and maybe some ways to make my life more tolerable and enjoyable?

Thanks for all the comments, and it's good not to feel alone with this condition. God bless you all!

anon54990

I have only recently discovered the connection between the pressure and my pain.

I moved from south Florida to north Florida four years ago and have been suffering ever since. I am not in a position to move again, so I will have to stick it out.

One interesting thing I would like to share - I traveled to Las Vegas to get married eight years ago, long before my suffering began. That was the worst trip of my life. I spent most of my time lying down in the room. I was in horrible pain and didn't understand why. Once I returned home I was fine.

It was later suggested to me that the change in pressure probably had an adverse affect on me. The pain I am dealing with now is almost identical. I can't imagine having to live with this my entire life.

anon54348

To anon49584: Sorry, I have no idea how long ago you posted, but in case this helps.

I have been dealing with symptoms that seem to be related to barometric pressure that sound similar to your son's. They didn't start until my mid-20s, but as a kid I felt sick a lot without explanation too, and the doctor kept telling me it was stress, so maybe I just didn't put it all together until recently.

I get mild to moderate body aches, fatigue, sometimes dizziness, and have trouble breathing when the pressure changes. It's especially bad with storms (fast changes) and worst in the winter. I dread snowstorms, and I can usually predict them better than the weather forecasters.

All this often feels like a flu, but usually the difference is the lack of fever (or only a mild fever) and that I keep mental clarity, though I may be stuck in bed for a day or two. I also have pretty serious asthma and allergies, and even though the doctors say these things aren't related, I still think they might be.

I've been seeing a rheumatologist to try to figure out what's going on, and they're still not sure.

One thing that they did discover in blood tests though was a vitamin D deficiency. Since then I've been taking vitamin D, and though my levels aren't as good as they should be, I think I can track a lessening of the pressure symptoms to when I started the vitamin D.

I seem to get sick less often and less severely with the weather now. As we're just entering into the first winter since I started the D, I haven't seen the real test yet but I'm hoping this winter will be better than last.

I hope your son gets some relief from the pain and can get out and enjoy life with his friends soon!

anon54208

Avoid Lynnwood, WA if you have Meniere's. Started working in Lynnwood WA in August and have had multiple vertigo attacks since then. Apparently Lynnwood is in a 'convergent zone' so the weather fluctuates like mad. Much worse than Seattle and it is only 22 miles north.

anon52992

Do not move to Rhode Island to escape barometric pressure changes! My sinuses hurt daily, sometimes unbearably, and the rest of my body (mostly my legs)hurts as well. T

his sounds absolutely crazy, but bp also affects whether or not I can wear my contacts! Most people, except for my family, think I am nuts when I tell them how affected I am by barometric pressure changes.

It is great to see this blog and know I am not alone. I travel often and I agree that Florida is not the place to be if you want to escape this pain, but I have also found San Diego tough to tolerate.

The lady who wrote about New Mexico is right -- the desert seems to be great for barometric pressure pain. I was very comfortable when I was there, as well as in Arizona. Good luck to everyone.

anon50724

Wow sitting in my living room (as usual) since 4 a.m. nursing a migraine, which I am throwing everything i have at, from the vaporizer to prescription medication. This happens daily. Like most on this site, I am a chronic migraine sufferer. I lived in dallas and new orleans in my younger years, and didn't have as many but still got them. Moved to KCMO as i entered my 40s and started getting a lot more. At 50 I moved to DC and over the last ten years they have gotten to be a daily occurrence. This year 2009 has been the worst. It has also been a crazy year for weather. I know my migraines are related to weather changes, and barometric pressure, which is obviously exacerbated by age and lower estrogen, thus lower serotonin. Or is it climate change?

DC is the worst. I lived here as a child, but I didn't have them then. Now I'm back and it's a daily occurrence. Also in KC for 10 years - it is very similar in weather patterns to DC. I have asked several neurologists why the profession doesn't do more research on the effect of weather and relationship to migraines. I never really receive a good answer. My guess is a possible invention that would regulate barometric pressure on the brain might not be profitable for pharmaceutics so the pharmaceuticals won't pay for research). The problem to me is unless barometric changes affecting health are more closely studied, the less likely a solution. And there may not be a good city out there.

There has got to be a method or an invention out there that would work to stabilize the pressure on the brain, that is compact and transportable, so we don't have to move away from people we love just to run away from the pain. You've got to wonder sometimes: am I getting more headaches because I'm older, or is climate change making my health problems increase? I say it's time for all of us on this site to pressure our congress members to look into to this phenomenon and fund research -- research for cures. It is said that over 50 percent of the population suffers from barometric pressure headaches. That could affect the US economy and that should be worth looking into. It affects the ability to work, absenteeism, emergency room visits, disability claims, depression and suicide. It appears to me that if the money and incentive were there for research someone would come up with an invention or a drug that addresses it. The other part of this situation is climate change. Are negative health effects like migraines, etc. a growing phenomenon with climate change? Perhaps we should consider creating a coalition to put pressure on congress to at least research this situation. Thoughts?

anon49584

This is a very interesting website. My son has been continually ill for several weeks now--headache, sore throat, small cough, nausea and extreme exhaustion (no fever). We've had him tested for the regular kid illnesses with no results. I started thinking about it and realized that he always gets sick for weeks on end during the winter months here in Northern California (Napa)--starting around Halloween. He has allergies to contend with year-round, but he can usually deal with that with medication (Napa is known as one of the allergy capitals of the U.S.). Anyway, I was thinking that it's the change in barometric pressure that accompanies the first rains of the season. It goes back and forth here all winter -- rain pending and heavy clouds, then rains, clears up, then starts all over again all winter long and his health is iffy all winter (pretty good in the summer, and spring and fall, even with the allergies). At first I thought it was the fact that he's in school and picking up everything along the way, which is a problem, too, but it seems to be more. I notice that people on this website have a lot of headaches (which I actually suffer from too) and joint pain, but are there others that have unexplained child illnesses? What do you think? It's like a medical mystery to me. All symptoms are medium in intensity so that nothing specific jumps out, but it's all enough to keep him in bed almost all day, missing school and his other activities, etc. It's getting very depressing to him as he misses out a lot on life and it's very worrisome for me. If we can target the cause, maybe we can find a cure. Thanks to all for any help. Truly, Poochiemama

anon49581

I'm a massage therapist in Corpus Christi, Texas, and notice an increase in calls during barometric pressure changes (which are constant here). I have one client who has a severe case of TMJ, and is extremely sensitive to barometric changes, so much that I can actually feel how much tighter the Pterygoids are (muscles inside of the mouth). There really needs to be serious research done in this area. If we could better figure out what actually is happening to the body, then maybe instead of moving, we could figure out a way to combat the way our systems respond to the change.

anon48814

I am a migraine sufferer looking for a place with the most stable (fewest fluctuations of)barometric pressure. I gather from the comments above that neither sufferers nor scientists have figured out where we should live for stable barometric pressure. Is there a good scientific source that I could read?

anon46549

I have an inner ear disorder after a car collision; my health is as variable as the weather. Barometric pressure is important -- not if it is high or low but if it is stable. I am not sure how much humidity affects me as I have no problem with steam baths etc. However what seems to be true is some of the most stable weather is in areas with low humidity. Recently I was invited to join on a trip to Kauai, having heard that Honolulu is stable I thought this will be great. Then I spoke to someone at the destination resort and heard how folks from Portland, Oregon love it there as the weather is the same but consistently warm versus extremely cold or hot. Well I now live on the SW coast of California moving out of Portland OR where I could not function as the barometer more than not is all over the place. The dilemma: What are the odds I could function for a week in Kauai, the "garden isle"? June gloom and doom at the beach tanked me. Has anyone with inner ear/vertigo or migraines had success on the dry side of Kauai?

musicats

I have had chronic fatigue, chronic headaches and migraines for 20 years. I have lived on the Gulf Coast of Florida for the past 13 years. For some reason, 2009 has been especially bad for migraines not only for me, but for other people in the area. Florida is definitely not the place to live! I, too, am searching for a place with steady barometric pressure and low humidity but can't afford high cost of living. Even in NWFL, it is hot most of the time, and the heat bothers me. I'm looking for some cooler, crisper air. I like anon14145's idea: a list of cities for migraine sufferers! FL has too much live vegetation year round. I need to move now! Not sure why it has gotten worse this year- any ideas?

anon44098

I live in Phoenix (have been here for almost 15 years) and just wanted to let those of you thinking of moving here know that it is good most of the year, but the monsoon season is pretty bad. It's still probably one of the best places to live for least amount of weather changes except for the horrible air quality. I've suffered with migraines for the past 20 years, but only the past 3-5 years with barometric pressure headaches/migraines. I am currently working with a homeopath who was able to rid herself completely 202 years ago of the barometric pressure headaches. I've definitely had a lessening of my symptoms that will hopefully continue until they are no longer there. Good luck!

anon43422

I live in Texas - never had this problem in Canada. I suffer from dizziness and anxiety attacks which coincide with barometric changes. I had no idea that there were others "out there" with barometric pressure issues. This morning I worked out and almost passed out afterwards but I didn't know why until a storm rolled through several hours later.

anon42552

The truth is that if you have a problem that is related to the barometric pressure, then even here in San Diego you will have problems. Over the course of my lifetime I have had headaches in Florida and Maryland and they were bad. Here in San Diego is good most of the time except in summer. The pain actually will happen just with the *change* in pressure. I have found that unless I live in the Biosphere in the Arizona desert, nobody is going to avoid the pain. Note to the previous post from San Diego: if you leave San Diego, you will be leaving the place noted in the article with the least amount of barometric change. I would recommend really digging in to seeking out all of the wonderful aide opportunities available here. Metro Urban ministries or catholic charities as well as section 8 at the HUD office as well as Salvation army vouchers. Do yourself the favor before you move and come crawling back like I did many years ago for my family and health.

anon41731

I also live in the Seattle area, about 90 miles north. I moved here from California eight years ago thinking it would be a wonderful place to retire. *Wrong!* I've been sick ever since I've been here: fibromyalgia, chronic fatigue syndrome, osteoarthritis. So much pain on a daily basis, and some days almost unbearable. We would love to visit San Diego and stay a month or so to see if I feel better, but right now I'm in no condition to travel. I wish I knew the answer.

anon39425

I have had osteoarthrits since i was 19 and am 32 now. I live in probably one of the worst states for pain, Massachusetts. Humid and weather changes by the minute. Definitely looking to visit the Arizona, Nevada area to see if it helps my pain. I've only traveled from Maine to Florida and the East Coast just stinks if you have joint pain.

anon39412

Keep this discussion going, I'm thinking seriously of doing some travel to check out other parts of the country with little bp change due to constant and permanent migraine headaches that are so connected with our summer tstorms on the east coast. I'm a walking barometer.

anon39296

To Deltasierra--I've heard that Florida is the worst possible place in the US to live, unfortunately. I too was hoping that would be a good place. I think within the continental US the best place is the desert southwest, with the Phoenix, Mesa AZ area the best. I spent a week there during Christmas time a couple years ago and was in absolute heaven. I felt like a teen ager. I mean I had zero pain, and I live in constant pain every day due to past abuse, a medical malpractice issue that caused brain damage, and fibromyalgia/myalgic encephaopathy--otherwise known as chronic fatigue syndrome, which is a horribly misleading name because it makes us sound like lazy people, which we are not. In fact most of us are Type A people who have burned the candle on both ends and several places in the middle as my wonderful Rheumatologist, Dr. Eric Ruderman in Chicago, told me. I'm a nurse, so you know I worked hard, and before that I was in the Army -- but enough about me. I wish you well in finding a comfortable place to live. I am presently torn between family and my own health as well, and so far family is winning. Ouch.

anon39291

As an RN, BSN I strongly suggest paying attention to the jet stream and the weather channel. You can really see where the weather fronts, which are also areas of great pressure fluctuation, happen, and plan a move based on that. This article was very helpful. As a FM/CFIDS/ME sufferer who lives in Wisconsin, I absolutely MUST move, as my symptoms have gotten to the point where I'm not just in pain, which was miserable but tolerable, but get physically ill, as in sick to my stomach and have anxiety attacks when the barometric pressure drops drastically. I wish I had one of those barometric pressure bags to crawl in when the weather gets like that. What sucks the most of all is that I *love* storms...absolutely love them...but now I can no longer enjoy them because I'm too miserable. I musta been a baaaaaaad person in past life. ;)

anon37108

I suffer from chronic migraines with my main trigger being barometric pressure changes. I lived in Phoenix, AZ for 6 months after high school and had no pain what so ever while I was there. I missed my friends and family back in Ohio though. Now that I am married my husband and I are thinking of moving back to Phoenix so I don't have to suffer so much. The area around Phoenix is surrounded by mountains and acts like a bowl. It rains very little there a year with very little barometric pressure change. It also helps with asthma, arthritis, and fibromyalgia.

anon34311

i am 43. i moved from ohio to orange county california in hopes of relief from chronic fibromyalgia, arthritis in past broken leg and jaw and 24/7 nerve pain in my head; the latter from an abusive relationship i was in 15 years ago in which i received at least 50 punches to the head, face and jaw. the weather did not positively affect the head pain at all, so i moved back to ohio, but have seen a negative difference due to what i think is the barometric pressure at times, but not always so i cannot conclude that this a fact, may just be that my pain randomly changes levels for no apparent reason that i have tried to figure out for 8 years. however, i believe i have sinus issues here in ohio more than cali which affect the head pain. i have heard that a stable barometric pressure is best but i can't prove that in my own case because that only is true on some occasions.

anon33703

If you are suffering from any type of arthritis pain, stay away from Florida. At least in the summer months. The barometer changes several times a day with each storm that rolls through the state. I came here from South Dakota 6 weeks ago and this is far worse then anything I ever experienced up north. I am on the Gulf side of the state at Naples. Maybe the winter will be better as the storms go away... so I'm told, but summer is Horrible... any suggestions?

bw77

Fibro mama, be careful. I thought WA would be better than MT because it is milder, what a mistake. Much worse here! It's really hard to know how a place will affect you until you spend some seasons there. We are kicking around the idea of higher altitude cities in AZ but with the present economy, not a great time to move. Good luck with your search! And if you come up with a great place, please post it here!

anon33183

I have suffered 24/7 with a lot of pain since 1992 from a double portion of fibromyalgia, osteoporosis, osteoarthritis, carpal tunnel syndrome, and nerve damage pain in my shoulder and ribs. Am allergic to all anti-inflammatory medicines that could help some with the pain, so life is miserable all the time. But what makes it much worse is living in very cold weather most of the time and when the barometric pressure starts to rise up and up. The higher, the more pain all over my body. I'm 67 and would like to know where i could move to in the U.S.A. that maintains the lowest barometric pressure? Cannot afford to live in any expensive cities. Any help would be appreciated. Need to move out of cold montana! Thank you. Fibro mama

anon28283

Great to find others who have the bp question. I thought I would be the only one. I'm interested for geographical areas with stable bp anywhere in the western hemisphere.

anon24934

I live in Colorado, and over the last week we have experienced the "bi-polar" barometric pressure changes that I have come to endure over my life. I'm only eighteen, but ever since I was a baby I have had horrible leg changes every time the barometric pressure changes. I am about to graduate, and have been seriously considering moving to somewhere that I wouldn't hurt as badly. Thank you so much for this information, it has been extremely helpful.

anon23803

HA! I was enthralled to see both Seattle (where I am from) and Upstate Ny (where I live now) represented here. I am 23 and have had chronic migraines (pretty much all day every day) for about the last 5 years. I was in a botox study (didn't help) while in WA and now am taking topamax everyday but it only helps a little. What I really want is to move but since my husband is in the army it won't be for a few years. We do however have the wonderful opportunity to move in a few years, So I am excited to try hawaii or southern california. I have visited southern cali and did not have any headaches while there. I also had a lot less headaches while in georgia for a few weeks. Just thought I would share- good luck to you all.

anon23171

We are looking for the best area to live in the US with the least amount of barometric pressure changes. My daughter has an illness that is compounded my changes in the barometric pressures and we live in the Midwest. She has been having a horrible time this Fall. We are thinking of moving to a more stable climate.

somerset

Honolulu does not only have the least fluctuation in barometric pressure, but it also tops the list of large cities with safest air.

bw77

I moved to western Washington a year ago and I have been suffering unbearable pain ever since. Every time the cold rainy weather blows in, which is often, even all summer, I am crippled by pain. I have migraines almost daily. Out of a whole year's time there has been only one pleasant month, September. This place is a nightmare.

anon14145

OMG I am so thrilled to find this site. It is exactly what I want to know...retirement places where I can be healthy and free (free-er) from the curse of my migraines. I would give anything to have a list of the "best" places for migraine sufferers to live.

deltasierra

I live in Upstate New York and suffer from arthritis and migraines - both of which are worsening with age. I am actively looking for a new place to live because I absolutely cannot bare to tolerate another winter here (even the spring is no fun because of so many low pressure systems that are in and out of here)!I'm looking at the mid-eastern portion of Florida - mostly because I'm an East Coast girl, but, I want to be within a reasonable flight distance of my family.

Anyone have any insight on how people fare with arthritis in Florida?

SeaShell723

Hi, I live in an area that is one of the best kept secrets... NEW MEXICO! There are some things about the state that I don't know about, but I came here to help my single mom daughter with her kids, and I love it! I lived in Raleigh, NC for 27 years, and it was like living in Charleston, SC, where my other daughter lived for a time. I hated the humidity and the barometric pressure! It was the worst thing for me, as I couldn't move, and could hardly get from the couch to the front porch! Going out and trying to move and breath was a disaster. Since coming to the Southwest, which is similar, but hotter than San Diego (where I also lived years ago) has been the best thing that has happened to me. Living here in New Mexico is cheap compared to other places. No vehicle inspection, 65 dollars to register my car, I have an apt. for $635 a month with utilities in the nicest section of town, etc. Gas and food about the same, and they do loads for the retired. I can have a free meal here every day during the week for free if I don't have the $1.70 donation at the Meal Site. There are so many things to see and do, it's amazing. But the best part is that I am out even in 113 degree weather!!! I am moving so much better, have lost 26 lbs. without trying, (but now I am) and rarely even use A/C in my car with the dry breeze. I'm in heaven here in SE New Mexico. However, I am going to look at Las Cruces about 3 hours to the west to see if I can be nearer to better health care, as that is the only draw back here. Good docs, adequate hospitals, but Las Cruces is only 45 miles or so from El Paso, where the better hospitals are. I would urge anyone who is suffering like I did from barometric pressure problems to check out the Southwest. It's really great...and right now I'm only 13 hours from San Diego. Beach here I come!

Ganex

I am also a chronic migraine suffer. Interesting that juliejackson has had some improvement in Seattle. I moved to Seattle area 2.5 years ago and have had the worst stretch of migraine frequency in my life. My "Headache Dr." (migraine/head pain specialist) mentioned that Seattle is the worst area in the country for migraines because of the pressure and multiple storm fronts coming through (but also may be additionally attributed to the number of high-stress jobs in the area and constant overcast leading to depressive conditions).

You should research this point carefully and ask your doctor - although barometric pressure changes resulting in migraines is debatable among dr.s, those of us with physically sensitive brains can probably agree with this.

I am looking to move to SD, although the cost is a little worse than Seattle mainly because of State Income Tax. If I can have fewer migraines, I am willing to live poor (quality of life is less with pain no matter how financially well off you are - unless you like popping pills daily).

somerset

Not only does Honolulu have the least amount of fluctuation of barometric pressure, but the quiet, unhurried life, beautiful nature and friendly people on the island of Oahu make it an ideal place to live. I am not sure, but I think it is safe to assume that the rest of the Hawaiian Islands have the similarly low barometric pressure fluctuation. Yes, things such as food, and gasoline are a bit more expensive than on the Mainland, but there are some other benefits, in addition to the beautiful, mild climate. Sales tax is 4.5%, public transportation, which is very good, on the island of Oahu is practically free for people over 65. You can get a yearly pass and it will cost you something like $10 for the whole year. You can take the bus anywhere on the island. The best part is that the state of Hawaii does not tax pensions. So there can be some good saving in that area. Definitely worthy of looking into it.

I am on an extended visit here in Hawaii, and I simply love being here. Ocean swimming, an additional bonus, is an activity that can be enjoyed year round.

sandiego

I am in the same dilemma. live now in san diego but it is too expensive for us and we need to move. i have some chronic illness and affected by the weather. i was wondering about las cruces new mexico or do you know of someplace that is warm but good pressure? look forward to hearing from you all. thanks.

DeniseC

I am also looking for an affordable area to retire with consistent barometric pressure without the chill & rain of the Seattle area. I am in far less pain in South Maui, but as with San Diego, the cost of living is too high on our projected retirement income. I am wondering if the author of this article has devised a list of the other areas in the US with these considerations or can direct us to a database containing that information. Thanks

juliejackson

Hi there, I'm a native Texan and moved to Seattle a year ago. I suffer from chronic migraines and my health has been much better in Seattle over the past year. The barometric pressure has always been an issue for me, and the weather in Texas always a challenge. I found another article online that said Seattle, WA, Olympia, WA, and Astoria, OR, also have steadier barometric pressure than other places in the US. However, it is extremely damp, rainy and overcast here and chilly, which may pose other issues for you. And the Seattle area isn't really cheaper than California. I'm looking myself to try to find other areas of the US with very little BP fluctuation - which is why I'm posting here. Good Luck!

anon3112

I have a health condition that is triggered by sudden changes in barometric pressure. My husband and I are looking to retire in the US area with the least amount of such change, but we cannot afford San Diego. Anyone know the area with the second- or third- least amount of change in the barometric pressure???? Please advise. This will make a huge difference in the quality of the rest of my life. Thanks.

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    • A pocket barometer, which can be used to measure atmospheric pressure.
      A pocket barometer, which can be used to measure atmospheric pressure.
    • Clouds in the sky.
      By: Reginald Stanley
      Clouds in the sky.
    • Barometric pressure is the weight of air in a particular area.
      By: Christa Eder
      Barometric pressure is the weight of air in a particular area.
    • Clear and calm weather conditions are indicative of high atmospheric pressure areas.
      By: Iakov Kalinin
      Clear and calm weather conditions are indicative of high atmospheric pressure areas.
    • Weather changes also affect barometric pressure, especially storms, which are preceded by decreases in pressure.
      By: powerzilly
      Weather changes also affect barometric pressure, especially storms, which are preceded by decreases in pressure.