As the summer months quickly approach, you might be thinking back to warmer days past and remembering a common thread – back pain. But why does your back hurt more when it’s warmer? And what can you do to prevent it as spring and summer approach?
This article will take you through exactly why you may find yourself experiencing more back pain during hotter weather, as well as what you can do in terms of treatment and, most importantly, prevention.
First Up, Does Back Pain Worsen With Heat?
You might find yourself wondering if back pain really does worsen in the summer or if it’s some sort of placebo. You’ll be pleased to know your mind isn’t playing tricks on you! Back and neck pain are affected by the weather, and they tend to worsen with heat and humidity.
This is due to a shift in humidity, which can cause spinal nerves to contract or expand in order to facilitate better blood flow in warmer weather. These changes can cause back pain to worsen due to changes in bone, muscle and tendon contractions. Back pain can also be caused by lifestyle changes during the warmer months, with dehydration and reduced levels of exercise being the main culprits of your increased pain.
Whilst back and neck pain that is caused or worsened by hot weather is generally temporary, it’s still something most of us would probably prefer to avoid. If you’ve been hunting for tips to manage back pain this spring and summer, you’ve definitely come to the right place!
What Can I Do To Prevent & Treat Back Pain In Hot Weather?
No one likes having a sore back, and luckily for you, there are some things you can implement during the warmer months to help prevent or manage your pain. When it comes to enjoying the warmer months with minimal pain, these are some of the tips and tricks you need to keep in mind for pain management:
- Hydration, Hydration, Hydration: Dehydration is an often overlooked reason for worsened back pain, so keeping your fluids up during the hot weather can make a real difference. You need to make sure you are drinking plenty of water throughout the day, especially if it’s particularly hot or humid.
- Stay Active: You need to ensure you are keeping your activity levels up. Whilst it can be hard to want to get outdoors during extremely hot weather, regular exercise will make a huge difference to your pain. Try to get out and go for a short walk each day to strengthen your back muscles. You could also implement indoor workouts or head to an air-conditioned gym to make sure you’re still keeping up with your workout routines, even when it’s hot outside.
- Watch Your Posture: This one is crucial at any point of the year, but it can be a great way to prevent back pain. Try to be mindful of your posture, especially if you’re sitting at a desk all day. Working on your posture and keeping good habits will decrease back pain year-round and make it far easier for you to prevent back pain during the summer.
- Consult The Experts: When it comes to both prevention and treatment of back and neck pain, consulting with the experts is critical. Find chiropractic services near you and seek regular adjustments throughout the year in order to best manage your pain and also prevent pain from rearing its head as the weather heats up.
- Lift Responsibly: If your job requires you to lift heavy objects or you like hitting the gym, lifting responsibly is key to preventing back pain or injury. Lift from your knees rather than your back to ensure you don’t do any damage.
- Try Hot & Cold Therapy: Hot and cold therapy is commonly used in the treatment and management of pain. Especially when it comes to back, neck or shoulder pain, this is easy to implement at home. All you need to do is use cold packs or ice to relieve stiff muscles or soreness. If cold therapy doesn’t work, try adding heat to help relax your muscles, stimulate blood flow and encourage proper recovery.
- Take Breaks When Standing: If you’re in a job that requires you to stand for long periods of time, it’s important to take regular breaks. Try to take frequent breaks to stretch, sit down or check in with your posture to ensure that you aren’t doing any damage that can lead to pain.
Don’t Let Pain Ruin Your Summer
Pain can ruin just about everything, and back pain is one of the worst. You don’t want to spend the entirety of summer holed up at home, unable to get out and enjoy the warm weather. By implementing proper preventative measures and seeking professional help and treatment where needed, you can manage your back pain no matter what time of year it is.
Staying consistent with treatment and prevention throughout the year can ensure that when the hotter months do hit, you aren’t left with debilitating back or neck pain.