Alleviating Summer Spinal Discomfort

Stopping Spinal Discomfort this Summer

Although many experience aches and pains during cooler times of the year, higher temperatures can bring on unwanted back pain during the summer months. Fortunately, there are plenty of things you can do to help you beat the heat and the discomfort it may bring. Here’s what you should know.

Hotter Temperatures & Back Pain

When the temperature suddenly increases at the turn of the season, it can lead to pain-causing inflammation that affects the spine. This abrupt increase in temperature can lead to changes in barometric pressure—which affects the way the various tissues of your bones, muscles, and tendons contract. Once the temperature becomes more stable, pain usually goes away on its own.

Tips for Preventing Back Pain

Improve Your Posture

While everyone may hunch over every once in a while, having consistently poor posture can be damaging to your thoracic spine. Keeping your back in proper alignment allows your body to evenly distribute the pressure of your body weight to the appropriate areas of your spine.

Keep these tips in mind the next time you find yourself slouching:

• Keep your shoulders down and back.
• Keep your head, shoulders, and hips aligned.
• Get up from your desk and stretch regularly to prevent compression.

Cut Back on Screen Time

Although many of us use technology day in and day out, spending too much time looking down at your smartphone and other devices can be detrimental to your spinal health. This is because we tend to change our posture to use them, leading to increased strain on the upper and middle back.

If you can, try to minimize your screen time throughout the day to combat this issue. If not, try bringing your device up to meet your gaze rather than looking down at them.

Lighten Your Load

Whether you’re a student or professional—carrying too many things in your bag or purse can wreak havoc on your back. To avoid unwanted aches and pains, it is recommended that you keep the weight of your bag below 10% of your body weight. For example, if you weigh 160 lbs, your bag should weigh no more than 16 lbs.

Get Moving

Leading an active lifestyle is an excellent way to support your spinal health and ward off pain and discomfort. Here are a few summer activities that can help keep your s[ine smiling while you enjoy the summer sun!

Go for a Swim

Swimming is an excellent low-impact activity that helps to build up the muscles that support your spine. When your body is submerged underwater, buoyancy helps to support your body weight, allowing you to exercise without additional pressure being placed on your joints.

Try Yoga & Dynamic Stretching

Yoga and dynamic stretching are also great ways to support your spinal health and ward off joint pain. It helps to improve your flexibility and range of motion of your neck and back while also helping to strengthen your supportive core muscles/

Take a Nature Walk or Go Hiking

Walking and hiking are also great ways to support the health of your spine. As you walk, your core and other supportive muscles are staying engaged, which will reduce the stress being placed on your spine.

If you notice that you are still experiencing persistent neck and back pain, be sure to reach out to a spinal specialist to determine what course of treatment may be right for you and your specific condition.

Minimally Invasive Spine Surgery in Minnesota

When it comes to aches and pains, the discomfort that affects your back can be more than just an annoyance—it can negatively affect your quality of life and your independence. At Inspired Spine, our experienced and knowledgeable spinal surgeons are dedicated to relieving your chronic back pain with the least invasive treatment possible.

To schedule a free consultation with one of our spine surgeons, call (952) 225-5266 today.