Summer may not be officially here, but it sure is hot out there! If you suffer from back pain and have ever thought that your level of pain was worse in the hottest months of summer, your feeling is probably correct. Instead of suffering through some of the most beautiful months of the year, there are some steps you can take to ensure that your summertime will be as comfortable and enjoyable as possible.
Understanding Summer Back Pain
When it comes to managing pain, it is always best to start by gaining an understanding of the symptoms and reason for them occurring. When an individual experiences a higher intensity of back pain during the summertime, the reason can mostly be attributed to baroreceptors, which are sensory nerves in the joints. Baroreceptors cause tendons, ligaments, and muscles to expand or contract as the humidity level in the air changes. The purpose of this expanding or contracting is due to the baroreceptors role in regulating blood flow.
If you’ve recently moved into the Scottsdale area and have noticed an increase in back pain, your symptoms may or may not be related to the new desert climate and extreme heat that we experience for several months of the year. Our Spine Specialists here at the Stridewell Clinic are happy to help you understand and manage any spine-related pain that you may be experiencing! Stridewell Tips
Does Humidity Make Pain Worse?
The best answer to the question of whether humidity increases pain is “it depends.” Some people may report more pain on high-humidity days, while others may experience more pain on very dry, low-humidity days. The reason for this is likely due to the fact that the interpretation of pain is highly subjective and can vary greatly from one individual to another. If you experience more pain during high humidity, try using a dehumidifier in your home. If the reverse occurs and dry, low-humidity days seem to cause you more pain, you could always try using humidifiers to help and alleviate your symptoms.
Take Care Of Your Body
Your spine consists of spongy disks that enable your spine to remain flexible. Summer heat can quickly deplete water that your spongy spinal disks need to remain healthy. In order to prevent this, it is important to drink one to two cups of water per hour during the hottest days of summer. Consuming even more water will be needed if you are active outdoors or engage in regular exercise. When enjoying the outdoors while it is very hot, always wear lighter clothing and take frequent breaks to cool off indoors. Getting adequate rest is also essential.
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