While we don’t typically see the same summer temperatures as the southern United States, it’s not uncommon for temperatures to top 90 or even 100 degrees during July and August. This may not seem so bad if you’re near one of Minnesota’s 10,000 lakes, but if you’re doing something else, like exercising, working or just going about your day, the summer heat can cause problems for your spine. Below, we explain why the summer heat can cause problems for your back, and what you can do to beat the heat.
Why Hot Temperatures Affect Your Spine
The hot summer sun can cause issues for your spine in a couple of different ways. For starters, medical evidence has shown that temperatures and pressure changes in the atmosphere can negatively impact our joints, especially our spinal joints. These changes can reduce lubrication in our joints, making movements more difficult. You may notice this in days that are much warmer or cooler than the previous day, or when a summer storm moves in and the barometric pressure drops.
Another way the heat can affect our spine health is through dehydration. Our bodies struggle to retain water and stay hydrated when it’s hot out, and staying hydrated is important for optimal joint movement. Your joint cartilage needs a high water content to function properly, and if you’re not rehydrating when you’re sweating, it’s your spinal joints that will suffer. Dehydration can also make it more likely that you’ll suffer from a muscle spasm in your spine.
Preventing Heat-Related Spinal Problems
Now that we understand how heat can affect our spine, it’s pretty easy to come up with some tips for preventing heat-related spinal issues. Some ways to protect your spine from the summer heat include:
- Always have water on hand when working or being outside for extended periods.
- Break up activities over the course of a few days instead of one long session in the sun.
- Stretch before activity to help your spinal joints prepare for movement.
- Opt for shady spots if you’re watching a soccer game or headed to a baseball tournament over the weekend.
- Replenish fluids even if you don’t feel like you’re losing a lot to sweat.
- Wear sunscreen to protect your spine, shoulders, neck and whole body from the sun’s harmful rays.
- Consider ice pack therapy to target areas of pain or discomfort.
- Talk to your doctor if something just doesn’t feel right in your spine.
Don’t let the dog days of summer cause problems for your spine or your health. Stay hydrated and prepare your joints for activity, and head inside to cooler temperatures if back pain develops or you start to feel any other heat-related symptoms like nausea, lightheadedness or dizziness. And most importantly, reach out to Dr. Sinicropi if you need assistance with a spinal issue. For more information, reach out to Dr. Sinicropi’s office today at (651) 430-3800.
