The crisp chill of winter, the vibrant blossoms of spring, the warm embrace of summer, and the falling leaves of autumn— while these changes bring serenity, they also bring about changes in our physical and mental states.
Have you ever noticed that your back seems to ache more during certain times of the year?
It’s not just in your head, from hair, and skin, and back to your moods and mental well-being, seasonal weather changes influence various aspects of our health. It’s like our body’s way of sending signals, asking for a little extra care.
Whether it’s the chilly winter or scorching summer— changes in temperature, humidity, and barometric pressure impact our joints and muscles. These changes make our backs more sensitive, leading to discomfort.
It’s a reminder that as the seasons change, so should our approach to self-care – a little TLC for the body, mind, and soul.
Don’t worry! By the end of this article, you will learn about the connection between heat and back pain, cold weather and back pain, and some remedies for back pain due to cold weather and extreme summer.
Why Does The Change In Weather Cause Back Pain?
Summer
When the temperatures rise, the heat can lead to dehydration. It makes our muscles more prone to stiffness and cramping. The increased physical activity during the summer months, like playing sports or spending long hours gardening, sometimes puts extra stress on our backs. Not only this, the change in routine and the charm of summer activities also tempt us to overexert ourselves without proper warm-up or hydration.
Winter
Like most parts of our bodies, our backs don’t like winter as well. Your tendons, muscles, and ligaments support your spine. In winter, they start to tighten up and begin contracting when they get cold. Cold weather leads to stiffness in soft tissue. This, in turn, applies added pressure to your nerve endings.
Read “How To Prevent Back Pain With Good Posture” to understand how you can strengthen the muscles that support your spine.
Remedies for Back Pain
1. Stay Active
First things first – keep moving! Regular exercise helps keep your muscles and joints in good shape. Simple activities like walking, swimming, or gentle stretching can do wonders. Remember, you don’t need to run a marathon – just find something you enjoy and make it a regular part of your routine.
2. Warm Up Your Muscles
Your muscles are like rubber bands. When it’s cold, they can become stiff and prone to injury. So, before you dive into any physical activity, take a few minutes to warm up. A light jog in place, some arm circles, or even a quick dance to your favorite tune – get those muscles warmed up and ready for action.
3. Maintain Good Posture
Whether you’re sitting at a desk or standing in line, pay attention to your posture. Slouching or hunching over can strain your back. Keep your spine aligned, shoulders back, and chin up. If you’re sitting for long periods, make sure your chair provides proper support. A little attention to your posture can go a long way in preventing and easing back pain.
4. Stay Hydrated
Staying hydrated helps your joints stay lubricated and your muscles function properly. It’s a simple but effective way to support your overall health, including your back. Keep that water bottle handy and sip throughout the day.
5. Use Heat or Cold Packs
Using a heating pad or an ice pack can be your best friend when your back aches in winter. Heating pads relax your stiff muscles. Go for ice packs if you have swelling or acute pain— it will help reduce inflammation. Just be sure to wrap the ice or heat pack in a cloth to protect your skin, and limit use to about 15-20 minutes at a time.
6. Choose the Right Shoes
Believe it or not, your choice of footwear has a great impact on your back. Wearing shoes with proper support helps distribute your weight more evenly and reduces strain on your spine. So, trade those trendy but uncomfortable shoes for the ones that give your feet and back the support they need.
7. Maintain a Healthy Weight
Carrying extra weight can put added stress on your back. Maintaining a healthy weight by having a balanced diet. Alongside this, make exercise a part of your everyday life. All of this will help ease the strain. Plus, it’s also good for your overall well-being.
8. Get Quality Sleep
A good night’s sleep is crucial for overall health, and it can also do wonders for your back. Invest in a comfortable mattress and cushions that offer proper support. If you’re a back sleeper, place a pillow under your knees to help maintain the natural curve of your spine.
9. Mind Your Stress Levels
Excessive stress can make back pain worse. Thus, it is crucial to manage. You can try meditation, deep breathing exercises, or a hobby you enjoy. Just take time for yourself. A relaxed mind can often lead to a more relaxed body.
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To Sum Up
Back pain during seasonal weather changes is not new. However, it is manageable if paid proper attention to and taken care of.
Stay active with simple exercises, warm up before any activity, and maintain good posture. Don’t forget to drink water, use heat and cold packs, go for comfortable shoes, maintain a healthy weight, and get quality sleep. All these activities will ease the pain to a certain level.
If the conditions persist, don’t wait for too long, consider seeking professional help for long-term relief.
