With sunny weather and vacation plans approaching, we’re ready to spend these few months participating in exciting outdoor activities. Whether you’re exercising or performing chores, the longer days mean more time with friends and family. However, with an increase in physical activity, your back is at risk of injury. In the summer, there are a few everyday actions that hurt and weaken our back. To protect our spine and muscles from damage, knowing which activities are more likely to cause pain can prepare us for the road ahead.
Sidestep Back Pain by Avoiding These 3 Summer Activities
Here are three common activities that cause back pain in the summer:
Long Hours Working On the Yard
With the sun high in the sky, you might want to get some gardening or yard work done. Whether it’s a gorgeous front yard for your neighbors to see or a backyard blooming with color, taking the time to care for your greenery will have you hunched over. Repetitive motions like lifting and digging can cause your back to bend in all directions, leaving little room for your spine to decompress.
Overexerting Yourself with Exercise
The summer season might motivate you to start exercising more, but with the temperature changing, you might be exhausting yourself. If you’re just starting back up and you’re no longer used to gym weights, you could also strain a muscle or have improper form.
To protect yourself from these obstacles, take a step back and slow yourself down. Taking a few extra moments to correct your posture or stretch will significantly help your spine and other muscles.
Long-Awaited Summer Traveling
Finally, the kids are out, and you’re able to go on that vacation you’ve been planning for months. The only problem is how long it takes to get there. Whether it’s a twelve-hour car ride or a three-hour flight, you’ll be in a few uncomfortable positions no matter what. Taking the time to get up and stretch your legs and back will help with those sore muscles.
Tips to Prevent Summer Back Aches
There are plenty of ways to overcome these hurdles and continue your summer fun. Try some of the suggestions listed below:
- Give yourself breaks: Accomplishing all your yard work or exercise in a day is stressful and demanding on your muscles. After some hard work, take time to recuperate.
- Stay hydrated: When you’re dehydrated, your spine won’t decompress and will cause your bones to grind together. Replenish yourself with a water bottle at your side.
- Stretch those muscles: Whether you’re on the road or in your garden, giving yourself time to stretch your back muscles can prevent severe injuries from developing.
By incorporating these activities into your routine, you may avoid a painful misstep. If you do find yourself laboring after an injury, contact the experienced professionals at NJ Spine & Orthopedic for recovery tips today.
Discover NJ Spine & Orthopedic for Your Spine Health
While regular aches and pains are normal and can be relieved through over-the-counter medications and stretching, chronic pain in the back and spine can keep you from fun summer experiences. At NJ Spine & Orthopedic, our experienced medical team is passionate about providing you and your loved ones with proper spine and back care.
With non-surgical methods and minimally invasive surgeries, our team of doctors, nurses, and surgeons are equipped with the latest technology and research so we can give our clients the ability to have a wonderful summer. For more information about our procedures, contact us at (866) 272-9271.