With summer around the corner, our thoughts are quickly turning to outdoor adventures, BBQs, holidays and everything else that makes the British sunny season the happiest time of the year. But if you suffer from chronic back pain, the summer months can be as dark and dreary as a cold January day.
According to our Fareham chiropractor, summertime can be especially difficult for anyone dealing with back pain. But we are here to help. By following the simple tips below, you can add some much- deserved brightness to the next few months and enjoy a pain-free summer…
1: Allow Your Pain to Float Away
Our Fareham chiropractor recommends swimming for anyone dealing with chronic back pain. Whether you jump in an exotic infinity pool or just do a few lengths at your local leisure centre, being in the water is incredibly relaxing and soothing and can relieve pressure on your back and neck.
2: Get Up and Move
When you’re suffering from back pain, your first instinct maybe to sit down and rest. But did you know that inactivity is one of the worst things you can do for your achy spine? The muscles in your back rely on blood flow to remain healthy, and the only way to get this blood flowing is through movement. So whether you’re spending the day at the beach or having a garden party, make sure you take regular breaks from the sun lounger to stretch and walk around.
Your body was designed to move, and quite often, symptoms of pain and discomfort is your spine’s way of telling you it needs more activity.
3: Stay Hydrated
Many people unknowingly suffer from dehydration, and everyone is at a higher risk of becoming dehydrated during the summer months when temperatures rise and you lose water through sweat.
Increasing the amount of water you drink this summer can have enormous benefits to your health, increase your energy levels and reduce inflammation in your back muscles.
Untreated chronic pain can interfere with your body’s natural healing process by impacting the immune system and leading to other complications. Implementing small changes such as increasing your water intake can make a big difference to your back pain and overall health.
4: Stop Slouching
Do you remember your Granny telling you to stop slouching? Guess what? She was right! According to our Fareham chiropractor, slouching Is one of the easiest ways to put added strain on sensitised back muscles and soft tissues. This strain can increase tension in the muscles, which can go on to cause pain and discomfort.
Most people feel more relaxed during the summer months, but while you’re spending those long, lazy days on the fluffy sands beside the ocean, make sure you don’t slouch!
One of the best things you can do for your spine is to get into the habit of sitting correctly. It may feel uncomfortable at first because your muscles have not been conditioned to support you in the correct position. But keep doing it; we guarantee that in a few weeks, you will start adopting your new and improved posture without thinking about it and you will reap the rewards of a healthier spine as a result.
A good way to help correct your posture is to imagine a string attached to the top of your head pulling you upwards.
The goal is to keep your body in good alignment, maintaining your spine’s natural curve, with your neck straight and shoulders parallel with your hips.
5: Make Lifestyle Changes
We’re all used to seeing people working on their “beach bodies” ready to showcase in the summer. But there’s more to improving your body than how you look in your swim gear!
Making lifestyle changes, such as losing any excess weight or following a healthier diet can have significant effects on the health of your spine. Even quitting smoking can increase blood flow to the discs between your vertebrae, which can reduce the risk of these discs degenerating.
Remember that your spine plays a central role in your overall health and wellbeing, so how you treat your body will inevitably affect your spine.
By following these simple and easy-to-implement tips, you can look forward to a happy and healthy summer.
What’s stopping you from reducing your back pain?
Our Experience Counts: 55 Years in Fareham
Serving the people of Fareham, and surrounding areas of Southampton, Portsmouth, Hampshire and the local areas of Whiteley, Hedge End, Locks Heath & Portchester
