You’re not imagining things. When the air is hot and heavy in Scotch Plains during the summer, your back pain can feel sharper, intense, or never-ending. It’s not the heat that’s affecting you—it might be causing your body to feel pain differently.
The truth of the matter is that for most who have chronic pain, symptoms become worse when it rains. This encompasses patients with arthritis, sciatica, disc problems, and postural tension. Increased humidity and barometric pressure have the potential to lead to joint fluid retention, muscle spasm, and inflammatory response—all of which make it harder to cure back pain.
If you’ve noticed this pattern, don’t panic; you’re not alone. And yes—there are simple, routine things you can do to prevent flare-ups and find relief.
What Exacerbates Back Pain During Scotch Plains Summers?
The combination of temperature change, humidity, and lack of movement can exacerbate your condition. Here’s what’s happening inside your body, according to a specialist in a pain management center in Jersey City:
- Joint swelling: Humidity can make you retain more water, which can pose a threat to cause joint stiffness or swelling.
- Muscle tension: Heat itself does not relax muscles—it can dehydrate, which contracts muscles and increases soreness.
- Decreased activity: On hot, humid days, most people are less active, which leaves core and back muscles weak.
- Pressure changes: Some researchers suspect changes in barometric pressure may influence how tissues expand and contract, irritating nerve endings.
Over 39% of adults with chronic back pain report that their symptoms get worse with seasonal weather changes, the CDC reports. That’s a huge percentage and evidence that pain caused by weather is no myth.
How to Avoid Summer Back Pain Flare-Ups?
Combating pain caused by humidity requires a mix of listening to your body and altering your habits. You just need to do a few deliberate things.
Drink Hydrating Drinks Daily
Even mild dehydration can lead to muscle spasms and tension. Choose water-rich foods and frequent water intake throughout the day.
Morning and Evening Stretching
Gentle stretching, especially of your spine, hips, and hamstrings, can loosen crunched muscles before the heat of the day catches up with you.
Supportive Tools to the Rescue
Orthopedic cushions or back support for your chair may help alleviate strain on the lower back during prolonged sitting periods.
Stay Active—Even Indoors
Daily exercise maintains joint flexibility and reduces stiffness. Go around the house, do an in-home video of yoga, or try simple body weight exercises.
Check Indoor Humidity
Operating a dehumidifier in the home may keep indoor air under control and relieve pressure on joints. Ideally, seek to keep humidity between 40%–50%.
When to Seek Aid for Chronic Back Pain
If your backache gets worse every summer or doesn’t abate following simple steps, it’s the right time to visit a Scotch Plains pain management specialist.
Whether the cause is chronic pain from herniated discs, muscle strain, or age-related conditions in the spinal cord, a tailored solution is the way to go. Interventions like non-surgical procedures or supervised rehabilitation can eliminate flare-ups and bring back comfort in your daily life.
You don’t need to endure chronic pain simply because it rains. Relief does exist—and sometimes easier than you think. If you’ve had enough of riding out the flare-ups and want lasting relief, our specialists at Spine & Joint Center of New Jersey are available to assist you.
