Summer is a time of relaxation, vacations to your favorite spots or somewhere new and exciting, which includes increased activity that’s both indoor and outdoor. Summer is the time of year when you finally get to all those neglected projects around the house. Summer is played-up in the movies as the season of paradise and it’s used in commercials to glorify outdoor-related products – not without reason. It truly is the time of year when everything becomes a flurry of activity.
While some people remain physically active year-round, going as far as participating in sports and other activities that keep the body limber, many people allow their physical wellbeing to slip—even if it’s just for a bit—throughout the other three seasons. As a result, it is not uncommon for back injuries to rear their ugly heads in the summer. You could go from enjoying vacation and sipping mixed drinks by the pool to being stranded in pain on the couch in mere moments.
So, how do you minimize the possibility of injury? There are several ways, both simple and more involved, to keep your back health this summer. Continue reading to find out our Top 3!
Don’t Wait to Schedule an Appointment
Life moves fast. You have work to do, you have valuable family time, you have various hobbies that gobble up your free time, and there are plenty of unforeseen obstacles between you and maintaining your physical health. While this can affect your body and back in general in the long-term, it can (and likely will) bite you during your months of leisure.
One of the best ways to keep your back healthy this summer—and every summer in the future—is to not wait until the summer to worry about your health. Be active throughout the year to strengthen your back, increase your mobility, and improve your overall health as well as your ability to participate in summer fun without increased risk of injury. Form habits now so you can have fun in the future! Also, it never hurts (and always helps) to schedule an appointment with a spine expert to evaluate your back’s current health.
Take it Slow and Save Your Back
Take it easy. Summer is a time of relaxation, drinking by the pool, l and lounging at the beach. You get the picture. It can be tempting to participate in more athletic pursuits as well – especially when water is around. That’s great! The water is a great way to cool off, enjoy the outdoors, and bond with your family and friends. You should embrace it!
The problem arises when you jump whole-heartedly into such activities when your body is unprepared. The sudden burst of physicality puts you at increased risk of injury – especially to your posterior chain. From the intense movement of watersports to the heavy lifting of setting up camp, your back is likely not as limber and strengthened as it should be to engage in such activities without easing back into it.
Minimize Stress
Next time you’re on vacation, take your family’s advice and leave work at home. If your boss pesters you to take a particular phone call or check your email, let them know this: stress increases your risk of back injury, which increases the chance you’ll miss even more work. Your pain and inability to enjoy life will be on their hands! They’ll listen to that.
On a more serious note, stress can cause your muscles to tense up, which does heighten your chances of straining or pulling something. We all know that while summer is supposed to be a time of fun and relaxation, it can turn stressful very quickly. From coordinating vacations to working on the house, stress can build and contribute to back injury. So, sit back, relax, and keep your back healthy!