With warmer temperatures on the rise, everyone is eager to get back outside and enjoy the sunshine and warmer temps, and of course all the activities that come along with Summer. But, with warmer temps and increased activities, more injuries also occur. These extra activities can put additional strain on our backs that can result in pain. Here are just a few tips to prep your back for all the fun summertime activities without the pain!
Ease Into Your Summer Activities
Whether you’re back to running outside or even mowing the lawn, or even golfing you want to ease back into things slowly. When your body hasn’t done any vigorous activities for a few months, it’s easier to strain something and can prolong you getting back into your Summer activities. When it comes to mowing your lawn or playing a round of golf, cut these activities in half until you feel your body is ready to handle these activities. After doing this for a few weeks, you will be able to tolerate these activities for longer periods of time without as much pain and soreness.
Ice Will Help Ease/Decrease Back Pain
After any Summer activity that results in any discomfort or soreness, ice is a great tool to help alleviate the pain. Ice heps to decrease any inflammation and swelling. When icing any part of your body that is expressing pain, keep on the area for 10-20 minutes at a time. You can repeat this process 1-3 times per day as needed. If the pain does not subside, you should call your chiropractor to schedule an appointment to ensure a more serious injury has not occured.
The Key of Stretching
Stretching before or after any activity helps to prevent injury and help aid muscle soreness. Dynamic stretches or moving stretches are great before any activity to help loosen the joints to help prevent any injury.
Stay Hydrated
The joints throughout the body require lubrication to move properly without any problems. When we are dehydrated, our joint movements may feel stiffer and more restricted. When we neglect to stay hydrated, we may experience more fatigue which can cause injury, muscle cramps, and pain. In order to properly strengthen the muscles, we must keep them hydrated in order to be able to withstand the stress we are putting on them during these summer activities.
Sources