How July Can Cause Back and Spine Pain
Category: Back Pain | Author: Stefano Sinicropi
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July is here, and that means it’s time for our final installment of how the different months of the year can be hard on your spine. We’ve already profiled how August, September, October, November, December, January, February, March, April, May and June can be tough on our spine, and now we’re putting a bow on the calendar by taking a look at all the ways July can test your spine.
July And Your Spine
From Independence Day to the summer heat, July can challenge your spine in a number of different ways. Here’s a look at some of those challenges, and how you can keep your spine healthy throughout all of them.
- 4th of July – The fourth of July holiday weekend can be hard on your spine if you’re doing things like swimming, hiking, water skiing or just spending time out in the sun. Here’s a look at some of the common sources of spine injuries on the fourth of July, and some tips for how to stay safe when celebrating Independence Day.
- The July Effect – July is typically a time when fourth-year medical students become interns and residents, and the theory is that more errors and oversights can occur as they become responsible for patients. Is the July effect a real thing that you need to worry about when scheduling an elective surgery? Check out this blog we wrote on the perceived effect.
- Hiking – July is a great time to hike around one of Minnesota’s picturesque lakes or bluffs, but hiking can be physically daunting for your body. If you carry too much weight when hiking or you overdo it, your back may be hurting by the end of the hike. Check out these five ways hikers can avoid back pain when they’re out and about.
- Sun Health – We’re going to switch it up and talk about one of the ways July can be helpful for your spine. Your body can convert the sun’s rays into Vitamin D used to create healthy bones, so make sure you are getting plenty of sun this summer. Learn more about how the sun can help your spine, and be sure to wear protective sunscreen!
- Sleep Problems – July tends to be one of the hottest months of the year in Minnesota, and it can be a lot harder to fall asleep and stay asleep if your body is too warm, and this is especially true if you have pre-existing back pain. If you don’t want to keep the air conditioning running all summer, consider these tips for improving your sleep quality if you have back pain.
- Yard Work – July is also a time when the grass needs to be mowed regularly and your yard requires more upkeep. If you try to do too much or you attack yard work with poor posture habits, spine pain can develop in a hurry. Check out these four tips for avoiding back pain while performing yard work.
That’s it for the month of July and our 12-part series on how different times of the year can be hard on your spine. We hope you enjoyed it, and if you have any questions or want help with a spinal issue of your own, reach out to Dr. Sinicropi and his team today.
