The summer can bring heat, warmth, and fun. Unfortunately, the heat can often be a double-edged sword for those who suffer from chronic back pain. Here’s how the summer heat can affect chronic back pain:

• Inflammation: The body’s inflammatory response can be influenced by heat. For some people, hot weather can increase inflammation. Inflamed muscles can lead to back pain and discomfort. 
• Muscle Fatigue: Heat can take most of your energy and cause muscle fatigue, especially if you’re active in the sun for long periods of time. Fatigued muscles provide less support for the spine which could increase the risk for back pain or make existing pain worse.
• Dehydration: When the temperature gets hotter, our bodies lose more water through sweating. Dehydration can negatively impact the spine because the spine needs water to properly function. If the discs in your spine dry out, they could lose their ability to absorb shock which could worsen back pain.