Avoiding Summertime Aches & Pains
Summer is definitely here and with that brings outdoor activities like walking, running, swimming, water-skiing and gardening. Getting outdoors and being active is healthy for everyone, but overdoing it can cause aches and pains that last a lot longer than the summer.
“Neck pain and backaches are a common occurrence during the summer season,” says Dr. Vance Z. Johnson, MD, a pain specialist at Your Pain Care Clinic in Temecula. “Increased activity can take its toll. If you aren’t used to walking in sand all day or swimming, beware the day at the beach.”
So, what are Dr. Johnson’s suggestions to help prevent summer aches and pains?
Pace yourself – If you haven’t been in your garden or on water skis since last summer, don’t try to plant every flower or do triple flips on the skis. If you feel like you’re extending yourself, you probably are. That is when it is time to stop the activity and come back to it later.
Start walking – Walk at a moderate pace for 20 minutes, three times per week. This will get your torso into shape to maximize balance and stability.
Stay hydrated – Don’t forget to drink the recommended 8 to 10 glasses of water per day. With the summer heat on top of increased activity, you could increase that to 10 to 12 glasses of water per day.
Eat right – Avoid inflammatory foods like animal fats, fried foods and dairy products. Get plenty of fiber from fruits and vegetables.
Catch some z’s – Go to bed at the same time each night. Avoid stressors and caffeine late in the day. Use the bedroom for sleeping purposes only and use pillows under your curves.
If you are still feeling the affects of increased summertime activity, Dr. Johnson
offers many solutions to alleviate pain. “If your pain goes down your legs or arms or interferes with your work or sleep, you need to get checked. Nerve problems can be monitored with electrodiagnostic testing. With fluoroscopically placed medication, we can reduce pain and promote healing,” he says. “Surgery is rarely needed. Modern advances allow us to treat most problems on an outpatient basis.”