How To Eliminate Seasonal Back & Neck Pain

Is your back or neck pain seasonal? Many people assume that body aches and stiffness worsen significantly during colder months. But what about the warmer months? Does back pain simply take a vacation? That is precisely the central question explored in a 2022 study published in the Journal of Functional Morphology and Kinesiology by Italian researchers Frederico Roggio and Giuseppe Musumeci from the Department of Biomedical and Biotechnological Sciences at the University of Catania.

Before we examine whether back pain goes away in the summer — or is just dormant like the shingles virus — here’s a preview of what this article will cover: 

• Seasonal shifts and their impact on spinal health.
• The influence of everyday seasonal activities on back pain.
• Strategies for managing seasonal back and neck pain.
• The best at-home neck and back pain device, recommended by healthcare professionals worldwide.

Roggio and Musumeci were intrigued by the seasonal prevalence of back pain, considering that it is one of the leading causes of disability worldwide. According to the Global Burden of Diseases, back pain ranks as the fourth leading cause of disability among adults aged 25–49 and the sixth for those aged 50–74.

Back pain typically falls into two primary types: radicular pain (nerve-related) and nociceptive pain (stems from tissue damage). However, the researchers suggest that pain isn't solely about physical signals from the nerves but also involves emotional responses and perceptions, influencing how intense the pain feels.

The Seasonality Of Back Pain: An Important But Neglected Factor

While factors like sedentary behavior, mattress quality, and workstation ergonomics are commonly associated with back pain, seasonal shifts often aren’t considered. Roggio and Musumeci argue that understanding seasonality is crucial because colder months see a higher prevalence of certain conditions, such as cardiovascular diseases and metabolic syndrome.

Seasonal Shifts and Their Impact on Spinal Health 

The changing seasons bring more than just shifts in temperature and daylight; they can also significantly impact spinal health. Understanding how each season affects your spine is essential for maintaining comfort and mobility year-round. Here’s a look at how your spine adapts to seasonal changes and tips for managing any associated discomfort.

Winter to Spring

Winter promotes a natural inclination toward hibernation. Even in warm, sunny Huntington Beach, Southern California — headquarters of Posture Pump® back and neck pain devices — the urge to stay cozy indoors is strong. After a couple of hours surfing in the chilly Pacific, who wouldn’t want to spend the rest of the day snug under the blankets? During this time of year, people tend to work more and play less, leading to common weight gain. And it doesn’t take a medical expert to know that sedentary behavior and weight gain are linked to the onset of back pain.

However, it’s not just the physical inactivity and the burden of visceral fat placed on the spine and internal organs. As Roggio and Musumeci point out,
“Work stress can exacerbate depression and anxiety — mental health comorbidities associated with back pain onset.”

As winter's chill gives way to the warmth of spring, the body undergoes significant adjustments, and the spine is no exception. During winter, back pain is not solely a result of inactivity and weight gain; the cold weather itself can contribute to muscle tightness and joint stiffness. As temperatures rise in spring, the muscles and joints begin to relax. Yet, back pain sufferers are not necessarily out of the woods. Seasonal allergies and changes in air quality during spring can increase inflammation in the body. Additionally, the urge to stay indoors to avoid sneezing, a runny nose, and itchy, watery eyes can perpetuate the same sedentary patterns seen in winter.

Summer: The Science of Sunshine's Effects on Low Back Pain

Roggio and Musumeci hypothesize that because there is a psychological component to back pain, exposure to sunshine can help manage psychological issues. A happier you equals a happier back, and here’s why:

Sun exposure increases serotonin, which can help alleviate back pain triggered by psychological stress. Vitamin D, synthesized through sunlight exposure, is crucial for the musculoskeletal system. It plays a key role in calcium absorption, which strengthens bones and helps prevent conditions like osteoporosis that can lead to back pain. Vitamin D also supports muscle function, reducing the risk of muscle weakness and spasms that can cause or worsen back pain. Additionally, it has anti-inflammatory properties that can help reduce chronic inflammation, a common contributor to back pain. By maintaining sufficient vitamin D levels, you can help keep your bones and muscles strong and reduce the risk of developing back pain.

Optimizing your vitamin D levels is easier in summer than in winter when much of the country’s ultraviolet rays are too weak.

Fall: Cooling Temperatures and Increased Sedentary Behavior

Break out the cozy sweaters! As the heat of summer fades, the cooler temperatures of fall can shock the system. Muscle stiffness and reduced joint mobility are back on the calendar as the drop in temperature can cause muscles to contract more, making them less flexible and more prone to injury. Additionally, the return to more sedentary routines—whether due to the start of the school year or more demanding work schedules—can contribute to back pain.

Increased sitting, whether at a desk or in a classroom, can significantly impact spinal health. Prolonged periods of sitting often lead to poor posture, muscle imbalances, and back pain. It's crucial to maintain good posture and take breaks to move around and stretch throughout the day, especially as winter approaches.

Common Seasonal Activities and Their Effects

Spring and Summer Activities

Hopefully, you’re very active in the summer, whether through hiking, running, surfing, swimming, or playing sports like pickleball. Being active is certainly better for your health than a sedentary lifestyle. However, overuse injuries are more common in the warmer months. Poor posture during activities, such as slouching while gardening or bending incorrectly during weightlifting, can strain the spine. If you’re getting the most out of your frequent flier miles, long periods of sitting while traveling can also lead to discomfort and stiffness in the back and neck.

Fall and Winter Activities

It’s tempting to hit the slopes or the ice-skating rink without taking the time to stretch. The same applies to gym workouts. Regardless of the season, but particularly in winter when your core body temperature may be lower, make sure to do some dynamic (active) stretching. One of the best ways to gently stretch your neck and back is to do a brief (5-15 minutes) Posture Pump® session.

Posture Pump® devices use patented Expanding Ellipsoidal Decompression (EED®) technology to decompress the spine, alleviate pressure on the discs, and restore the natural curvature of the spine. They are particularly effective for relieving pain in the neck, upper back, and lower back—areas often affected by seasonal changes.

Practical Tips for Managing Seasonal Back And Neck Pain

Some of these tips may seem obvious, however, they are often neglected and therefore worth repeating. Regardless of the season, drink plenty of pure water. Proper hydration is essential for maintaining spinal health, as it keeps your spinal discs healthy and helps prevent stiffness. Remember to dress appropriately for the cold season; wearing a jacket and scarf can help protect against muscle stiffness and pain caused by cold winds. Incorporate warm-up activities and limit passive stretching until after physical activity.

Using Posture Pump® Devices for Seasonal Pain Relief

For those experiencing back and neck pain due to seasonal changes, Posture Pump® devices can offer significant relief. Renowned for innovative spinal health devices designed to relieve pain and improve posture, Posture Pump® is highly recommended by leading medical professionals, including neurosurgeon C. Norman Shealy, the inventor of the Transcutaneous Electrical Nerve Stimulation (TENS) Unit.

“Considering the cost, effectiveness and ease of therapy, Expanding Ellipsoidal Decompression (EED®) via Posture Pump® appears to be the first choice for treatment of cervicogenic pain and cervicogenic headache,” Shealy recommends.

If you have neck and back pain, the Dual Deluxe Full Spine Model 4100-D is an excellent option, providing comprehensive support for the entire spine. Regular use of this Posture Pump® device can help prevent stiffness, improve mobility, and overall spinal health. Incorporating it into your daily routine, especially during seasons of increased discomfort, can offer ongoing relief. Whether after long periods of sitting and standing, physical activity, or whenever you feel tension building in your spine, Posture Pump® may help alleviate your pain.

With over 3 million units sold, Posture Pump® has a proven track record of user satisfaction and effective pain relief. We are confident that consistent use will help manage your seasonal pain. Explore the remarkable results Posture Pump® users have experienced and the research that backs Expanding Ellipsoidal Decompression (EED®) technology.

Posture Pump® stands out as the most effective, easiest, and cost-effective device to send your back and neck pain packing—all year long.

References:

Roggio F, Musumeci G. Does Back Pain Go on Holiday in the Summer? J Funct Morphol Kinesiol. 2022 Sep 26;7(4):75.

Institute for Health Metrics and Evaluation (IHME). Global Burden of Disease 2021: Findings from the GBD 2021 Study. Seattle, WA: IHME, 2024.

“Psychology of Back Pain.” International Association For the Study of Pain. 2021. https://www.iasp-pain.org/resources/fact-sheets/psychology-of-back-pain