New Delhi: Monsoon brings relief from the heat, but can worsen back pain and joint stiffness. Here, the expert helps to understand the connection between back pain and weather changes. Remember, weather changes can affect your spine. Follow these tips to stay pain-free. While the monsoon season brings welcome relief from the summer heat, it also leads to a surge in complaints of back pain and joint stiffness. Many people notice that their back aches get worse during rainy days, especially in the early mornings or at night. That unwanted back pain can interfere with one’s ability to carry out the daily routine with ease. Dr Dhiraj Sonawane, Senior Orthopedic and Spine Surgeon
Dr Dhiraj Sonawane, Senior Orthopedic and Spine Surgeon, explained how the weather affects the spine.

It is a known fact that higher humidity and a drop in atmospheric pressure during monsoon can give a tough time to the spine and give a tough time to people. Moreover, those with a history of spinal problems, injuries, arthritis, or sedentary lifestyles should exercise caution.

How does humidity affect your spine?

High humidity in the air can cause soft tissues in the body, including muscles and ligaments, to swell. This can further lead to stiffness and reduced mobility when it comes to the spine and lower back. For people who have existing back conditions like a slipped disc, sciatica, or osteoarthritis, the monsoon can cause intense pain due to the pressure changes in the atmosphere and cooler temperatures that tighten muscles, thereby inducing excruciating back pain.

Likewise, people tend to become less physically active and spend more time indoors. Prolonged sitting, poor posture while working from home, and lack of stretching or movement further strain the spine and lower back, inducing pain and immobility. Wet conditions and slippery floors also increase the risk of falls or back injuries.

Tips to protect your back during monsoon

It is necessary to exercise daily, do stretching, and walk to keep the spine flexible. Ensure to maintain a good posture by sitting with your back straight and shoulders relaxed. Use a supportive chair if working long hours. Use a heating pad or warm compress on sore areas to ease stiffness and pain. Do make sudden movements, be careful while getting up, bending, or lifting during cold or damp weather. So, follow these vital tips to prevent back pain during monsoon.