Although summer doesn’t officially start for a few more weeks, the temperatures have certainly been feeling like it’s mid-July of late. Summer can be a great time to spend outdoors with friends and family, but it can also present unique challenges for individuals with chronic pain.

Below, we take a closer look at how you can make it through the warm summer months with your chronic pain under control.

Summer and Chronic Pain

Keep these tips in mind to keep chronic pain flareups at bay this summer.

1. Beat the Heat – Try to find shade or other ways to keep cool this summer. Warmer temperatures can lead to an expansion of blood vessels and swelling of our hands and fingers, which can contribute to pain if you’re also dealing with joint inflammation. Whether it involves swimming in the lake or heading to eat in an air conditioned restaurant, find ways to break up long stretches in the summer heat.

2. Sleeping Situation – Warmer temps can also make it harder for people to fall asleep and stay asleep, and you know how problematic this can be if you have chronic pain. Strive to make the bedroom an ideal habitat for sleeping. Turn off devices like the television or iPad, try to go to bed at a regular time, and keep the room cooler if possible, either with air conditioning or a box fan. This will help you achieve long periods of restful sleep.

3. Avoid Overdoing It – Don’t bite off more than you can chew when it comes to summer activities. If you overdo it one day, you’re going to be paying for it for the next couple of days. Know your limits and don’t be afraid to say “no” when it comes to making plans or partaking in certain activities. You know your body best, so avoid overdoing it when possible.

4. Hydration – Another thing to keep in mind this summer is to make sure you’re getting plenty of fluids. Staying hydrated helps joints and blood vessels work optimally, which can help keep you pain free or headache free. Plan ahead so you’re never without a hydration source if you’re going to be out in the sun for a while.

5. Talk With A Specialist – Finally, it’s a good idea to set up a consultation with a pain specialist. They’ll be able to talk about individual challenges that you may face this season and how best to prevent pain from becoming a problem. Whether you need another round of pain injections or want to tweak some therapy exercises, it’s a good idea to circle back with your pain care provider before the summer season gets into full swing.

For more information, or to talk to Dr. Cohn about any issues you may be having, reach out to his clinic today.