The summer should be one of the most enjoyable times of the year in Minnesota, but for many people who deal with chronic pain, the summer heat can make their condition worse. So how can you not only survive, but thrive, during the summer months if you have chronic pain? Consider this blog your playbook to managing your pain condition this summer.

Handling Chronic Pain in the Heat

Here are a number of ways to fight back against your chronic pain condition during the summer:

Exercise During Non-Peak Hours – As we talk about on this blog all the time, exercise is very important to help strengthen key structures and treat chronic pain conditions. However, if you’re exercising when it’s hottest out, it can trigger a flareup or lead to a less than successful exercise session. Wake up early or exercise when the sun goes down to avoid the heat.

Dress For What’s Ahead – Becoming overheated can trigger a pain flareup or make your CRPS worse, so look ahead at the weather and plan accordingly. Wear appropriate clothes for the day and try to be inside when it’s supposed to be the hottest to avoid problems with your pain condition.

Swim – Swimming is one of our favorite exercises during the summer, because not only does it get the heart pumping and strengthen supportive muscle groups, but it also helps to keep you cool. On days when you don’t want to do a traditional workout outdoors, head to the community pool or a nearby lake to do some swimming. If you want help developing a water-based exercise routine to treat your pain condition, reach out to our office today.

Stay Hydrated – Pain conditions can also trigger if you’re dehydrated, as can other problems like an increased risk of muscle strains and sprains. Make sure you bring water if you’re going to be outside for long periods or if you’re going to be sweating.

Stay Inside – Finally, if you don’t have to go outside and take on the heat, stay inside where it’s cool. Do your workout inside where it’s cool, or go for a run indoors on your treadmill. It’s important to stay active even when indoors to help keep healthy blood pumping throughout your body, but don’t go out in the heat if you know it’s going to cause problems for your pain condition.

If you follow these tips, we’re confident that you’ll be able to take control of your pain condition even in these hot months. And if you need additional assistance with any aspect of your pain condition, reach out to Dr. Cohn’s office today.