Summer means more time exercising in the sun. But the heat can put you at risk of dehydration, whether you’re working or playing outside. Dehydration occurs when the fluid you drink doesn’t replace the fluid you’ve lost. Your body’s systems require ample water to function. Without enough, dehydration sets in. Symptoms of dehydration can include headaches, dizziness and — surprisingly — back pain.
While the two might sound mutually exclusive, they have a strong link. According to a study, many participants with back pain reported that their pain was worse in the summers. In addition, about 61% said they believed their hydration levels influenced the intensity of their back pain. The reasons behind hydration-related back pain can be surprising.If you already have musculoskeletal issues in your back like arthritis, dehydration can worsen them. Water helps cushion your joints. It also helps reduce inflammation in your body and flush out toxins. Without enough water to help cycle fluid out of your upper or lower back, further inflammation and pain can occur.
How can dehydration cause your back pain?
If you’ve been outside for a long period of time and start suffering from back pain, it might be because you’re dehydrated. Here’s why your back might ache if you’ve haven’t drunk enough water in a few hours:
- Dehydration can cause your spinal discs to shrink.
The vertebrae in your spine are separated by jellylike structures called discs. The main job of discs is to provide shock absorption and cushioning between each vertebrae. Without enough water, your discs can shrink and collapse, forcing your vertebrae to hold up weight they’re not used to supporting. Meanwhile, your vertebrae can be forced to push against sensitive nerves, which can radiate pain. Dehydrated discs can also lead to a herniated disc and cause swelling around your vertebrae. In total, the discs in your spine can cause you lots of back pain if they aren’t filled with enough water.
- Dehydration can cause muscle cramps and spasms.
Muscle cramps and spasms can be extremely painful and uncontrollable. Both involve an involuntary tightening of the muscles. While muscle cramps in your back are less common than in your legs, back muscles can suddenly tighten if they don’t have enough access to water. Spasms can also occur when the back muscles are not well hydrated. Spasms can range from uncontrollable twitches to a constant pulsing sensation.
- Dehydration can cause preexisting chronic health conditions to flare up.
If you already have musculoskeletal issues in your back like arthritis, dehydration can worsen them. Water helps cushion your joints. It also helps reduce inflammation in your body and flush out toxins. Without enough water to help cycle fluid out of your upper or lower back, further inflammation and pain can occur.
Panther PT can help you target your back pain
Whether you’re planning a vacation this summer or just like to exercise outside, dehydration can be a real concern. Back pain is one of dehydration’s many symptoms. Panther PT’s expert specialists can help alleviate your back pain by tailoring treatments to your needs. Contact our team today for more information or to schedule an initial appointment.