Summer brings vacations, relaxation, travel, and a notable increase in consultations for back pain. At SanySa del Levante, we treat hundreds of patients every month. Our physiotherapists notice a clear pattern: high temperatures and changes in summer routine are directly related to the increase in lower back and neck pain.

In this article, you will discover why summer can be a risky season for your spine, and how to prevent and relieve those discomforts with professional advice and scientific evidence.

Why back pain appears in summer

Although it may seem contradictory, heat can be a trigger for back pain. These are some of the most common causes:

• Sleep disturbances due to heat

High temperatures make restorative sleep difficult. Poor sleep causes muscle stiffness, contractures, and postural alterations. In the words of SanySa del Levante physiotherapists: “Many patients tell us they cannot find a proper sleeping position and wake up with a tense back.”

• Changing mattress or pillow on vacation

Sleeping in hotels, beach houses, or campsites with non-ergonomic surfaces can trigger acute lower back pain, especially in people with a history of low back pain.

• Sedentary lifestyle or intense physical activity without preparation

On vacation, some people reduce their activity to a minimum, while others engage in sports sporadically (such as surfing, swimming, or hiking) without prior preparation. Both extremes can negatively affect the spine.

• Poor posture while traveling

Driving for hours or traveling on planes and buses without proper lumbar support often causes overload in the lower back and neck area.

• Dehydration and excessive heat

Lack of water affects the viscoelasticity of the intervertebral discs, while heat can increase muscle tone and promote spasms.

How to prevent it with physiotherapy

From physiotherapy, simple yet effective measures can be taken to prevent discomfort during this season:

• Take care of your sleeping posture: use ergonomic pillows, avoid excessively soft or hard mattresses, and preferably sleep on your side, with a pillow between your legs.

• Maintain proper hydration: heat causes dehydration, and this affects the musculoskeletal tissues. Drink at least 2 liters of water a day, especially if you engage in physical activity.

• Avoid prolonged sedentary behavior: if you travel by car or plane, take breaks every 2 hours to walk and stretch, and use lumbar support.

• Do professionally guided stretches: at SanySa del Levante we share simple exercises on our social media to relieve back tension.

• Consult a physiotherapist if pain persists: do not let an acute discomfort become chronic. A professional assessment is key to detecting muscle imbalances, overloads, or trigger points that can be effectively treated.

Enjoy summer without back pain

Summer does not have to be synonymous with back pain. With small changes in your habits and proper professional support, you can prevent and relieve these discomforts.

At SanySa del Levante, we are here to help you. Follow us on our social media to discover more tips, exercises, and advice from our physiotherapists!