Camping Season Increases Back Pain

Dr. Nikesh Seth often sees an increase in patients complaining of back and neck pain in the summer months—there comes a time when camping isn’t the carefree activity it used to be. Sleeping on hard, uneven ground (not to mention in a wildly different environment) can certainly interfere with your sleep. However, when does “camp back” become a potentially chronic problem and not a minor complaint that will go away when you return to the real world?

CAMPING CAN CAUSE A HERNIATED DISC

It depends. Camping can potentially cause a brand-new problem like a herniated disc, or it can exacerbate an underlying issue you might not have noticed before. A safe, comfortable sleeping environment is critical for your well-being, and particularly the health of your back. A lot of people spend about eight hours per day sleeping, and that’s a long period to put your back in a compromised position.

Of course, a little stiffness and soreness while camping can be completely normal. However, if the pain is debilitating, seems sudden and sharp, or just doesn’t feel quite right, it’s important to see a medical professional immediately. Back pain can be caused by sudden trauma (including poor sleeping conditions), and the earlier the pain is treated the better the outcome.

3 WAYS TO PREVENT BACK INJURIES WHILE CAMPING

However, if you have a camping trip planned, there are a few things you can do to help prevent back injuries:

If you have existing back pain, see a pain specialist before your camping trip. Any pain is a sign that something’s wrong. Since a camping trip can worsen pain and injuries, you want to make sure you know exactly what’s causing any current pain.
Invest in quality sleeping pads. For many adults, a simple sleeping bag isn’t enough. There are several camping-specific sleeping pads available that can help ensure a safe, comfortable night’s sleep.
Consider a cabin instead of a tent. It might be time to “upgrade” your camping to glamping. A little luxury can go a long way.

Schedule a pain consultation today

If you love camping but are worried about back pain, call Integrated Pain Consultants today at 480-626-2552 to schedule a pain consultation.