Summer Heat and Spine Health: How Rising Temperatures Affect Your Body
Summer in Brooklyn means rooftop hangs, long walks across the bridge, and soaking up every hour of daylight. But as temperatures climb, your spine faces challenges you might not expect. Heat, dehydration, and changes in activity level can all impact your spinal health — and understanding the connection can help you stay pain-free all season long.
How Heat Affects Your Spine and Joints
When temperatures rise, your body works harder to regulate its core temperature. Blood flow shifts toward your skin to release heat, which can reduce circulation to deeper tissues — including the muscles and ligaments that support your spine. This can lead to increased stiffness, muscle fatigue, and a higher risk of strain during physical activity.
Additionally, heat can increase inflammation throughout the body. If you already have a spinal misalignment or subluxation, elevated inflammation can amplify discomfort and make existing issues feel worse.
Dehydration and Your Spinal Discs
Your spinal discs are made up of roughly 80% water. They act as shock absorbers between your vertebrae, cushioning every step, twist, and bend. When you're dehydrated — which happens faster in summer heat — those discs lose fluid and become less effective at absorbing impact. This can lead to increased pressure on spinal joints, reduced flexibility, and a greater risk of disc-related pain.
Staying hydrated isn't just about quenching thirst. It's about maintaining the structural integrity of your spine.
Summer Activity Shifts and Spinal Stress
Summer often brings a sudden spike in physical activity — weekend sports, running outdoors, beach volleyball, or simply walking more. While movement is great for your body, a sudden increase without proper preparation can strain muscles and joints that aren't ready for the load. Common summer-related spinal complaints include:
Lower back pain from running or hiking on uneven terrain
Neck and shoulder tension from carrying bags to the beach or park
Mid-back stiffness from prolonged sitting during road trips or flights
Hip and pelvis misalignment from flip-flops and unsupportive footwear
How Chiropractic Care Helps You Stay Aligned This Summer
Regular chiropractic adjustments help ensure your spine is properly aligned so your nervous system can function at its best — especially when your body is under additional stress from heat and increased activity. At KIRO Brooklyn, Dr. Josie DeRosa uses custom chiropractic tables with flexion distraction and an activator to deliver precise, targeted adjustments tailored to your body's needs.
Chiropractic care can help with:
Restoring proper joint mobility after summer activities
Reducing inflammation and muscle tension caused by heat
Improving nervous system function to help your body adapt to temperature changes
Addressing postural imbalances from seasonal footwear changes
Tips to Protect Your Spine This Summer
Stay hydrated: Aim for at least half your body weight in ounces of water daily, and increase intake on hot days or when exercising
Warm up before activity: Don't jump straight into intense exercise — give your muscles and joints time to prepare
Choose supportive footwear: Flip-flops and sandals with no arch support can throw off your alignment from the ground up
Take breaks from the heat: Prolonged heat exposure increases fatigue and makes your muscles more prone to injury
Keep up with your adjustments: Consistent chiropractic care helps your body handle the physical demands of an active summer
What Dr. Josie Says
"Summer is when I see a lot of patients come in with flare-ups they didn't expect — a back tweak from a pickup basketball game, neck tension from a long car ride to the shore, or general stiffness from dehydration. The best thing you can do is stay proactive with your spinal health. Stay hydrated, ease into new activities, and keep your adjustments consistent. Your body will thank you." — Dr. Josie DeRosa, KIRO Brooklyn
Your First Visit at KIRO Brooklyn
If you're new to KIRO, your first visit includes a consultation, examination, and your first adjustment — all for just $39 with our New Patient Special. No scans, no X-rays, no complicated intake process. Just a focused evaluation and hands-on care from day one.
For those who want ongoing support, KIRO offers a membership at $180/month with no contracts — cancel anytime. Members get regular adjustments plus a monthly Nervous System Scan (surface EMG) to track their progress over time.
KIRO Brooklyn is open Monday and Thursday from 10 AM to 7 PM, Tuesday and Friday from 8 AM to 5 PM, and Saturday from 9 AM to 1 PM. We're closed Wednesday and Sunday.
Don't let the summer heat slow you down. Book your visit at KIRO Brooklyn and stay aligned all season long.
FAQs
Can hot weather make back pain worse?
Yes. Heat increases inflammation throughout the body and can worsen existing spinal issues. Dehydration from summer heat also reduces the fluid in your spinal discs, making them less effective at absorbing impact and increasing discomfort.
How does dehydration affect my spine?
Your spinal discs are about 80% water. When you're dehydrated, they lose fluid and compress more easily, which can lead to increased pressure on spinal joints, reduced flexibility, and a higher risk of disc-related pain.
Should I see a chiropractor before starting a summer exercise routine?
It's a great idea. A chiropractic evaluation can identify any misalignments or areas of restricted motion that could put you at risk for injury when you increase your activity level. Getting aligned before ramping up helps your body handle the load.
What happens during a first visit at KIRO Brooklyn?
Your first visit includes a one-on-one consultation, a physical examination, and your first chiropractic adjustment — all for $39 with the New Patient Special. No scans or X-rays on the first visit. It's straightforward and focused on getting you the care you need right away.
Do I need a membership to get adjusted at KIRO?
No. You can book individual visits without a membership. However, KIRO's membership at $180/month offers regular adjustments and a monthly Nervous System Scan (surface EMG) to track your progress — with no contracts and the ability to cancel anytime.
READY TO TAKE THE NEXT STEP?
Schedule your first appointment for just $39.
Includes an Exam, Consultation, and Total-Spinal Adjustment.
Bonus: your $39 is fully-refundable if you decide to become a Member and begin treatment with our doctors during your appointment.