Chronic pain doesn’t take a vacation — in fact, many people find their back and neck pain feels worse in the hot, humid summer months. If you’re living with chronic spine pain, understanding your treatment options, from conservative pain management to minimally invasive spine surgery, can help you get lasting relief.
Dr. George Kakoulides, Board-Certified Neurosurgeon, specializes in helping patients find the best care plan for their unique needs — and many patients with Oxford insurance want to know how they can access these services to improve their quality of life.
Why Does Chronic Pain Often Worsen in Hot Summer Weather?
Many patients are surprised to learn that weather changes can have a real impact on pain. Dr. Kakoulides explains that higher temperatures, humidity, and barometric pressure shifts can cause inflammation to increase. Heat can also lead to dehydration, which affects joint and muscle health.
People with chronic back pain, arthritis, sciatica, or nerve pain may feel more stiffness, swelling, or flare-ups in the summer heat. Staying hydrated, stretching regularly, and avoiding overexertion during peak temperatures can help.
Common Spine-Related Pain Conditions
Chronic pain can have many causes, but some common spine-related conditions Dr. Kakoulides treats include:
- Herniated or bulging discs
- Spinal stenosis (narrowing of the spinal canal)
- Degenerative disc disease
- Sciatica or pinched nerves
- Facet joint pain
- Post-surgical spine pain
If you have any of these conditions, a personalized treatment plan is key to getting back to your daily activities with less discomfort.
Conservative Pain Management Options
When it comes to spine pain, surgery is not always the first step. Many patients find significant relief with non-surgical treatments, including:
- Physical Therapy: Tailored exercises to strengthen your core and improve flexibility.
- Pain Medications: Anti-inflammatories or muscle relaxants when appropriate.
- Epidural Steroid Injections: Targeted injections can reduce inflammation and pain around spinal nerves.
- Lifestyle Modifications: Weight management, posture improvement, and ergonomic adjustments can all make a difference.
- Heat & Cold Therapy: Helps manage muscle tightness and swelling.
Dr. Kakoulides works closely with each patient to find the best conservative approach before considering surgery.
When Minimally Invasive Spine Surgery May Be the Answer
When conservative care doesn’t provide enough relief, minimally invasive spine surgery can be a highly effective option. Compared to traditional open surgery, minimally invasive procedures often mean:
- Smaller incisions
- Shorter recovery times
- Less post-operative pain
- Reduced risk of complications
Some minimally invasive spine surgeries Dr. George Kakoulides offers include:
- Microdiscectomy: Removes part of a herniated disc that’s pressing on a nerve.
- Spinal Decompression: Relieves pressure on the spinal cord or nerves.
- Minimally Invasive Spinal Fusion: Stabilizes the spine while preserving surrounding muscle and tissue.
Getting the Spine Care You Need with Oxford Insurance
If you have Oxford insurance, you may have coverage for both conservative pain management and minimally invasive spine surgery. It’s important to review your Oxford plan details, understand what services are covered, and know what to expect for diagnostic imaging, specialist consultations, and treatment costs.
Dr. George Kakoulides and his experienced team are here to help you navigate your benefits and answer your questions every step of the way — from your first consultation through recovery.
Take the Next Step Toward Relief
If chronic spine pain is limiting your summer fun, you don’t have to suffer in silence. A personalized care plan — whether conservative or surgical — can help you regain your quality of life.
Contact Dr. George Kakoulides, Neurosurgeon, today to schedule a consultation and learn how you can get the care you need with your Oxford insurance.
