Why Back Pain Flares Up in Early Spring — And What You Can Do About It

Spring Back Pain in Warwick, Rhode Island: Why the Season Change Matters

As winter fades and temperatures begin to rise across Warwick, Rhode Island, many people are surprised to find their back pain returning — or getting worse. Early spring often brings an increase in spinal discomfort due to sudden changes in activity levels, lingering stiffness from winter, and outdoor projects that strain muscles and joints that haven’t been used in months.

At Enos Chiropractic Center in Warwick, RI, Dr. Jamie Enos frequently sees an increase in back and neck complaints during March and early April. Understanding why this seasonal shift impacts your spine can help you prevent setbacks and move into spring feeling stronger and more mobile.

1. A Sudden Increase in Activity After a Sedentary Winter

Winter in Rhode Island naturally slows many people down. Shorter days, cold temperatures, and icy conditions reduce outdoor activity. Muscles tighten, joints stiffen, and overall movement patterns become more limited.

When spring arrives, people often jump straight into yard work, gardening, long walks, home improvement projects, or returning to outdoor sports. That rapid increase in activity places new stress on spinal structures that may not be prepared for it.

Without gradual conditioning, the lower back — especially the lumbar spine — absorbs increased load. This often leads to muscle spasms, joint irritation, or flare-ups of preexisting disc conditions.

2. Yard Work and Spring Cleaning Injuries

Raking leaves, lifting mulch bags, moving patio furniture, cleaning garages, and preparing gardens are common early spring tasks in Warwick. These activities involve repetitive bending, twisting, and lifting — movements that can stress spinal joints and discs if done improperly.

Even individuals who felt fine during winter can experience strain once these movements are repeated for extended periods without proper warm-up or mechanics.

If you’ve ever felt back pain “hit” after a long Saturday of yard work, this is likely why.

3. Lingering Joint Stiffness from Cold Weather

Cold temperatures contribute to joint stiffness and reduced elasticity in muscles and connective tissue. During winter months, spinal joints often lose some mobility simply because we move less.

When activity levels increase again in spring, restricted joints may not glide smoothly. This can create uneven stress distribution in the spine, leading to localized pain, inflammation, or nerve irritation.

4. Posture Habits Built Up Over Winter

Winter often means more time indoors — working at desks, sitting on couches, or looking down at devices. Poor posture habits can compound over several months and may not cause noticeable symptoms until movement increases again.

Forward head posture, rounded shoulders, and prolonged sitting create mechanical stress that accumulates over time. Once activity increases in spring, these underlying imbalances often surface as pain or stiffness.

5. Preexisting Disc or Nerve Conditions Becoming Irritated

If you have a history of disc bulges, herniations, sciatica, or chronic low back pain, the seasonal transition can amplify symptoms. Increased bending, lifting, and rotation can irritate already sensitive structures.

For some patients, this is when radiating leg pain, numbness, tingling, or sharp lower back pain reappears.

What You Can Do to Prevent a Spring Back Pain Flare-Up

1. Ease Back Into Physical Activity

Instead of tackling every outdoor task in one weekend, spread projects out. Gradual increases in activity allow muscles and joints to adapt safely.

2. Warm Up Before Yard Work or Exercise

Light mobility drills, hip stretches, and core activation exercises can prepare your spine for bending and lifting.

3. Focus on Proper Lifting Mechanics

Bend at your hips and knees — not at your waist. Keep objects close to your body and avoid twisting while lifting.

4. Address Stiffness Early

If tightness or discomfort begins, don’t ignore it. Early intervention often prevents minor irritation from turning into a longer-term issue.

How Chiropractic Care Can Help During Seasonal Transitions

At Enos Chiropractic Center in Warwick, Rhode Island, Dr. Jamie Enos evaluates how spinal mechanics, posture habits, and movement patterns contribute to pain. Rather than simply masking symptoms, care focuses on restoring joint mobility, reducing nerve irritation, and improving overall function.

Depending on your condition, treatment may include chiropractic adjustments, therapeutic exercises, soft tissue therapy, or advanced treatments such as spinal decompression therapy.

Addressing spinal stress early in the season can reduce the likelihood of recurring flare-ups throughout spring and summer.

When Should You Schedule an Evaluation?

You should consider booking an appointment if:

• Your back pain lasts more than a few days
• Pain radiates into your legs
• You experience numbness or tingling
• Stiffness limits your ability to move normally
• You’ve experienced recurring spring flare-ups in past years

Move Into Spring Feeling Stronger — Not Limited

Spring in Warwick should feel energizing, not restrictive. If back pain is slowing you down, identifying the cause and addressing it properly can help you stay active and comfortable throughout the season.

If you’re experiencing early spring back pain, schedule an appointment with Dr. Jamie Enos at Enos Chiropractic Center and take the first step toward moving through spring confidently.