As temperatures climb and the summer sun blazes on, many people find themselves feeling more sluggish, overheated—and for some, in more pain. At Medici Orthopaedics & Spine, we often hear from patients who say their nerve pain feels worse in the summer. The tingling is stronger, the burning sensation more intense, and flare-ups seem to come on faster after being outside.
It’s a trend that raises an important and often overlooked question: Can summer heat actually make nerve pain worse? The short answer is—yes, for some people. And understanding why is the first step to finding relief.
Nerve pain, or neuropathy, is complex. It can stem from a wide range of conditions including diabetes, spinal injuries, shingles, and post-surgical complications. It often presents as burning, tingling, numbness, or electric-like shocks—and it doesn’t always follow predictable patterns.
But many patients notice a connection between hot weather and increased symptoms, especially during heat waves or after being in the sun for extended periods. If you’ve felt this, you’re not imagining it—and you’re not alone.
There are several forms of nerve pain, each with its own patterns and triggers:
Though the root causes vary, the impact on daily life is often the same: persistent discomfort that interferes with movement, sleep, and emotional well-being.
Nerve pain can present in a variety of ways, including:
These symptoms may come and go or worsen with activity, temperature changes, or even stress—making the condition especially difficult to predict and manage.
There are many underlying conditions and injuries that can damage nerves, including:
When temperatures rise, your body initiates several processes to cool itself down:
These changes may be subtle in most people, but in those with nerve damage or sensitivity, they can worsen pain and interfere with normal nerve function.
Increased heat can also intensify inflammatory responses in the body. Inflammation is a major driver of nerve pain—whether it's from an irritated nerve root in your spine or inflamed tissue surrounding damaged peripheral nerves. As the body works harder to regulate temperature, it may amplify existing pain signals or lower your pain threshold, making previously manageable symptoms feel more severe.
Certain chronic conditions are especially sensitive to heat and are often linked to nerve-related pain:
Understanding how heat interacts with these conditions is key to managing symptoms proactively, especially during summer months.
Scientific studies have shown that extreme temperatures can influence the nervous system, especially in people with pre-existing nerve conditions. A 2020 study in the Journal of Pain Research found that temperature sensitivity was significantly higher in patients with neuropathic pain, particularly when exposed to either heat or cold extremes.
Another study in Pain Practice highlighted that thermoregulatory stress (like heat exposure) can alter how pain is processed in the brain, potentially lowering your threshold for pain and intensifying symptoms—especially in those with fibromyalgia, multiple sclerosis, or complex regional pain syndrome (CRPS).
At Medici Orthopaedics & Spine, we’ve consistently observed that many patients with neuropathy, spinal nerve compression, or postherpetic neuralgia experience heightened discomfort during warm, humid weather. They describe:
However, there’s no one-size-fits-all experience—some patients actually feel better in warmer weather compared to colder months, particularly those who suffer from joint stiffness or cold-triggered pain.
Heat can worsen nerve pain through:
For some individuals, however, warmth improves circulation and relaxes muscles, temporarily easing tension or stiffness, which may explain why others report symptom relief.
Proper hydration is essential for nerve signaling and muscle performance. In hot weather, sweat and increased urination can quickly lead to fluid and electrolyte loss, which may worsen symptoms like cramping, burning, or numbness.
Spending too much time outside during the midday sun (10 a.m. to 4 p.m.) can elevate your core temperature and irritate sensitive nerves.
Cooling strategies can help bring quick relief to overheated nerves:
Temperature regulation helps prevent inflammation from flaring and keeps your nervous system balanced.
Don’t ignore the signals your body gives you—adjust your pace or take breaks as needed. If your symptoms worsen:
Just because the temperatures rise doesn’t mean your quality of life has to fall. If you’ve noticed your nerve pain getting worse in the summer, you’re not alone—and you’re not powerless. The key to relief lies in understanding how heat affects your body and making small, strategic adjustments to stay ahead of the discomfort.
At Medici Orthopaedics & Spine, we believe that no one should be sidelined by seasonal pain. Whether it’s adjusting your care plan, incorporating new therapies, or simply learning to listen to your body’s warning signs, you can stay active, confident, and pain-free all summer long.
Nerve pain is complex—but with the right support, you can regain control. Our team is here to help you not only manage symptoms but target the underlying cause with personalized, non-opioid treatments that fit your lifestyle.
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