Chronic low back pain is one of the most common conditions encountered in physiotherapy practice. While exercise therapy, posture correction, and manual techniques remain the mainstay of treatment, lifestyle-related factors are increasingly recognized as important contributors to pain persistence and recovery. One such often-overlooked factor is regular exposure to morning sunlight.
Morning sunlight plays a key role in regulating the body’s circadian rhythm. Proper circadian alignment influences sleep quality, hormonal balance, and pain sensitivity. Individuals with chronic low back pain frequently report poor sleep and morning stiffness, both of which can heighten pain perception and delay functional recovery. Exposure to natural light in the early hours of the day helps synchronize the biological clock, potentially reducing pain sensitivity and improving daily activity tolerance.
Another important mechanism linking sunlight to spinal health is vitamin D synthesis. Vitamin D is essential for bone integrity, muscle function, and neuromuscular coordination. Deficiency in vitamin D has been associated with generalized musculoskeletal pain and muscle weakness, which may compromise spinal stability. Regular morning sunlight exposure provides a natural and accessible means of supporting adequate vitamin D levels, particularly in individuals with limited outdoor activity.
From a neuromuscular perspective, sunlight exposure has also been linked to improved muscle performance and reduced fatigue. Improved muscle efficiency may enhance the effectiveness of core stabilization and movement-based rehabilitation programs commonly prescribed for chronic low back pain. Furthermore, sunlight exposure has well-documented psychological benefits, including mood elevation and reduction of stress and anxiety—factors that strongly influence chronic pain outcomes.
For physiotherapists, encouraging patients to adopt simple lifestyle habits such as brief morning sunlight exposure can complement conventional rehabilitation strategies. A daily exposure of 15 to 20 minutes during early morning hours is generally safe and practical for most individuals. When combined with structured exercise therapy, this approach supports a more holistic and patient-centered model of care.
Incorporating environmental and lifestyle considerations into physiotherapy practice may enhance long-term outcomes in chronic low back pain. Morning sunlight exposure represents a low-cost, non-invasive, and easily implementable adjunct that aligns well with modern biopsychosocial approaches to pain management.
