Swimming for Back Pain Relief
Posted on Thursday, November 10th, 2011
By Sean Campbell.
Swimming can be a valuable tool for relieving common forms of back pain. It is especially effective at helping to heal and prevent muscular and early discogenic back pain.
Swimming provides an excellent cardio-vascular workout. It is much kinder to the joints than jogging, but equally effective. Many people suffering from chronic back pain have a difficult time with many forms of exercise. Swimming is ideal, since the water counteracts the force of gravity and takes pressure off the spine and back muscles. This “lightening of the load” often relieves some forms of back pain. This explains why so many patients feel instant relief the minute they submerge themselves in the pool.
Swimming increases general circulation. More circulation means more oxygen will reach the affected back muscles. Swimming also acts as a form of resistance training. Pulling your body through the water will build strong, lean muscle fibers. Swimming is a great full body workout.
Swimming for Back Pain Cautions
Do not swim alone. Always be accompanied by a friend, or preferably, supervised by a lifeguard. Do not swim for one hour after eating. Do not swim when you are taking any pain medication that may cause drowsiness. Do not swim in deep water. Beginner swimmers should only swim in water deep enough for them to still be able to stand. Please see your doctor for a clearance if you suffer any general health issues.
Taking swimming lessons is a great idea at any age. Not only will novice swimmers gain more skills in the water, but they will also become more confident and lose any fear that may prevent them from getting the most benefit from their time in the pool.
Recommendation on Swimming for Back Pain
Best outcomes will occur if you start gently and slowly and gradually build up as your fitness improves. You will need to build up to at least 3 times a week for maximum benefit.Swimming for back pain is one of the best and most holistic of all treatments you can use for many diagnosed conditions. So discuss with your physiotherapist if swimming could help treat your back pain. You might just love it so much that you will continue swimming long after you have found lasting back pain relief.
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