Can Swimming Relieve Chronic Back Pain?

If you’re suffering from chronic back pain, swimming is a low-impact aerobic conditioning exercise that’s easy on the back and good for the spine. Unlike running, swimming causes little impact on your spinal structures because the water provides support to your body while you swim. Swimming and other types of water exercises can help the spine and limbs expand, which relieves painful pressure or strain on the back.

Why Is Swimming Good for Back Pain?

When you’re struggling with chronic back pain, it’s understandable to feel like resting and avoiding exercise altogether. However, this avoiding exercise can be one of the worst things to do for your back. Too much rest and not enough exercise can cause the muscles supporting your lower back to weaken. Furthermore, lack of exercise may result in disuse syndrome.

Swimming is an excellent type of exercise if you suffer from back pain because it’s low-impact and enjoyable. The benefits of swimming or performing other water-centered activities include:

  • Increased stamina
  • Improved cardiovascular health
  • Builds muscle strength
  • Improved flexibility
  • Build strength in the back, shoulder, leg, and core muscles
  • Improved balance
  • Improved posture
  • Improved coordination

Water exercise can help relieve pain and make your back and body stronger. However, like with most exercises, swimming or other water activities need to be done with care to avoid causing harm. Without the proper care, swimming can do more harm than good. Consult your doctor about your desire to do swimming or other water-centered activities before taking on the tasks yourself. Your doctor can provide you with a plan specific to your needs that addresses the source of your pain.

4 Water Exercises for Back Pain Relief

Before considering embarking on any of the following exercises, it’s beneficial to speak with your doctor so you can get a more tailored exercise plan that will address your needs. However, it’s also good to come in with ideas or have a basic understanding of these exercises for yourself. Here are four water exercises you can consider trying.

Walk-in Water

While you’re not technically swimming, walking around the pool can be a very beneficial exercise. The resistance of the water helps build up your muscles, especially if you swing your arms while doing your laps around the pool.

Water Aerobics

Water aerobics works a variety of muscles in your back and helps your body build up flexibility.

Swimming Laps

When swimming laps, it’s important to start slow to prevent straining your muscles. At first, it’s best only to do it for a short time, a couple of times a week. Different types of strokes will work different muscles in your hips, chest, and back. It’s important to understand which strokes would work best for you to use the proper form and technique.

Use a Pool Noodle

Pool noodles can be helpful tools for people who aren’t comfortable in the water right away. The pool noodle can be used by sitting upright on it and gently using the arms and legs to move across the pool.

Suffering From Chronic Back Pain? Contact NJ Spine & Orthopedics

NJ Spine & Orthopedics is a leading provider of back pain relief. We know how difficult it is to live with chronic back pain. We have passionate spinal specialists who have dedicated their careers to finding the best and least invasive treatments for back pain. Our goal is to help you find the treatment you need to help regain your quality of life. Contact us today and get started on the journey to find pain relief. You can schedule an appointment by calling (866) 272-9271 or filling out our contact form.

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