More than 80% of adults in the US have had lower back pain at some point in their lives. That is an astonishing number of individuals who have experienced this health issue. There are other options than taking over-the-counter painkillers to treat this excruciating discomfort. For back pain relief, many people are turning to sports like swimming. But how can it actually benefit you?
What Do the Studies Say?
Studies demonstrate that swimming and other aquatic exercises are among the most effective ways to treat lower back pain. The temptation to relax and forego exercise may exist for a patient who experiences lower back discomfort. That’s among the worst things you can do, though. The muscles that support the lower back may atrophy from too much rest. The patient’s condition gets worse as a result of these muscles losing strength since they are unable to maintain the spine effectively. Because of this, doctors concur that strengthening activities for these muscles are crucial for the spine’s health.
The spine is under a lot of stress from exercises done on land. However, lower back pain sufferers can strengthen the muscles that support their spine without tension by engaging in aquatic activities like swimming. The water’s buoyancy relieves pressure on the spine and joints.
What are Useful Exercises for the Lower Back?
Useful exercises include:
- Doing laps: Even though it’s technically not swimming, you can still get relief for your back discomfort by simply strolling around the pool. Resistance training strengthens your muscles wildly if you swing your arms while walking.
- Water aerobics: Working on the cardio component necessary to develop muscular strength is made easier by doing aquatic aerobics. It strengthens several muscles while also increasing your flexibility.
- Walking: Even though it’s technically not swimming, you can still get relief from your back discomfort by simply strolling around the pool. Resistance training strengthens your muscles wildly if you swing your arms while walking.
What are the Benefits of Swimming?
Here are the benefits of swimming.
- It helps unwind those physical nerves. Tense muscles are sometimes what causes back pain to develop. In addition, they can aggravate spinal conditions, which can cause increased pain. Swimming releases endorphins, those sweet, feel-good hormones that relax your nervous system and tense muscles.
- It relieves pressure on your joints. Much of your body is buoyant while you swim. Compared to other forms of exercise, this significantly lessens the strain on your joints.
- Swimming builds muscles to support the spine. Doing exercises in water supports your joints and spine and increases resistance. Swimming engages muscles you don’t always use, particularly those needed to improve your spine’s stability.
Here’s an Important Reminder.
Always talk to your doctor before starting any workout program, especially if you’ve never tried it. While swimming is an excellent option for physical activity for many people, it is not the case for everyone. Be sure you understand the full extent of how critical your back pain is, including if you have any limitations that may prevent you from being able to swim. Unless you are 100% positive, don’t try it. You won’t want to end up doing something that will come with dire consequences later on.
Enjoy the water!
