A Chiropractor in Vancouver WA Explains How Swimming Affects Your Back

For many people suffering from back pain, swimming is a great exercise to consider. It is an excellent form of aerobic conditioning because it is low impact and easy on both your spine and back. The water provides buoyancy, which helps to support your body’s weight and reduces the stress on both your spine and joints. This exercise has an added benefit of allowing you to have a greater range of motion.

That said, swimming can sometimes also lead to problems. Many of the strokes and movements a person does in the pool can exacerbate your lower back condition and lead to a flare up of pain.

An issue with swimming is that many of the strokes create a shear force that radiates across the structures in your lower back. This may occur through repetitive rotating in the lower back and hips, which is common when swimming. This particular form of force contributes to a breakdown of the discs and other sensitive structures in your lower spine. To avoid shear force consider using a mask and snorkel. This simple action will eliminate the need to arch your back while lifting out of the water to breathe.  For more information about protecting your back and spine in the water, click here.

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If you are experiencing back pain related to swimming, consider a chiropractor in Vancouver WA that is experienced in many spinal conditions. Click here to read about our services at A Family and Sports Chiropractic Clinic.