Warmer temperatures are here, and New England residents are heading outside to enjoy outdoor activities. Many of our patients wonder what physical activities are safe when living with back pain. Activities such as jogging, hiking, or tennis are strenuous on your back. Instead, consider swimming. Swimming is refreshing, fun, and timeless, but it can also help relieve back pain and may improve symptoms over time.
Is Swimming Good for Back Pain? – Relieves Pressure
Water makes you feel weightless due to the buoyancy of water supporting around 90% of your body weight. This weightlessness immediately relieves pressure from your joints, including your back.
Is Swimming Good for Back Pain? – Exercise Builds Muscle
Building muscle can help reduce back pain. When experiencing back pain, working out does not seem like a wise choice; we intuitively think we need to rest to heal. While rest is a part of the healing process, back pain may not be associated with an injury requiring such measures.
Swimming is a low-impact exercise option for building muscle. Swimming laps with proper stroke technique can lengthen and increase muscle flexibility while strengthening muscles.
Learn About our Talented In-House Team Members, Dr.Scott Rosner, and Dr.Jessica Rosner!
Is Swimming Good for Back Pain? – Improves Posture
Slouching adds extra pressure to your spine and is a significant cause of back pain. Sitting and slouching commonly go together, and Americans spend almost 8 hours per day sitting. The good news is that improving posture is possible, and swimming can help improve posture by strengthening back and shoulder stability.
Types of Swimming Exercises
Swimming exercise is not limited to laps, and various types of water exercises can relieve back pain. Other water exercises include walking, jogging, running in place, and water aerobics. Water aerobics classes are often available at a local YMCA or community center.
Tips for Water Workouts
- Pool temperature matters and water workouts for back pain are optimal in pool water between 82-86 degrees Fahrenheit.
- Stay hydrated! Workouts in water still cause you to sweat and lose hydration.
- Water shoes are an option if you are unstable on your feet.
- Equipment such as kickboards, water weights, or foam noodles can add to your swimming exercise routine.
Weymouth Chiropractic
If you’re experiencing back pain, our licensed professionals at Weymouth Chiropractic and Wellness Center are here for you. Please don’t wait any longer. Contact us today and start your journey to back pain relief through an individualized treatment plan.
If you’ve been looking for a chiropractor in Quincy or Hingham, our decades of combined experience are prepared to help you; click the link to contact us today!