Swimming is usually thought of as an activity that always eases back pain. But is it? Here's a question we received recently.

Q. 

I am experiencing pain on lower right hand side of back.  Can backstroke be cause of this?

A. 

Yes. You despite swimming being thought of as a great back pain reliever, you can experience low back pain during an activity such as backstroke for various reasons.

Backstroke requires that your body elongates. In fact, you will actually arch and twist your lower back during the reaching phase of the stroke. If you don't have the flexibility to allow the movement, or the muscle strength to control the movement, then pain can often result.

Some reasons that you may be experiencing low back pain commonly include:

• Stiffness or locked spinal joints (upper or lower back)
• Poor core control of your lower back and abdominal causing your spinal joints to move excessively
• Tights latissimus dorsi, hip flexor, posterior shoulder muscles or other myofascial structures.

If you experience back pain that doesn't ease with swimming and actually aggravates, then you have a problem that needs some attention.  Our suggestion is to arrange a check up with your nearest sports physiotherapist. The solution is normally very quick and it will allow you to return to pain-free swimming again.

Good Luck

PhysioWorks

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