Swimming
neck pain is a common shoulder problem. Swimming is a powerful sport that
provides a total-body workout with its powerful strokes, kicks, and techniques.
Because the shoulder is so important in this activity, it is frequently
injured, especially as we get older.
Neck
pain and injury can also be caused by poor stroke technique. The Butterfly
stroke places the most strain on the shoulder and is thus the most likely to
cause neck problems.
Neck Tendinitis and Swimming
Neck,
or tendon inflammation, is one of the most common neck conditions caused by
swimming. Tendinitis develops in these cases as a result of swimming’s
repetitive pinching of a nerve or surrounding structures.
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Tendons,
or flexible fibers that connect muscle to bone, act as levers, pulling on the
muscles to create movement. Swimming can cause tendonitis, bursitis, and
impingement, all of which are closely related.
Tendons
fray and lose flexibility as people age due to overexertion, stress, health
issues, and wear, resulting in tendinitis. Swimming, as well as other movements
like stirring or pitching, causes our tendons to inflame or tear. Tendinitis in
the neck occurs when the rotator cuff and/or biceps tendon swell.
The
severity of this will vary depending on the extent to which the rotator cuff is
affected. The swimmers I’ve treated for tendonitis were typically 40 years old
or older and led an active lifestyle.
Tendinitis
is most common in the neck. The neck, ball, and socket joints are one of the
most injured parts of the body due to their constant motion. The rotator cuff
and/or biceps tendon become inflamed as a result of a nerve or surrounding
structures being pinched.
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Because
of the location and severity of the rotator cuff swelling, the pain can range
from mild to severe. The rotator cuff swells and thickens in many tendinitis
cases, trapping itself beneath the acromion and causing impingement.
Swimming Neck Pain Treatment
Rest
is the first step in treating neck pain. Take a break from the stress and
hassle of everyday life and devote some time to yourself. Your body requires
it. In addition, get at least 8 hours of sleep per day.
Take
it if you think you need it. Just don’t put your body through an exhausting
work schedule while it tries to repair itself. It is unhealthy, and it
frequently leads to larger issues.
Before
going to the doctor, there are several things you can do to alleviate your
chronic neck pain. Ice is the first and most effective. In just 5 minutes, its
coolness refreshes the senses and calms the neck. If you leave it on for any
longer, your arm will stiffen.
Ice
should be applied twice daily, once during the peak of your pain and once
before bedtime. You can sometimes get a good night’s sleep by icing your
neck at night. Many people prefer to exercise when their neck is cold
or numb.
As
a result, their neck will be less painful while still increasing their
flexibility and performing their daily workout routine. Just remember to keep
the ice on for a short period of time.
Your
pain may worsen if you are not cautious and committed to your recovery. Avoid
these issues from the start by learning and practicing neck exercises to
strengthen your rotator cuff. The range of motion exercise is the first and
easiest to learn.
Bend
over, facing the floor, and allow your aching arm to go limp. Maintain a
straight back and begin slowly rotating your inflamed arm in small circles
above the floor. Draw larger and wider circles as your arm strength increases.
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If
you need more support, place your hand on the opposite thigh. If the exercise
becomes monotonous, add soup cans or one-pound weights to put your endurance to
the test.
Form
Swimming
strokes come in a variety of styles, each with its own set of form challenges.
During the breaststroke, frog kick, and crawl, for example, it is easy to
overextend your back, causing it to arch inward.
While
water exercise is typically recommended for people with joint problems, a
hyperextended back can exacerbate joint problems.
Proper
form when taking breaths is essential during any front or side stroke. If
you’re moving quickly and need air, you may find yourself jerking your head up
or to the side frequently.
Any
jerking motions can injure both the neck and the back. When going up for air,
keep your head in line with your body. Also, try to exhale evenly to reduce the
number of times you need to come up for air.
Though
not always a form issue, neck pain can cause beginners to attempt the
backstroke. This is due to the muscles in the front of the neck working to keep
the head out of the water during this stroke. They can become fatigued if they
are not used to being worked this hard. Begin slowly with the backstroke.
When
performing a flip turn underwater, keep your head tucked in close to your body.
Holding it away from your body causes the water to push you backward, putting
strain on your muscles, ligaments, and joints.
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Different Strokes
Swimming
backstrokes and sidestrokes may be preferable if you have neck pain. These
styles are easier on the back. Strokes involving screw kicks or knee and ankle
rotation should be avoided because they can strain the lower back and
sacroiliac joints.
If
your neck pain begins or worsens while swimming, try to find a trained coach or
physical therapist to observe you. He or she can identify form issues and
assist you in finding a pain-free style. If this does not help, stop swimming
and seek a further diagnosis.
When
done correctly, swimming is an excellent neck pain exercise. Learning about the
risks will help you avoid them.
A Word From GetMe Treated
Swimming
neck pain is not something that you have to put up with. Swimming can be
pain-free with proper treatment, neck exercise, and improved swimming technique.
