Can you continue swimming if you have back pain after swimming?
Oct 09, 2023
Source: Cainiu Health
Dr. Wang Jianjun
Introduction
Back pain after swimming is usually caused by muscle fatigue or strain, or problems with ligaments or joints. If it's due to muscle fatigue or strain, normal function can typically recover after one or two days of rest. If the cause involves ligaments or joints, it may be conditions such as shoulder periarthritis, cervical spondylitis, or kyphosis, which often produce no symptoms under normal circumstances but may become apparent when lying on the back.
Generally, it is not recommended to continue swimming if you experience back pain after swimming, as this may worsen the pain or lead to unexpected injuries. Specific details are as follows:
Back pain after swimming is usually caused by muscle fatigue, muscle strain, or problems with ligaments or joints. If the cause is muscle fatigue or strain, normal function can typically be restored after one to two days of rest. If the pain stems from ligament or joint issues—such as shoulder periarthritis, cervical spondylosis, or kyphosis—symptoms may not be noticeable in daily life but can become apparent during activities like swimming that involve prolonged periods of仰head and仰back positions. In such cases, individuals should seek medical attention promptly. Under a doctor's guidance, nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), such as celecoxib capsules or ibuprofen tablets, may be used for treatment.
If any physical discomfort occurs, individuals are advised to seek timely medical care and receive standardized treatment under a doctor's supervision to promote recovery.
