I'm going to see a neck and spine specialist this week to figure out why I have chronic neck pain. I've read on the arthritis foundation website that they don't recommend freestyle swimming - in fact it's one of the exercises they say to Not do - for neck arthritis. I am very much worried that the doctor's going to diagnose arthritis, which runs in my family, and tell me no more freestyle, breaststroke, or any other swimming that requires turning or lifting my head. Aside from using a mask and snorkel, I can't figure out a way around it.
Do any of you have arthritis in your neck? Usually, swimming is one of the best exercises for arthritis, but apparently head turning causes inflammation and pain. Am I to be a part of the shameful shower cap, noodle crowd? Input appreciated.
Denise, swimming itself doesn't cause arthritis and just like you said that swimming is one of the best exercises to treat arthritis. This statement is 100% true. Although arthritis foundation have suggested you not to do swimming but I would suggest you to get in touch with a swimming coach for this. I believe that if you maintain a good position then you should have no problem in swimming and it will actually help you to treat your problem. But a slight error may result in many problems later on. Therefore, a swimming coach will be able to help you out in this thing. An endless pool will also be highly beneficial in this case because it will give you full image of what you are doing and what your actions are plus your coach will be able to provide you personal attention continuously. Hope this helps!
Denise, swimming itself doesn't cause arthritis and just like you said that swimming is one of the best exercises to treat arthritis. This statement is 100% true. Although arthritis foundation have suggested you not to do swimming but I would suggest you to get in touch with a swimming coach for this. I believe that if you maintain a good position then you should have no problem in swimming and it will actually help you to treat your problem. But a slight error may result in many problems later on. Therefore, a swimming coach will be able to help you out in this thing. An endless pool will also be highly beneficial in this case because it will give you full image of what you are doing and what your actions are plus your coach will be able to provide you personal attention continuously. Hope this helps!
