I posted this same question on the workout section, so excuse the duplication, but I wanted to get the consensus of opinion from you swimmers on whether swimming is contradicted in cases of lumbar stenosis. The literature is a bit equivocal, and my own experience is conflicting, but it could also be that I'm just horendously out of shape (close to a decade of inactivity). So if anyone knows the answer to this question, please let me know. Thanks.
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I would think you should have no significant issue swimming with spinal stenosis. I am a physician with my own back issues (though I've never had my back xray'd).
One general comment is that you should use your own experience to be your guide. Having said that, you should hang in there for a while to see what issues are arising from returning to the pool, and which are coming from your back.
Second, there are ways to get your pelvis and lower back in a bad position in the pool, but if you engage your abs during your stroke, you should rarely if ever reach this point. I think in the Pilates world they would call this "imprinting" your pelvis, or something like that. Basically, you're sucking your navel into your back.
If you can do this, you should be fine. Take it out slow if you're starting over, and don't forget to stretch your shoulders too.
I would think you should have no significant issue swimming with spinal stenosis. I am a physician with my own back issues (though I've never had my back xray'd).
One general comment is that you should use your own experience to be your guide. Having said that, you should hang in there for a while to see what issues are arising from returning to the pool, and which are coming from your back.
Second, there are ways to get your pelvis and lower back in a bad position in the pool, but if you engage your abs during your stroke, you should rarely if ever reach this point. I think in the Pilates world they would call this "imprinting" your pelvis, or something like that. Basically, you're sucking your navel into your back.
If you can do this, you should be fine. Take it out slow if you're starting over, and don't forget to stretch your shoulders too.
