Hi Everyone,
My name is Sarah and I just recently came back to swimming (about 3 weeks ago) after a couple years break. (I am 27).
After the first week of swimming in the local Masters program, I started to develop lower back pain. The pain got so bad that I can no longer swim...I saw my doctor and they told me that it is a muscle strain...
Has anyone else delt with lower back pain? How long was it before you started to feel better?:confused:
Parents
Former Member
Sarah-
You will get a different opinion from every poster on the forum, and I see Rich chimed in with the "rest & meds" side of things, so I'm going to give an alternative to that.
About a year ago I injured my back at an amusement park. The pain was severe at first, but after resting it felt better. As I resumed regular activities, the pain would return. After exhausting doctor prescribed meds, I was feeling desperate so I sought out a chiropractor.
Honestly, it was the best thing I have ever done! He took X-rays and did a mobility exam, explained the causes of my pain and worked with me to keep up with my need to swim. I have been pain free for the past 10 months, but from time-to-time there is tension (not pain) in my lower back and/or neck. I still see the chiro 1 - 2 times per month to keep everything aligned, even when everything feels good.
Recently, I learned that tension in the lower back area often indicates that the glutes are tight. Although I was skeptical, a deep tissue massage that included the glutes (I didn't feel like that area needed massage when it was scheduled) did relieve the tension in the low back area.
Given that you've recently started back to swimming, your glutes may be causing your back pain. Lots of kicking, especially if you're using a board could be stressing out the muscles and they are taking it out on your back. It could also signify a weakness in your core muscles that is being exagerated by less than perfect form (just a guess, since it's only been a few weeks back).
Good luck,
Dana
Sarah-
You will get a different opinion from every poster on the forum, and I see Rich chimed in with the "rest & meds" side of things, so I'm going to give an alternative to that.
About a year ago I injured my back at an amusement park. The pain was severe at first, but after resting it felt better. As I resumed regular activities, the pain would return. After exhausting doctor prescribed meds, I was feeling desperate so I sought out a chiropractor.
Honestly, it was the best thing I have ever done! He took X-rays and did a mobility exam, explained the causes of my pain and worked with me to keep up with my need to swim. I have been pain free for the past 10 months, but from time-to-time there is tension (not pain) in my lower back and/or neck. I still see the chiro 1 - 2 times per month to keep everything aligned, even when everything feels good.
Recently, I learned that tension in the lower back area often indicates that the glutes are tight. Although I was skeptical, a deep tissue massage that included the glutes (I didn't feel like that area needed massage when it was scheduled) did relieve the tension in the low back area.
Given that you've recently started back to swimming, your glutes may be causing your back pain. Lots of kicking, especially if you're using a board could be stressing out the muscles and they are taking it out on your back. It could also signify a weakness in your core muscles that is being exagerated by less than perfect form (just a guess, since it's only been a few weeks back).
Good luck,
Dana
