In the last few weeks I've noticed after about 500m of backstroke or more, when I go upright I get REALLY dizzy. No other stroke has this effect. If I do less than 500 or so, there's really not a problem. Anyone ever had this problem? If so, are there remedies? Would using earplugs help?
Here's what I've discoverd so far. I'm looking straight up at the ceiling for a guide, while I swim (otherwise I'm so new at it, I'd be crashing into the lane lines, etc.) I didn't notice any swelling in my upper arms, just by sight. I'll measure tomorrow. I was so busy trying to look at everything else, that I totally forgot to monitor my breathing.
Maybe this is a clue. I usually do my backstroke, right after my 500m breaststroke set. I usually try to swim the last 100 as fast as I can. I use the backstroke to usually catch my breath. Could that be the problem?
Next time, check out your breathing. I thought the post mentioning the breathing was a good one. I'm doubtful that the body position (not head position) thing I mentioned makes a ton of difference because you are in a gravity-free environment.
You mentioned getting dizzy when you stand up. I have a form of orthostatic intolerance (body fails to make proper adjustments when standing) that I discovered after a workout.
To be on the safe side, you might want to have a medical person take your blood pressure and pulse lying down and compare it to what it is when you stand up after 2 minutes and after 10 minutes. If there is a significant difference in blood pressure, you might want to talk to your doc. By the way, do this test before you have done any exercise and make sure you are well-hydrated.
Personally, I think if you have just recently started experiencing the dizziness and it was not a problem before, I would mention it to my doc. Keep us posted on this. Hope what I suggested is helpful.
It could be because of your head position. Be sure you are looking up at the ceiling instead of at the wall you are swimming away from. It could simply be that your body position in backstroke is causing the blood to primarily go to your legs instead of your upper body and head.
After you finish backstroke, try standing on the shallow end with your hands on your knees, looking down before you stand upright. If you can't do this because your pool is too deep, do it immediately upon exiting the pool.
I have a problem with dizziness when I stand that is particularly aggravated if I am not well-hydrated. Be sure you are drinking plenty of gatorade-like fluids when you are swimming. I also had a problem with backstroke because the blood would pool in one of my arms. Check both arms after you swim over 500 back and see if you notice any swelling in the tricep/bicep area of your arm.
Also, swimming longer distances with backstroke (and any other stroke for that matter), your breathing patterns my also shift from breathing deep and controlled to shallow breathing (or vice versa). The lack of oxygen, or change in the oxygen level of the body/brain may also cause this dizziness. Just something to think about while you self-diagnose.
I found that when I wear goggles and swim backstroke or even kick on the back I get seasick (dizzy). When I do not wear goggles I am fine.
Now, THAT is interesting. Maybe I'll give it a try without the goggles and see if that makes a difference. I've always had a problem with motion sickness on rides that spin (can do coasters fine though...go figure), BUT I don't have a problem with air or seasickness. I have class tonight, so I'll let you guys know the results tomorrow.
Could be an inner ear problem???? I was thinking that might be the problem then when you mentioned the carnival ride thing.
The fluids in the inner ear shift to 'balance' you in the water for a long length of time and then when you get out/stand up they don't re-adjust?
Just a thought. Lainey
I definitely have thought about that. I have noticed that I tend to get and keep water in my ears more, after I've been swimming backstroke. I'm only dizzy for a minute or so, and then it stops. Maybe earplugs or is it just my wonky head?
i had a similar problem swimming short course of anything over 400. and also doing corkscrew drills.
i went to an ENT you might want to do the same. anyway, he said i had postional vertigo. i noticed also if i fly over 5 hours and change time zones often i get dizzy. anyway, mine was traced back to smacking the back of my head on the wall doing backstroke. it loosened the inside of the inner ear(balance) i think they told me it was like coral if it breaks off it floats back and forth. man when i get these episodes it is terrible. lucky, it doesnt happen often. check it out seriously. i was about 32 when it happened
Now, THAT is interesting. Maybe I'll give it a try without the goggles and see if that makes a difference. I've always had a problem with motion sickness on rides that spin (can do coasters fine though...go figure), BUT I don't have a problem with air or seasickness. I have class tonight, so I'll let you guys know the results tomorrow.
Definitely look forward to it!!
