It is known that when swimming the spine is unloaded, and therefore, with pain in the lower back and problems with posture, doctors recommend going to the pool. But is it possible to engage in swimming with a hernia? And how to swim?
A hernia of the lumbar spine is sometimes treated without surgery, with the help of injections, swimming and physiotherapy. Medical swimming will only be therapeutic when carried out under the supervision of an instructor, and if there is no pain when moving in water.
Causes of hernia and protrusion of the spine
Such a problem as a hernia persecutes those people who lead a sedentary lifestyle and eat poorly. Of course, a hernia can be obtained in the gym, lifting an excessive load, but basically the reason is prosaic - long static loads on the spine.
Swimming with a hernia of the lumbar spine, namely this department often suffers from our upright posture, is designed to strengthen the muscle corset around the spinal column. It is the weak untrained muscles that lead first to protrusion, and then to the hernia itself.
If an MRI doctor sees a hernia, this does not mean that you are at risk for disability. Small protrusions of the pulp nucleus can be treated with special physical exercises. Both in the regular gym and in the pool. The fact that swimming in the pool with a hernia of the spine is very effective has been heard by many. But far from everyone knows how to properly cure a hernia with the help of swimming.
Can I swim with a hernia in the pool?
During the period of remission, when the patient becomes better, you can go swimming with a hernia of the spine, and it is even highly recommended. But the complex of exercises should be selected by the doctor. Firstly, not all swimming styles are suitable. And, secondly, not everyone knows how to swim freely. If you do not hold well on water, do not know how to work with your hands, experience constant tension in the neck and shoulders, then it is better to limit yourself to light exercises, standing up to your chest in water.
The benefits of swimming
Water procedures, if they are supervised by an instructor, have an excellent therapeutic effect on the body. And if a hernia of the lumbar region is diagnosed, then therapeutic swimming is necessary. Despite pain in one leg or even both, lying on the couch and drinking non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs is not allowed. Immobility only worsens the situation.
Swimming with a hernia of the lumbar spine is just useful because in water the load on the entire musculoskeletal system is reduced and the entire spine is stretched most effectively. The second advantage of swimming is that during movement in water the pain slightly decreases, and metabolic processes, blood supply in the affected area improve. Actually, this is the main task of the recovery period.
Contraindications to the pool
Swimming with a lumbar hernia of the spine is contraindicated when there is one of three complications with a hernia.
- Muscle spasms.
- Acute severe pain.
- Numbness of the toe or the entire foot.
If there is numbness, perhaps the neurological function is somewhat affected due to the fact that the nerve root is transmitted. And the doctor will prescribe the simplest exercises that are performed at home on the karemat. And in the neglected case, when the condition worsens every day, an operation is needed.
How to swim with a hernia?
Swimming with a hernia of the lumbosacral spine should be both relaxing and productive. However, there are several rules for moving in water for those who are "awarded" hernia.
- Do not make sudden movements in the water.
- If the instructor allowed you to swim in the crawl, remember that your arms should be straight, do not bend them when rowing. You can’t keep your head above water, you need to lower it into the water, emerging, only to swallow air.
- When you feel tired, you need to roll over on your back and lie down quietly for several minutes on your back, keeping your head on the same axis with the spine.
Muscle overstrain should not be allowed. Swimming in the pool with a hernia of the spine should not last long. This is not a cross, but a treatment and prophylactic procedure.
Pool exercises
So, is swimming with a hernia of the spine useful? It happens that the case is really serious, and the patient constantly feels discomfort in the lower back and a pulling, but not sharp pain. With an exacerbation of the hernia, when the patient complains that the pain interferes with sleep at night, the doctor’s task is to prescribe an anesthetic and advise on the exercises. Some exercises really relieve pain for a while.
Then the attending physician prescribes physiotherapy exercises, which is carried out by the pool, but standing or lying with the use of floating dumbbells. These exercises not only improve blood flow, but also improve the overall psycho-emotional state.
With a hernia of the lumbar, you can walk along the bottom of the pool, alternately lifting high one or the other leg. Then, leaning on the handrail, you can squat in the water. It is very useful for hernia and protrusions.
What swimming styles are suitable?
When a person can swim in different styles, and the doctor allowed a free choice, what style should he choose?
It is most useful to swim on your back, rowing your arms back. But again, one should not overstrain and swim at full strength. You can just lie on your back, making small movements with your legs.
But such people are definitely not allowed to swim in brass. Swimming with a hernia of the lumbar spine should unload this department. And with a style like brass, this department gets the most intense workload. And according to official figures, many professional athletes swimming with brass have problems with the spine by the age of thirty.
You can’t also swim "like a dog," as they say. This way of swimming is more harmful than beneficial.
Other health recommendations
So, hernia treatment should be comprehensive. It is necessary to be treated both with tablets, and with the help of physical education. An instructor should draw up a training regimen in water . Do not make sudden movements during exercise. It is best to visit a sanatorium in the recovery period after surgery.
Experienced trainers will know the patient all the time at the hospital, knowing exactly what to do and what exercises are not suitable in this case. In the sanatorium you can also be offered to combine water treatments with hydromassage. This is a great remedy. And if there is such an opportunity, hurry to use it.
Is swimming with a hernia of the spine helpful? It depends on how serious the problem is with the spine and how well the person can swim. For bad swimmers, a special board is suitable for holding on to. But the head, as already mentioned, should be on the same axis with the spine. The position of the body when the neck is bent for a long time is pathological.