Lower back pain associated with swimming

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2009-01-01 9:17 AM


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Subject: Lower back pain associated with swimming
Hey all-

I have a question - why do I have lower back when I do longish swims (3500 - 4500) - sometimes if I have to sight a lot as in OWS, it'll hurt and that I understand. But why am I having this lower back pain while swimming laps in the pool? I assume it's associated with form?

Thanks,
Judi

2009-01-01 9:27 AM
in reply to: #1880942

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Expert
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Subject: RE: Lower back pain associated with swimming
You probably will want to have your stroke evaluated by a coach but my guess is that you need the ole "push on the buoy and lift the hips".  Basically head lower, push down on your upper body, and keep your hips up.  Practice it in drills based on form rather than speed, that should help.
2009-01-01 10:13 AM
in reply to: #1880942

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Master
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Subject: RE: Lower back pain associated with swimming
Make sure you don't sleep on your stomach.  Also, I've occasionally felt some back pain swimming when I was pushing down too much with my "buoy".
2009-01-01 11:06 AM
in reply to: #1880942

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Subject: RE: Lower back pain associated with swimming

I would also put some thought into the relationship between your shoulders and hips throughout your stroke. 

Are they in sync?

If not, you could be torquing your back...twisting motion.

2009-01-01 11:24 AM
in reply to: #1880942

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Subject: RE: Lower back pain associated with swimming

You didn't mention if you were using a buoy or not, but my lower back hurts a lot if I use a pull buoy.  It's more comfy for me to do pull with no buoy even if the legs drag down.

If it's not the buoy, it could be the mechanical issue with your stroke (as mentioned above), or you might just need to strengthen your core a little bit to help your back not get strained from swimming..

2009-01-01 12:28 PM
in reply to: #1880942

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Subject: RE: Lower back pain associated with swimming
It might be associated with your turns. If you do flip turns you could be hyperextending your back on the flip. If you do open turns you might be pushing off and twisting in a body position that puts a lot of strain on your back.

2009-01-01 2:04 PM
in reply to: #1880942

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Subject: RE: Lower back pain associated with swimming

Ask someone to look at you swim.  If you have an obvious "wiggle" in your swim every stroke you're snaking throught the water rather than swimming straight.  That's hard on the back.

I used to get back pain while swimming to the point where my flip turns became very slow roll-over turns.  In my case I think it was from lack of core strength.

Brian 

 

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