Swimming neck pain is a common shoulder problem. Swimming is a powerful sport that provides a total-body workout with its powerful strokes, kicks, and techniques.
Because the shoulder is so important in this activity, it is frequently injured, especially as we get older.
Neck pain and injury can also be caused by poor stroke technique. The Butterfly stroke places the most strain on the shoulder and is thus the most likely to cause neck problems.
Neck Tendinitis and Swimming
Neck, or tendon inflammation, is one of the most common neck conditions caused by swimming. Tendinitis develops in these cases as a result of swimming’s repetitive pinching of a nerve or surrounding structures.
RELATED: 9 Best Fitness Home Exercises For Back Pain Relief
Tendons, or flexible fibers that connect muscle to bone, act as levers, pulling on the muscles to create movement.
Swimming can cause tendonitis, bursitis, and impingement, all of which are closely related.
Tendons fray and lose flexibility as people age due to overexertion, stress, health issues, and wear, resulting in tendinitis.
Swimming, as well as other movements like stirring or pitching, causes our tendons to inflame or tear. Tendinitis in the neck occurs when the rotator cuff and/or biceps tendon swell.
RELATED: Chiropractor For Leg Pain
The severity of this will vary depending on the extent to which the rotator cuff is affected. The swimmers I’ve treated for tendonitis were typically 40 years old or older and led an active lifestyle.
Tendinitis is most common in the neck. The neck, ball, and socket joints are some of the most injured parts of the body due to their constant motion.
The rotator cuff and/or biceps tendon become inflamed as a result of a nerve or surrounding structures being pinched.
Because of the location and severity of the rotator cuff swelling, the pain can range from mild to severe. The rotator cuff swells and thickens in many tendinitis cases, trapping itself beneath the acromion and causing impingement.
RELATED: Leg Pain And Menopause
Swimming Neck Pain Treatment
Rest is the first step in treating neck pain. Take a break from the stress and hassle of everyday life and devote some time to yourself. Your body requires it. In addition, get at least 8 hours of sleep per day.
Take it if you think you need it. Just don’t put your body through an exhausting work schedule while it tries to repair itself. It is unhealthy, and it frequently leads to larger issues.
Before going to the doctor, there are several things you can do to alleviate your chronic neck pain. Ice is the first and most effective. In just 5 minutes, its coolness refreshes the senses and calms the neck. If you leave it on for any longer, your arm will stiffen.
Ice should be applied twice daily, once during the peak of your pain and once before bedtime. You can sometimes get a good night’s sleep by icing your neck at night. Many people prefer to exercise when their neck is cold or numb.
RELATED: Can Constipation Cause Back Pain Near Kidneys
As a result, their neck will be less painful while still increasing their flexibility and performing their daily workout routine. Just remember to keep the ice on for a short period of time.
Your pain may worsen if you are not cautious and committed to your recovery. Avoid these issues from the start by learning and practicing neck exercises to strengthen your rotator cuff. The range of motion exercise is the first and easiest to learn.
Bend over, facing the floor, and allow your aching arm to go limp. Maintain a straight back and begin slowly rotating your inflamed arm in small circles above the floor. Draw larger and wider circles as your arm strength increases.
If you need more support, place your hand on the opposite thigh. If the exercise becomes monotonous, add soup cans or one-pound weights to put your endurance to the test.
RELATED: 12 Symptoms You Shouldn’t Ignore If You Have Pains All Over Your Body
Form
Swimming strokes come in a variety of styles, each with its own set of form challenges. During the breaststroke, frog kick, and crawl, for example, it is easy to overextend your back, causing it to arch inward.
While water exercise is typically recommended for people with joint problems, a hyperextended back can exacerbate joint problems.
Proper form when taking breaths is essential during any front or side stroke. If you’re moving quickly and need air, you may find yourself jerking your head up or to the side frequently.
Any jerking motions can injure both the neck and the back. When going up for air, keep your head in line with your body. Also, try to exhale evenly to reduce the number of times you need to come up for air.
RELATED: Start Doing This 10 Exercises to Get Rid Of Back Pain Forever
Though not always a form issue, neck pain can cause beginners to attempt the backstroke. This is due to the muscles in the front of the neck working to keep the head out of the water during this stroke.
They can become fatigued if they are not used to being worked this hard. Begin slowly with the backstroke.
When performing a flip turn underwater, keep your head tucked in close to your body. Holding it away from your body causes the water to push you backward, putting strain on your muscles, ligaments, and joints.
Different Strokes
Swimming backstrokes and sidestrokes may be preferable if you have neck pain. These styles are easier on the back.
RELATED: How to Get Rid of Back Pain Without Pills
Strokes involving screw kicks or knee and ankle rotation should be avoided because they can strain the lower back and sacroiliac joints.
If your neck pain begins or worsens while swimming, try to find a trained coach or physical therapist to observe you.
He or she can identify form issues and assist you in finding a pain-free style. If this does not help, stop swimming and seek a further diagnosis.
When done correctly, swimming is an excellent neck pain exercise. Learning about the risks will help you avoid them.
A Word From GetMe Treated
Swimming neck pain is not something that you have to put up with. Swimming can be pain-free with proper treatment, neck exercise, and improved swimming technique.
FAQs Related To Swimming Neck Pain
How do you get rid of neck pain from swimming?
Put a ball or something small between your hands and your body, and curl your thumb up. Then bend your neck in the opposite direction.
RELATED: How to Get Rid of Back Pain Without Medication
Is it OK to swim with neck pain?
For many people with neck or back pain, swimming is a great, low-impact exercise.
Can swimming cause a pinched nerve in the neck?
If you do a lot of repetitive activities like swimming or playing tennis, it’s possible that it could lead to cervical radiculopathy.
Does swimming use neck muscles?
Yes. Swimming causes the muscles in your neck to contract, which can lead to neck muscle weakness.
Why does my neck hurt so much after swimming?
If your rotators and scapulas are weak or they’re getting tired fast, they’ll pull on the muscles around your neck to help with your swimming stroke.
RELATED: 9 Ways To Get Rid Of Back Pain For Good
Can swimming cause whiplash?
Whiplash can be caused by a variety of things, like playing sports, swimming, boxing, riding a horse, or falling.
What is the fastest way to relieve neck pain?
Hot and cold therapy.
Other Helpful Blog Posts:
- Best Exercises To Strengthen Your Wrist And Avoid Injury And Pain
- 6 Best Home Remedies To Relieve Shoulder Blade Pain
- What Time Of Day Is Pain Most Likely To Worsen?
- Physical Therapy For Neck Pain And Headaches
- Leg Pain And Menopause
- Can Constipation Cause Back Pain Near Kidneys
- Chiropractor For Leg Pain