Being in the aquatic environment, the body relaxes and gets incredibly pleasant sensations that help cure such diseases as intervertebral hernia, osteochondrosis and other back diseases. That is why doctors recommend doing aqua gymnastics and just swimming to treat and strengthen the back. In the process of curvature of the spine, impaired posture, with a passive (inactive) lifestyle or after an injury, back pain occurs, the spine loses its former mobility and elasticity, it becomes unbearably painful to bend down, squat and just walk. Swimming with spinal problems can restore the mobility of the discs between the vertebrae and relieve pain.
How can water relax the body?
While walking or in a sitting position, the entire load falls on the spine, it is no wonder that the discs may not withstand. Blood circulation is disturbed, the necessary amount of oxygen does not enter the blood. In the aquatic environment, the body acquires a horizontal position, and at the same time, almost all muscles are trained. Joints and muscles are not compressed and can fully work. Water supports a person, makes the body weightless, gravity does not act and the spine is relieved of tension. To swim, the body needs to engage the deep back muscles that support the spine at the same time. Thus, having unloaded the spine, when swimming, we train the muscles of the back, so that with further movement, the muscles can easily ensure the work of the spine.
The main benefits of swimming, not just those related to the back and spine:
- fat burning;
- formation of a beautiful toned figure;
- posture correction;
- calms and relieves stress, depression;
- as a prevention of cardiovascular diseases;
- circulation improves, blood pressure normalizes.
A spinal hernia is a protrusion or rupture of the fibrous ring and prolapse of the nucleus beyond the boundaries of the disc, which leads to severe pain. As one of the conservative methods of dealing with this disease – water gymnastics involves performing special exercises that are designed to relieve pain and strengthen the spine. Since the spine is not so tense and almost relaxed in water, blood circulation begins to improve and resistance to disease increases in the body. But water relaxes not only the back, but also the central nervous system. After all, the pain goes away, and a person can breathe a sigh of relief at least for a while.
Some contraindications for swimming
Like any other disease, a hernia or osteochondrosis can be in an exacerbation phase, when unbearable pain does not even allow you to move. Then doctors do not recommend swimming, and it is even worth stopping any procedures altogether. Only with the onset of the post-rehabilitation process, it will be possible to return to water gymnastics. Not all types of swimming are suitable for the treatment of hernia or osteochondrosis. In order for swimming to benefit from spinal problems, the exercises are developed by a specialist and these exercises are performed under the supervision of a trainer in order to protect yourself from irreparable consequences. Overexertion can cause even more pain. It is recommended to swim on your back or do exercises such as walking in water or just lying on your back.
Some exercises designed to treat back problems:
- Water squats are performed first with one leg, then with the other, holding onto the handrail.
- Vertical body turns are performed slowly and smoothly, alternately in both directions.
- Keeping on the surface of the water with your hands, make foot movements: pedal the bike.
- Legs lift is performed first in turn, holding onto the pool rail.
- Swallow is performed as follows: holding the handrail with one hand, the second raises the leg behind and up. Try not to overdo it, the movements should be smooth and soft.
Add a comment