Doing swimming exercises for lower back pain is one of the most effective ways of combating recurrent or chronic back pain. This is because swimming exercises for lower back pain allow for a non-weight bearing regimen in which to move the small and large muscles of the lower back causing as little pain as possible. The various strokes and kicks in swimming can help relieve tense lower back muscles and, with the repeated exercise motions, enable them to regain a certain degree of flexibility, which is so important in alleviating lower back pain.

Lower back pain or “lumbago,” as it is more formally referred to, can be acute, sub-acute or chronic.  It is also the most common neurological ailment, second only to headaches.  Weakness of the core muscles in the lower back is often the root cause of lower back pain. These “core muscles” located at the back, the abdomen, hips and buttocks work in tandem to support the spine. They keep the spine firmly in place as a person goes about his daily chores and other normal movements – walking, running, lifting, exercising, stretching, etc. These same core muscles are the spine’s main defences against the natural pull of gravity. They help maintain proper posture and stabilize the spine.

When doing swimming exercises for lower back pain, it is very important that you observe proper form and technique, ensuring a rolling motion of the body, usually with the help of a physical therapist, especially at the beginning of the regimen.  It is also advisable to use a mask, goggles or a snorkel to avoid any jerking head movements when trying to get water out of your eyes. If you are not that proficient a swimmer, you may make use of a kickboard, a life vest or any other floatation devices that will help you execute the swimming exercises for lower back pain in the proper manner.

You should try to keep a streamlined position in the water and to keep your head steady. You should take long, slow strokes with a view to elongating your body and getting the muscles in your back stretched out in the process. When carrying out swimming exercises for lower back pain, stretching the shortened muscles that may be pulling the spine out of alignment can also help alleviate this condition. You should either time yourself or count the number of laps you can make, building up to a prescribed number of laps or increasing your speed as you carry out your swimming exercises for lower back pain.

Swimming exercises for lower back pain should concentrate on getting the large muscles in the chest, back and legs regain their strength so that they can do what they are supposed to – to help you keep your posture erect and to support your  spine. A daily regimen of swimming exercises for lower back pain can strengthen the core muscles supporting the spine to help prevent, reduce and, in some cases, eliminate lower back pain.