Office workers who often sit at their desks for long periods of time are particularly prone to experiencing intense neck and back muscle soreness. Over time, this can lead to the development of cervical spine diseases. Therefore, it is important for this group of people to exercise regularly. Does swimming have benefits for cervical spine diseases?
Are there benefits of swimming for cervical spine diseases?
During swimming, the muscles in the upper limbs, neck, shoulders, back, abdomen, and lower limbs are all engaged, promoting blood circulation throughout the body. Additionally, water creates friction and pressure on the body, providing a massaging effect on the muscles and promoting blood circulation in the skin and muscles, enhancing cellular metabolism. When swimming, the movements of the upper limbs can exercise the shoulder joints and back muscles, while inhaling with the head raised can exercise the cervical spine joints. This promotes the repair of strained muscles and ligaments, making swimming not only effective in preventing and treating cervical spine diseases, but also beneficial for the entire musculoskeletal system.
Backstroke is suitable for cervical spine disease patients
People with severe cervical strain are advised to use the backstroke position. When swimming backstroke, the body lies on the water surface, and the cervical spine and lumbar spine receive support from the buoyancy of the water. This exercises the small joints of the cervical spine and helps relieve tension in the neck. However, it is important to note that backstroke requires high shoulder movements and leg movements, so prolonged backstroke may lead to sports injuries such as swimmer's shoulder and swimmer's ankle.
Which cervical spine disease patients are suitable for swimming?
Swimming is suitable for early-stage cervical spine disease patients, those in the recovery period, and patients with torticollis or dysfunction of the small joints of the cervical spine. Severe cervical spine disease patients should swim under the guidance of a doctor. Individuals with difficulty in limb movement, severe heart disease, lung disease, or brain disease should not rely on swimming to prevent and treat cervical spine diseases.
How long should cervical spine disease patients swim?
Generally, cervical spine disease patients should follow the doctor's advice and swim appropriately, typically 3 to 4 times a week, for 30 to 60 minutes each time. It is recommended to maintain this exercise routine continuously for a period of three months.
Can swimming treat cervical spine diseases?
Constantly raising the head while swimming exercises the neck muscles, promotes blood circulation in the neck, and can help improve cervical spine diseases if done consistently over the long term. However, swimming can only alleviate cervical strain and does not have a fundamental role in the treatment of cervical spine diseases.
