If you have back pain, it is highly advised that you seek diagnosis from a physician before you embark on any home remedies or physical therapy. If you do not have a definitive diagnosis and plan for treatment, you might injure yourself further. When seeking a physicians diagnosis, know that you will be filling out a comprehensive questionnaire, getting a thorough physical exam, and perhaps undergoing X-rays and CTs or MRIs.
If your symptoms and diagnosis are relatively mild, and your doctor advises exercise, this may include swimming for physical therapy. Swimming is an excellent choice for relieving back muscle pain, as it is low-impact and gives aerobic exercise as well. It can be undertaken at any age, and has proven to be beneficial for all levels of fitness. Since many people who suffer from chronic back pain find it hard to exercise, swimming offers a non-taxing alternative to conventional exercise, since the water offsets the effects of gravity and takes pressure off the spine, back and back muscles. Your joints will greatly benefit from a swimming regimen, being challenged to move fluids more easily and keep flexible and functioning smoothly. Very importantly, swimming increases your overall circulation. Moving your body increases the oxygen that will reach your suffering back muscles, and will provide relief from pain temporarily. More permanent relief will happen when your strength improves, the longer you continue your swimming/physical therapy. Building muscles into a stronger framework for your body helps ease the load your back normally carries and ensures your entire body is an efficient machine.
You will want to take some precautions if you embark on a swimming therapy regimen. It is advised that you take classes geared towards your specific goals and your own fitness level. Classes can teach you the moves that will benefit you the most, and prevent you from unintentionally harming yourself with incorrect movement. Always swim with someone, a buddy, if you will. Since you are injured, you might get into a little trouble in a pool if you are alone and no one is there to assist you at first. You might overestimate your ability to take care of yourself in a pool.
Your form is important, too. Movement should be smooth, with strokes being even and normally paced to your own comfort level. If need be, start your swimming exercise with a flotation device, especially if you are not a strong swimmer. Until you become truly confident in the water, take it easy on yourself. Try to remember to breathe normally, and keep your abdominal muscles pulled in towards your spine. Try to resist moving just your head when you are drawing breath during "the crawl." Roll your whole body gently to the side to get your head out of the water. Remember to take everything at your own pace, and not push yourself too much. If you feel any additional pain or discomfort, stop your workout. You might be in water and not subject to gravitys normal laws, but you can still injure yourself and set your healing back.
