Swimming Can Help Protect Spinal Health

Spinal health is crucial for body balance and a healthy physique. By performing certain exercises and sports routinely, it is possible to maintain spinal health. Liv Hospital Orthopedics and Traumatology Specialist Prof. Dr. Çağatay Öztürk explained the benefits of swimming on spinal health and provided important recommendations. The bone structure called the 'spine', formed by the union of thirty-three vertebrae and containing the spinal cord, is a structure that holds the body upright and ensures the balance of organs, skeletal and muscular systems. If this structure is damaged, numerous diseases, disabilities and even fatal risks can occur. For this reason, it is necessary to protect spinal health and strengthen this structure. The "most natural" sport to be performed especially during summer months to protect and strengthen spinal health is swimming.

Recommended Swimming Styles are Freestyle or Backstroke

With the arrival of summer months, many of us spend a large portion of our time by the seaside and swimming. Swimming is one of the most beneficial sports for spinal health, but it carries risks when performed incorrectly. Especially in holiday areas, diving from heights into shallow water, a practice referred to as "high diving," can cause serious spinal trauma and may even lead to severe spinal injuries resulting in paralysis. Swimming sport, which has a strengthening effect on spinal muscles, should ideally be performed in freestyle and backstroke swimming styles.

Caution Should Be Taken When Performing Weight-Bearing Sports

Swimming can correct spinal curvatures during acute phases. Since swimming strengthens the skeletal and muscular systems, it also works the spinal intervals and helps achieve a more upright spine. Sports performed by lifting weights can strain the spine. Instead, swimming performed with correct movements using the buoyant force of water not only reduces joint pain but also leads to a stronger spine.

More Frequent in Women

Spinal problems are more common in women than in men. Genetic and hormonal factors are the reason for this. While osteoporosis is frequently seen as a problem specific to women, it is known that osteoporotic vertebral fractures occur more frequently in women than in men. Regular nutrition and swimming in women can greatly reduce this problem.