If your shoulder or neck pain lasts longer than two days after swimming…

During swimming, which is one of the most popular activities of holiday seasons, the neck and shoulder joints are loaded more than normal. Orthopedic Specialist Prof. Dr. Gökhan Meriç said that experiencing pain in the neck and shoulder area while swimming or swimming is a symptom that should be considered.

Swimming is a sport where the whole body is exercised and muscle activity is high. However, it is also extremely beneficial in terms of energy consumption. Because orthopedic specialist Prof. Dr. According to the information given by Gökhan Meriç, 1 km of swimming provides the same amount of energy as 4 km of running. However, Prof. Reminding that especially the neck and shoulder joints are loaded more than normal during swimming. Dr. Meriç pointed out the problems that may arise because of this.

WHAT CAUSES SHOULDER PAIN AFTER SWIMMING?

Stating that the shoulder joint is the most mobile joint of the body and that it performs this movement thanks to the flexibility of the surrounding capsule structure, Prof. Dr. Meriç said, “However, in people with structurally looser joints, more loading on this capsule structure may cause pain.”

Stating that the most common shoulder ailments caused by swimming are tendinitis (edema) in the shoulder muscles and compression in the shoulder joint, Prof. Dr. Gökhan Meriç gave the following information on the subject: “Excessive use of the shoulder and back muscles, which we did not use much during the year, increased compression effect of the shoulder bone on the shoulder muscles, cartilage damage in the shoulder joint, tendinitis in the biceps muscle can be seen when your arm is raised while swimming. Due to the compression of the shoulder muscles between the shoulder bones, edema and inflammation of these muscles can cause pain.

SWIMMING SHOULDER ALSO AFFECTS ATHLETE’S PERFORMANCE

Occurs during periods of intense swimming shoulder pain stating that the swimmer’s shoulder, which is defined as ‘shoulder’, is a problem that can be observed in 40-60 percent of professional swimmers, Prof. Dr. Meriç said, “Excessive use, structurally more flexible joints than normal, insufficient muscle strength around the shoulder and wrong swimming technique can lead to swimmer’s shoulder. The main reason for this common problem in swimmers is unbalanced development in the shoulder muscles, movement problems in the scapula and incorrect technique. This situation negatively affects the performance of the athlete,” he said.

IF YOU HAVE PAIN IN THE SHOULDER, YOU MUST STOP SWIMMING

Underlining that if there is pain in the shoulder after or during swimming, Prof. Dr. Meriç gave the following information about what to do in this situation: “In the painful period, it is necessary to apply ice to the shoulder 3-4 times a day for 10-15 minutes. However, it will be beneficial to use pain relief gel and tablets for 5-7 days. However, if the pain in the shoulder persists for more than 10 days despite rest and treatment, and if it prevents daily activities, a specialist should be consulted.

Stating that although the treatment of shoulder pain differs according to the underlying cause of the patients, it is possible to benefit from physical therapy, exercise and intra-shoulder injections. Dr. Meriç said, “In advanced cases, such as muscle tears, where the complaints continue despite the treatment, interventions with closed shoulder arthroscopy may be required.”

WEAKNESS IN NECK MUSCLES MAY CAUSE NECK PAIN

Reminding that the weak muscles in the front of the neck get tired faster than the strong ones, and the neck pain increases with the increase in swimming time, Prof. Dr. Gökhan Meriç gave the following information about the situations that can cause pain: “Excessive rotation of the neck while breathing can cause neck pain if the body and head are not aligned. While breathing,neck pain or numbness and tingling in the arms may indicate a herniated neck. Especially in people with weak neck muscles, pain radiating to the neck and back may be experienced after swimming.

DO THESE THINGS TO PROTECT THE NECK WHEN SWIMMING!

Stating that pain can be prevented by paying attention to some points to protect the neck while swimming, Orthopedics and Traumatology specialist Prof. Dr. Meriç said, “First of all, it is necessary to ensure that the head is in line with the body while swimming. At the same time, rotate the body towards the respiratory side to avoid turning the neck too much and over-extending the arms. To avoid excessive stress on one side of the neck, it is necessary to exhale equally to both sides. Try to use an appropriate swimming technique to strengthen the neck muscles as well as the abdominal muscles and core muscles.”

IF THE PAIN DOESN’T GO, PLEASE CONSULT A SPECIALIST

Pointing out that in case of pain in the neck area during or after swimming, it is necessary to take a break from swimming first. Dr. Gökhan Meriç warned: “Painkillers can be used to relieve pain. In addition, a hot water bottle and hot shower relax the muscles in this area and increase blood circulation in the neck. Neck pain with numbness and tingling in the hands and loss of strength may be associated with neck hernia and a specialist should be consulted. Again, a specialist should be consulted for persistent neck pain.”