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Related Experiment Videos

The spine in swimming.

M C Ferrell1

  • 1Bone and Joint Clinic, Franklin, Tennessee, USA.

Clinics in Sports Medicine
|May 7, 1999
PubMed
Summary
This summary is machine-generated.

Competitive swimming shows low rates of back pain and spine injuries. However, diving accidents pose risks for severe neck and back injuries, necessitating awareness of evolving techniques.

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Area of Science:

  • Sports Medicine
  • Orthopedics
  • Physiology

Background:

  • Competitive swimming generally presents a low incidence of back pain and spinal injuries.
  • Diving, particularly from heights or into shallow water, is associated with a higher risk of catastrophic cervical and spinal trauma.
  • Functional back pain in swimmers is typically musculoskeletal and managed conservatively.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To review the incidence and causes of back pain and spine injuries in competitive swimming.
  • To highlight the specific risks associated with diving techniques.
  • To emphasize the importance of staying updated on the physical effects of evolving swimming techniques and rules.

Main Methods:

  • Literature review of swimming-related injuries.

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  • Analysis of injury mechanisms in competitive swimming, focusing on diving.
  • Discussion of conservative treatment for functional back pain.

    • Main Results:

    • Competitive swimming has a low overall rate of back and spine injuries.
    • Diving is a significant mechanism for severe cervical and spinal injuries in swimmers.
    • Musculoskeletal back pain is common and usually responds to conservative management.

    Conclusions:

    • While swimming itself is relatively safe for the spine, diving carries inherent risks.
    • Coaches, trainers, and physicians must remain informed about the biomechanical impacts of modern swimming techniques and rules.
    • Proactive injury prevention strategies, especially concerning diving, are crucial for swimmer safety.