Simple question: effects of masters swimming (i.E. Middle aged people training in a pool under a coach in order to get faster) on degenerative disc disease.


I'm nearly pain free. My c7-c6 herniation, while debilitating a few weeks ago, is only causing minor numbness and tingling in my right hand.


I cannot, for the life of me, find a competent medical authority, definitive research, or a firsthand account of how 2000-3000 yard workouts, including intervals and distance training, effect the cervical spine.


Yeah, yeah, I know that I allegedly "twist my neck" when I swim, but I also know that proper stroke technique includes rolling one's body rather than turning one's head to breath.


There is no greater high for me than running out of the water, on to the beach and past a finish line after a one mile swim in the bay or a lake. Even if i'm finishing 443rd out of 670 swimmers.

But my c6-c7 disc took my right arm out of commission for a while. It seems to be getting stronger. Will I ever get it back?


I want to get back in the water and start swimming soon. I was supposed to do an alcatraz swim a couple weeks ago, and I want to do it next year. After a month off, I should start training now.

Before I started swimming, I had lower back pain that virtually disappeared when took up the sport. That was two years ago. I just can't seem to get an answer as to whether I should be swimming, or if I should not be swimming.


I'm sorry for the rant, and the disjointed post. But please, if anyone knows the answer, or where I can get an answer, i'm dying to know.


Thank you.