Like you, I swim keeping my head above water. My late mother taught me so and I like it. It does not give me pain. However, it is SUPPOSED to give you exactly the pain you describe.

Likewise, I love reading or using the laptop on my tummy. I feel great and do not feel pain. My new personal trainer was horrified. She said it is SUPPOSED to produce all sorts of neck and back pain. So maybe I am built abnormally .

Unless your signature is not to be taken literally, and, unless you are like me, swimming with your head above water is SUPPOSED to cause pain you are describing, in men and women alike.