Swing Away From Back Pain

Low back pain and Golf. It’s an important issue to deal with. 36% of novice golfers, and more than 63% of serious golfers are playing with back pain. The twisting action of the golf swing is the most common cause of back strain. When you think of it, there are not many things we do in daily life that involves twisting excessively. Inserting the golf swing after you have been curled up on the couch all winter is a recipe for back pain.

Maybe you were keeping fit at the gym and ski hill. But the “twisting-type-of-fit“? Probably not. So now you are going to hit the links and twist over 100 times (some practice swings in there) 3 times a week. Yikes. No wonder Physiotherapists, Chiropractors and Massage Therapists stay busy with golfers and their backs. And elbows (that’s next newsletter!). So what happens to make your back sore other than the fact you haven’t done any “twists and shouts “ since last fall?

The main reason is stiff, jammed,rusty joints. We call it “Mechanical Back Pain”. Think of your back like a car. Sometimes things don’t work smoothly and properly. Each time you swing the club the jammed joints want to move, but they can’t. They become irritated and inflamed. The muscles react by going into spasm. You may feel a sharp pain, dull ache or stiffness in the small of your back. Often pain can even radiate into the butt and down the back of the leg. Best not to be stubborn with this. If ignored, you will start to change your swing, be hesitant, shorten your back swing or change your approach to the ball as you expect pain. Your swing isn’t as smooth, natural and well lubed as it should be.

So what can be done about your pesky low back? Best to deal on it now as Spring has Sprung. Find your favorite health care professional that deals in manual therapy and rehab. That could be a Physio, Chiro or RMT. Some hands -on treatment by your “ Body Mechanic “ is what your body needs. Tune up time to restore your normal low back joint and muscle mechanics! Then it’s your turn. Here are some tips to help you become an active participant:

Spend 10 minutes before you leave the house to stretch. You need to prepare your body for the 18 holes you are about to ask it to do. By stretching and warming up correctly, you can decrease your risk of injury and alleviate joint stiffness. Don’t push your back past it’s comfort zone. If you want a fluid, easy swing you have to tease the back joints and muscles into that range you require. There are many ways to stretch for golf. I like to keep it simple. Then you golfers at least will do them!