13 Jun Why Does My Back Hurt While Playing Golf?
What causes my back to hurt while playing golf? Typically it is a result of spinal damage, poor technique or both. If your spine does not move properly on a segmental basis, meaning each vertebra needs to rotate, flex, extend and side bend on top of the others, it will be much more easily injured when brought through extreme ranges of motion. Also, if you have any prior history of disc disease or spinal injury and arthritis of any sort, it is more likely to be easily injured. Is there hope for your golf game even with a little (or a lot) of spinal damage? Absolutely. Here are a few tips to get you golfing with less pain.
First, you need to properly warm-up before you golf. This does involve being willing to look a little stupid in front of your friends so you will need to suck it up to feel good. I would suggest doing planks or sit-ups to activate your core muscles and prepare them to contract during your golf swing. Doing walking lunges will also help warm up your legs and butt muscles. I also recommend doing spinal rotation while keeping your hips very still and quiet. Going back and forth several dozen times will help your body prepare for the extreme rotation associated with golf.
Secondly, you know your back always feels sore after your first few times golfing. Be proactive and schedule a visit with your chiropractor before you hurt yourself. The old saying, an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure applies here. My patients that get adjusted regularly and take care of their spine with regular chiropractic care have better swing mechanics, less pain during their round and less recovery time. They end up playing a lot more golf in the season because they are not stopped by the pain. Tiger Woods has had his own private chiropractor his entire career and while he has recently been sidelined, he has been quoted numerous times on what an invaluable member of his team his chiropractor has been.
Thirdly, make sure you have good swing technique. Don’t try to evaluate this yourself. A PGA pro will be the best person to help you improve your swing mechanics to avoid damaging your back. If you do not have access to a PGA pro, speak to the club professional at your local course and rely solely on the salesman at the store as a last resort. You want your information from the best available.
At Eastern Oklahoma Chiropractic, we are always here to help you feel better. Call us at 918-940-4630 to schedule your appointment and we can evaluate your current situation and make the appropriate adjustments to your spine and your swing to help you stay on the course and out-drive your buddies. We want to help you continue to do the things you enjoy. Thank you for allowing us to be your chiropractor.