12 Tips For The Golfer With Back Pain

1. Carrying your golf bag places a compressive load on your spine. Try using a push-cart instead.

2. There is literature suggesting that walking is helpful for people with lower back pain. Try walking the course instead of driving.

3. Teeing up your ball, picking up your tee, fetching your ball out of the hole and replacing divots are examples of things you do many times over the course of a round of golf.  Make sure you’re crouching at the knees and not in the lower back.

4. Show up early so that you have time to warm-up before teeing off.

5. Put ice on your back after you play.

6. For many golfers with lower back pain, the end range of the swing is painful as the spinal joints are compressed. Consider shortening your swing so that you don’t compress the joints as often.

7. Be careful in the deep grass or the bunkers. For the golfer with lower back pain, moving at a high velocity and suddenly slowing down may aggravate the painful spine. Consider taking an easier swing, or If you’re playing a casual round with friends move your ball to more a more forgiving position.

8. Consult with a golf professional to ensure that you’re using proper technique.

9. Consult with a suitable healthcare practitioner if your pain persists. In addition to alleviating your condition, they may be able to offer suggestions that are specific to your diagnosis. 

10. Take a short break after nine holes.

11. Space your golf outings accordingly. If your back is particularly sore, consider delaying your next game until you are feeling better.

12. Instead of flexing the spine during your swing, try bending at the hips when possible.  Using a muscular brace (as discussed in previous blogs) may also prove helpful in protecting the spine.

Disclaimer
The purpose of this blog is to educate our patients and those interested in improving their health and wellbeing. We recommend that you always consult with a qualified health care professional before applying any of the topics or suggestions mentioned on this website. This information is not intended to diagnose or treat your condition. Burlington Sports Therapy, Dr. McIntyre or Dr. McDowall accept no responsibility for any complications arising from the use of any suggestions, exercises or topics of discussion on this site.