Low Back Pain and Golf
Golf is not only a unique sport, but one that is growing tremendously around the world. Between 1970 and 1990, the number of golfers in the
The forces exerted during a golf swing combine compression, torsion and lateral bending. These motions are also known as risk factors for disc herniation. During a golf swing, the low back can sustain compressive loads of up to eight times body weight (about 6100 +/- 2400N in amateurs and 7584 +/- 2400N in professional golfers). Cadaveric studies have revealed that disc prolapse can occur at loads of ~ 5800N.
Perfecting the golf swing is one of the most complex athletic skills. The swing itself can be broken into four major components: backswing or takeaway, forward swing, acceleration with ball strike, and follow through. Professionals practice constantly with a consistent swing, leading to overuse injuries. Amateurs do not play as frequently and often demonstrate multiple inconsistencies in their swing, this leads to injury resulting from poor mechanics.
Research on treatment, conditioning and prevention strategies does make a couple of suggestions. A small collection of case studies on low back pain in golfers recommends general trunk muscle stabilization exercise. There is also some low-level evidence that golfers who stretch/warm-up for 10 minutes before playing have a lower risk of sustaining injury. As the sport continues to grow, there will surely be a growing amount of research done on the relationship between golf and LBP.
The way to prevent injuries like low back pain and improve your golf game it to begin a specific exercise/rehabilitation program-and we are here to help.
Most problems with exercise and improper golf swing mechanics has to do with loss of form which can result from imbalance, misalignment, and movement restriction. All three of these problems can be identified by your chiropractor upon an evaluation as well as watching you perform various exercises. Once the problem is identified, beginning a series of chiropractic structural correction adjustments and recommendations to do at home we can prevent the soreness and injuries that occur.
It has been estimated by Sean Atkin, PhD Exercise Physiologist, that in excess of 90% of all world-class athletes use chiropractic cared to prevent injuries and to increase their performance potential. Why should you treat yourself any differently? Call today for a structural and functional evaluation.
Reference
Thistle S, The lumbar spine and low back pain in golf. Dynamic Chiropractic
2010; 16-17.
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