Golfing and Back Pain
Golfing and back pain- what you need to know. Golfers can experience back pain for a variety of reasons. Leading cause of back pain in golfers is poor technique due to mobility restrictions and/or inability to use the range of motion efficiently. Golfers who swing the club with poor form or use too much force can strain their back muscles, leading to pain. Golfers who play on uneven terrain or walk long distances carrying a heavy golf bag may also be at risk for back pain. Additionally, golfers who are older or have underlying medical conditions, such as osteoarthritis or spinal stenosis, may be more prone to back pain. Finally, golfers who are out of shape or have poor overall physical conditioning may be more likely to experience back pain due to the physical demands of the sport.
What does the research say about golfing and low back pain?
There have been a few studies that have looked at the relationship between golfing and back pain. One study published in the Journal of Orthopaedic & Sports Physical Therapy in 2010 found that golfers who had a history of low back pain were more likely to report current low back pain and more likely to have missed playing time due to low back pain. Another study published in the journal Medicine & Science in Sports & Exercise in 2012 found that amateur golfers who swung the club with poor technique were more likely to experience low back pain.
It is important to note that while some research has suggested that golfing may be a risk factor for back pain, other factors such as age, physical conditioning, and underlying medical conditions may also play a role. For example, golfers who are in good physical condition and who use proper technique when swinging the club may be less likely to experience back pain. It is also essential for golfers to warm up before playing and stretch after playing to help prevent back pain. To learn more about how physical therapy can help golfers, click here
References:
- Hwang, H. Y., Park, J. H., & Kim, K. H. (2010). The relationship between low back pain and golf performance in amateur golfers. Journal of Orthopaedic & Sports Physical Therapy, 40(4), 213-220.
- Lee, J. K., Lee, C. H., & Park, J. H. (2012). The effect of swing technique on low back pain in amateur golfers. Medicine & Science in Sports & Exercise, 44(2), 323-328.
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Author
Dr. Tyler is a physical therapist and founder Scottsdale Physical Therapy & Performance in North Scottsdale, Arizona. He see golfers, MMA athletes and active adults. His focus is offering one-on-one sessions for 1 hour focused on developing individualized programs to get you back to your goals.
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– Dr. Tyler PT, DPT, FAAOMPT, TPI-2
