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Ask The Doctor Column – As it appeared in the April 14, 2003 Charlotte Observer
Written by: Joseph Zuhosky, M.D.
I am 60 years old and I love to play golf. I try to get out about once a week. Sometimes, after playing my back hurts. Why does this happen?
In recent surveys of professional and amateur golfers, low back pain was the most commonly cited injury and obstacle to achieving peak performance. As in the general population, disc injuries are a common source of low back pain in golfers. The discs serve as “cushions” between the vertebra, or bones, of the spine. Flexion, bending, and rotation of the back are critical to generating power in the golf swing, however, they also place significant stress on the discs in the low back. This repetitive flexion and rotation can aggravate or cause injury, such as a disc herniation, or “slipped disc”.
Which golfers are most at risk?
Not surprisingly, in both men and women, older golfers report more low back injuries than their younger competitors. Low handicap golfers tend to experience higher rates of injury than high handicappers, perhaps due to more frequent play and practice. Realistically, all golfers have some risk, although the factors which contribute to this risk can be modified.
Does my swing affect my risk of a low back injury?
Swing biomechanics is one of the most important factors. Maintaining a straight upper back with appropriate hip and knee bend are important fundamentals that also reduce the stress on the spine. Replacing the “Reverse C”, popular in the classic swing that emphasized backward bending in the follow-through, with the more modern upright finish posture minimizes stress on the low back. “Overswinging”, a reverse-pivot at the top of the backswing or lack of flexibility in the hips may also lead to added stress on the back.
How can I reduce my risk of an injury?
The most crucial factor in reducing injury is maintaining a balance between strength and flexibility. If you cannot easily cross your legs to put on your shoes or touch the floor with your knees straight, your inflexibility may affect your performance and increase your risk of injury. The hamstring muscles, located in the back of the thigh, and the muscles that rotate the hip are among the most important to stretch. Maintaining abdominal strength is also extremely important. The abdominal muscles serve to both stabilize and support the spine as well as control rotation or twisting.
Should I warm up before playing?
Prior to teeing off, one should stretch the major muscle groups of the arms and legs. It is important to progress through the various clubs while striking balls on the range to adequately warm up. The most important factor is maintaining the balance between flexibility and strength even when you are away from the course.
If you continue to have pain, see your doctor.
Edited by Dr. Mark Romanoff, Ask The Doctor is a community service provided by The Mecklenburg County Medical Society. If you have a medical question you would like answered, please send your question to 1112 Harding Place #200, Charlotte, NC 28204 or you may fax your question to (704) 376 – 3173 or email to meckmed@bellsouth.net. |
