FITforeGOLF™
BACKING AWAY FROM BACK PAIN
By David Lindsay PT MSc
Low back problems are the number one injury in golf, in fact professional golfers have the highest incidence of low back pain compared to all other professional athletes. Professional golfers typically injure their spines from over use while recreational players fall victim to poor technique or improper warm up. Pre-existing injuries, poor flexibility and weak trunk muscles are also contributing factors.
The lower back is particularly susceptible to injury with any activity that requires quick rotation (twisting) in a bent over posture -- which to a large extent describes the golf swing! In fact the momentum of the swing will often force the rotation range of motion to exceed what the person can normally achieve. Current research on the golf swing is showing that good abdominal control and strength is imperative for helping protect the spine from injury.
The following are a sample of swing faults will increase stress on the lower back:
· Excessively steep swing plane - coils the spine excessively and tends to promotes an exaggerated hip slide on the downswing.
· Excessive lateral hip motion (hip slide) - increases the amount the spine bends to the side during the downswing. Side bending is hard on the back since few muscles protect the spine in this direction.
· Arched or Reverse “C” finish position - compresses the small lower back facet joints. A Reverse Pivot, where weight transfer moves in the opposite direction to normal, will cause the same problem.
· Knees too straight at set-up - forces the spine to bend over further which increases the amount of compression on the intervertebral discs.
The most important components to avoiding back pain on the golf course is to ensure you use a healthy set-up posture when addressing the ball and your abdominal muscles are strong and active during your swing. If you are still having problems visit your golf professional or a FITforeGOLFÔ Physical Therapist.
81 Middlecote Drive Ajax ON, L1T 0K3 www.reactivatephysiotherapy.com