Is Golf Bad For Your Back? You Wont Believe What We Found

Greetings golf enthusiasts and fitness fanatics. Today, we're exploring a question that's concerned many golfers over the years. "Is golfing bad for your back?" This is a tricky question that can be answered in many different ways. But it depends on your age, health, fitness, and experience as a golfer. In order to better understand this query we're going to take a deep dive into the research, consult with the experts and review the latest in sports science.

Whether you're a veteran of the links managing occasional back discomfort, a beginner worried about potential golf-related injuries or you're just curious about the effects of the golf swing on your physical health - this one's for you.

In this article, we'll help you understand the relationship between golf and back health. We will explore the potential risks, the causes of back pain, preventative measures, and the ways in which you can strengthen your back and increase your flexibility.

Remember, knowledge is power! If you want to become a better golfer and have more fun on the golf course then you need to understand the mechanics of the golf swing and the impact on your body.

So, grab your golf club, and let's tee it up!

The Unexpected Villain: Is Your Golf Swing Causing Back Pain?

Golf is a sport loved by millions of people worldwide. In fact, according to the National Golf Foundation over 25 Million Americans hit the links last year. It's oven viewed as a relaxing, low-impact activity - a nice leisurely walk with friends. Yet, it demands a surprising level of strength, flexibility, and coordination, especially when it comes to maintaining the health of your back.

From the force, torque, and twisting of the torso during the swing, to a long hilly walk carrying a golf bag to the constant bending needed to pick up the ball, your back is an indispensable player in your golf game. So it is no secret that many golfers experience back pain. Let's take a look at some numbers to get a better idea of what's going on.

According to the National Center for Biotechnology Information, "lower back pain (LBP) from golf account for between 18% and 54% of all documented ailments, leading many researchers to regard the condition as the most common golf injury."
Compressive Force of the Golf Swing: Up to 8 times your body weight. According to Spine-Health, the stress on the lower back equates to these numbers.

Amateur Golfer - 1,370 Pounds
Professional Golfer - 1,700 Pounds
Force needed to generate a herniated disc - 1,220 Pounds

When we consider the numbers above golf doesn't seem like a good thing for the back. But we need to put things in perspective. A study delving into golfers with back pain found an intriguing pattern. The golfers suffering from lower back pain didn't blame the golf swing stresses for their discomfort. Instead, it seemed that golf was merely the messenger, revealing issues that they were already suffering from.

Perhaps it's a case of restricted mobility, a past injury that didn't quite heal, or a lack of strength in core areas. The golf swing might simply be highlighting preexisting conditions. Consider this as well - age matters. By the time you reach the age of 40, 7 out of 10 people will probably suffer from some degree of disc degeneration.

So, is golf bad for your back? If you have a bad swing or poor posture then yes it is probably not good for your back. If you're a Pro who's been playing for 20-plus years hitting thousands of balls and swinging for the fences then probably so. But if you're a weekend warrior or even an experienced player maybe not. Back injuries are usually caused by repeated stress rather than a single traumatic event.

From Bogey to Agony: Common Back Injuries from Golf

Golfers, regardless of experience or skill level, are susceptible to a variety of back injuries that can result from the force, torque, stress, twisting and improper technique of the golf swing. You may be wondering, "Why does my back hurt after golf?" Here are a few common back injuries from golf.

Muscle Strains: The most common golf injury is a strained or pulled muscle, often in the lower back. This lumbar strain usually happens due to improper swinging mechanics, failure to warm up properly, or overuse.
Herniated Disc: The repetitive twisting motion and forceful swing in golf can place strain on the spine and lead to a herniated or slipped disc. This injury occurs when the soft interior of a spinal disc protrudes through the tougher exterior, potentially causing pain, weakness, or numbness in the back and/or legs.
Spondylolysis and Spondylolisthesis: These are stress fractures that can occur in the lumbar spine, often due to repetitive hyperextension (backward bending) and rotation of the spine. This is especially common in younger golfers who may not have fully developed bone strength.
Degenerative Disc Disease: This condition occurs with age and is the result of wear and tear on the spinal discs. Golfers may be prone to this due to the repetitive rotational stress placed on the spine during the swing.
Facet Joint Syndrome: This is another degenerative condition where the cartilage around the facet joints in the spine wears down causing pain, swelling, inflammation, even possible muscle spasms. Repetitive twisting motions and forceful swings in golf can accelerate this process.
Arthritis: The repetitive motion of golf can lead to wear and tear on the joints in the spine, which can eventually lead to arthritis.

A Sudden Swing of Sorrow: What Causes Low Back Pain in Golfers?

Lower back pain in golfers can be the result of several factors. Let's take a look at the most common causes.

Poor Swing Mechanics: A golf swing involves a complex sequence of movements that require coordination, timing, strength, and balance. If a golfer has a bad swing it can lead to a bad back. Some examples of swing faults are a forward swing with excessive side bend or too much spine and hip tilt and over rotation.
The Modern Swing: This applies to Professionals and better golfers and is often called the X-Factor. This swing is all about power - creating resistance and coil. This is done by creating separation between the upper body and lower body (shoulders and hips).
Poor Posture: A rounded back or arched lower back leads to an improper spine angle creating undo stress on the lower back.
Overuse: Golfers repeat the same movements hundreds of times during a round of golf. This repetitive motion can lead to overuse injuries in the lower back.
Lack of Physical Conditioning or Strength: Golf requires strength, flexibility, and endurance. If a golfer lacks physical conditioning, especially in the core muscles and lower back muscles, they are more susceptible to injury.
Previous Injuries: Golfers who have had previous back injuries are more likely to experience low back pain.
Age: As golfers age, the risk of low back pain increases due to natural degenerative changes in the muscles, spine, and joints.
Inadequate Warm-up: Not warming up properly before starting a round of golf can increase the risk of back injuries.
The Tiger Woods Effect: Swinging as hard as you can thinking you're younger than you are.
Improper Lifting of Your Golf Bag/ Walking a Hilly Course with a Heavy Golf Bag: Lifting a heavy golf bag incorrectly can strain the lower back. If you're a walker consider a Sunday Golf Bag or a Golf Bag For a Push Cart. And make sure you're wearing comfortable golf shoes that fit well and provide good support and traction.

Golf Without Pain: Flexibility and Stretching’s Untold Secrets!

Imagine powerful, accurate, and, best of all, pain-free golf swings. How is this possible? It's simple, really - you need to incorporate stretching and core exercises into your routine. This will improve muscle function and reduce the chance of golf injuries.

Check out the best back and core strengthening stretches below.

Game-Changing Tips: How to Avoid Back Pain on the Golf Course!

Prevention is indeed better than cure, and a few simple changes to your golfing habits could keep your back in shape and your game on point. Remember, golf is not just about the perfect swing, but also about playing smart and prioritizing your well-being. So, let's tee up the top tips for a pain-free golfing experience!

Stand Tall at Address: If you suffer from a bad back you don't want to bend forward as much, so standing taller and closer to the ball will be better for your back.
Narrow Stance: Here's a setup tip to help you rotate the lower body with more freedom. If you're still struggling with rotation even with a narrow stance, consider turning your feet out or opening them up for a bigger turn.
Ball Forward at Address: This will help you keep level (reducing tilt) as you turn through on the downswing.
Adopt a Classic Swing: The classic swing is old-school golf at its best. Rather than trying to create separation between the shoulders and hips, move your shoulders and hips in unison.
Take Lessons: Whether you suffer from a bad back or not taking lessons could be one of the best things you can do. It will help you with your setup and posture, help you maintain good form in your swing, and give you the best chance of staying healthy on the course.
Warm Up Before You Play Golf: Make sure you stretch and warm up your golf muscles before you play. Take a brisk walk to loosen up. Hit the range and hit a small bucket of balls. Take practice swings slowly increasing clubhead speed.
Swing Easy: Solid ball striking and proper form trumps over swinging all day long. Striking the ball in the center of the club face with good tempo will not only help your back but your game too.
Take a Break, Hydrate, Ride a Cart: Make sure you drink plenty of fluids on the course, especially on those hot humid days. Ride a cart if your back feels a little stiff.
Listen to Your Body: Your body knows best and will let you know when it's had enough. If you're struggling with pain don't fight it.
Pick Up a Back Brace: A good back brace can relieve pain, provide support and stability, and have you playing better golf.

Pain Management: When to See a Doctor

If you experience back pain after playing golf, it's imperative to pay attention to your body and take proactive steps. While golf related back pain responds well to conservative treatments such as rest, pain medication, and physical therapy, consulting a doctor is necessary when the pain lasts for an extended period or becomes severe. Don't ignore the pain or try to push through it – this can lead to further damage and prolong your recovery.

In some cases, a doctor may suggest some type of back or spine surgery to address the problem. By addressing the issue early on and following your doctor's recommendations, hopefully avoid surgery. And you can get back on the golf course and enjoy the game you love without the discomfort.

Hole Out: The Final Thoughts on Golf and Back Health

In conclusion, our deep dive into the question "Is golf bad for your back?" has revealed some eye-opening insights. While the repetitive and forceful nature of the golf swing can potentially cause strain on your back, it doesn't mean that golf is inherently bad for your back. The key lies in understanding the risks involved and taking the necessary precautions to minimize them.

Throughout this article, we've explored various aspects of golf fitness, including the importance of proper posture, adequate warm-ups, regular stretching, and maintaining a healthy approach on the links. By incorporating these best practices into your golf routine, you can significantly reduce the risk of golf back pain and injury, allowing you to enjoy the game without jeopardizing your health.

Ultimately, with the right approach and dedication to taking care of your body, you can enjoy the game of golf for years to come. Remember, prevention is key, and by making these small yet impactful changes to your golfing habits, you'll be on track for a pain-free and delightful experience on the course. Keep swinging with confidence, and may your golf game take flight!