5 Great Tips to Avoid Lower Back Pain Playing Golf

 Why exactly do we get lower back playing Golf?

Here are five helpful and eye-opening tips for people experiencing lower back pain playing golf. These tips are not only helpful for beginner golfers who enjoy the green on the weekends. It is also very helpful for professionals who compete in this beautiful outdoor sport. Lower back pain playing golf and its continuing irritation is the main reason why golfers stop playing. To better understand and treat this, read on:

Lower back pain is muscular-skeletal in nature. It is primarily caused by the stress put on the back through strenuous activity. In this case — the golf swing. Sports science has discovered that a normal swing places a large load on the spine and the muscles protecting it. The load placed for each swing is similar to the force employed by a linebacker every time he hits a practice sled at maximum force. Imagine that! It is no wonder that almost 30% of novices stop because of lower back pain playing golf.

Medical science has determined the plain fact that this problem can be remedied. For the pros, lower back pain playing golf is mainly due to continuing stress in competition. For the beginners, lower back pain playing golf is caused by poor fitness levels and improper stance and form.

To remedy lower back pain playing golf, here are five helpful tips.

• 1. Practice the Classic Swing to avoid lower back pain playing golf –

The classic golf swing versus the so-called “modern swing” puts a lesser load on the spine. The classic swing based on biomedical research, makes the shoulder and the hips rotate at the same time. It also features lesser sideways bending at the point of the club’s impact. All of this equals lesser stress on the spine.  On the other hand, the modern swing, with its focus on lower hip and pelvis rotation including the downswing process has been found out to put a greater stress on the back. It is very possible that the increase in lower back pain playing golf is directly proportional to increase in use of this dangerous “modern swing”.

• 2. Get Fit to avoid lower back pain playing golf.

Golf is great exercise but it should also be complemented with cardio and strength training. Do not just make it your only sport. Take a look at professional athletes. They regularly do cardio, strength and conditioning to complement their performance. Pick one that suits you and one that you enjoy. You can also consult a trainer who will design a program that will complement your game. This will make your back muscles stronger and it will make you fitter and help avoid lower back pain playing golf.

• 3. Don’t over practice to avoid lower back pain playing golf.

This is a common sight to see especially for beginners. They go to the range and do a lot of short strokes. They neglect their long game. Or they do a lot of long drives and forget their short game.  The result of this is simply you, putting a lot of unnecessary stress on your back.

• 4. Play within your limits to avoid lower back pain playing golf.

The personal trainer mentioned before can help you with this. You can also do a lot of honest self-evaluation. Do not go for a 300 yard drive each and every time. Play within your limits and skills. This strategy will make you less injury prone. Do not go for all 36 holes if you already feel uncomfortable. Knowing yourself is winning half the battle.

• 5. Be realistic.

If you feel a bit of discomfort or any pain at all, address the issue immediately. Don’t try to be all macho and play through an impending injury. Any form of pain or injury can be easily treated at an early stage. Studies have shown that minor injuries ignored will definitely lead to bigger ones. These are the types of injuries that will surely force you to stop playing this amazing game that we love and enjoy.