Golfing and Back Pain – The Serious Connection
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There is a significant relationship between golfing and Back Pain. Many golfers encounter backache and spinal pain at some point in their lifetime.
Notably, the majority of the people who generally suffer from back pain problems are in the age group of 30 to 40 years. The reason for their back pain may not necessarily be sports-related. However, most back pain patients have a history of being active in sports, especially golf.
The back pain gets aggravated whenever they indulge in strenuous activities like lifting heavy weights, working on computers, or playing golf using the wrong stance or grip.
Golfing
Golf is a great way to exercise, spend time with friends, and unwind after a stressful workday. For many people, it’s their favorite pastime.
One in three American adults play golf, and over the years, the sport has become popular across the world.
The Connection Between Back Pain and Golfing
Golfing is a strenuous activity that can cause back pain if done improperly or without stretching. Golfing requires significant rotations, which can stress the spine, particularly in the lumbar region.
For decades, golfers have been experiencing back pain because they swing their clubs as hard as possible. They do not give the muscles enough time to relax before they make their next move.
The swinging motions strain the back muscles, leading to back pain and other more severe health problems. More golfers deal with back pain (especially as they get older).
The golfers who swing their clubs as hard as they can likely experience back pain at some point in their lives. Tiger Woods’s back pain was due to golfing, and his back condition is an excellent example of the effects of golfing on back pain. Woods has battled back pain for many years, and the need for long breaks due to back pain has negatively affected his career.
Notably, back pain is a common injury among people of all ages. As we age, we’re more likely to deal with back pain. The condition can strike at any time and for a whole host of reasons. You might think you can not get back pain because you are not a golfer, but you’re not immune to the wear and tear that will lead to back pain as you age.
However, back pain is preventable and treatable.
Prevention of Back Pain
So what can you do to protect your back without giving up on your favorite sport? One of the best things you can do is to make sure you have a well-fitting golf shirt. Golfers who wear a shirt that’s too tight or too loose are more likely to experience back pain.
Notably, the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons recommends that golfers should not swing the club more than 90 degrees and should never turn the body to the left or right. In addition, golfers should always take a break before starting a round of golf.
Also, like it’s the case with all sports, you should make sure to stretch before and after playing golf. The stretching allows the muscles to relax and experience less strain during the game and after.
Generally, you need to keep fit to reduce the likelihood of getting any sports-related health problems such as back pain. Golfers who exercise regularly and have the most muscle strength and flexibility are less likely to experience back pain.
Minimally Invasive Surgery and other medical Interventions
Lastly, if you experience back pain, you should immediately seek medical help from a reputable back pain surgeon. Seeking early treatment enables you to have the severity of the back pain condition prevented.
For the best treatment outcome, ensure you get the necessary tests and examinations done by a reputable spinal doctor. The doctor should assess the magnitude of the problem before recommending a suitable treatment. Based on the level of injury, the doctor will recommend the proper treatment.
Notably, back surgery should be your last option based on the given recommendations by certified spinal pain doctors. If the back pain has been persistent even after non-surgical interventions such as over-the-counter drugs, you likely require surgery.
Minimally invasive surgery is a highly recommended type of back surgery. The procedure guarantees a high success rate, it causes minimum post-surgery complications, and the patients heal faster.
Final Words
Although back pain is a prevalent condition in people who have been playing golf for decades, and there is a deep connection between golfing and back pain, that should not stop you from playing your favorite game.
