Many of us have had back pain due to some sport or physical activity in our lifetime and for those who have not are not only blessed but should also take time to learn about ways to prevent it. Trust me it sucks, it can put you out of your sport of choice and in this case it’s Golf. I suffer from L4 and L5 Spondylosis and although i participate in sports that are far more active and brutal than Golf, it’s still golf that hurts me the most due to the repetitive swinging that is non symetrical and honestly unatural to the human body. Twisting, Impact, Repitition, over time makes my L4/L5 inflame which at times has put preassure on the nerve shooting down the left leg.
Some people are just unlucky and have back related problems for no big reason while others push themselves due to ambition or their drive for perfection and end up huring themselves. If you are or may be prone to back injury you need to train and play smart.
Common Back Problems:
Spondylosis (spinal osteoarthritis) is a degenerative disorder that may cause loss of normal spinal structure and function. Although aging is the primary cause, the location and rate of degeneration is individual. The degenerative process of spondylosis may affect the cervical (neck), thoracic (mid-back), or lumbar (low back) regions of the spine.
Degenerative Disc Disease (DDD) Degenerative disc disease (DDD) is part of the natural process of growing older. Unfortunately, as we age, our intervertebral discs lose their flexibility, elasticity, and shock absorbing characteristics.
Herniated Disc Herniation describes an abnormality of the intervertebral disc that is also known as a “slipped,” “ruptured,” or “torn” disc. This process occurs when the inner core (nucleus pulposus) of the intervertebral disc bulges out through the outer layer of ligaments that surround the disc (annulus fibrosis).
The Neutral Swing
Yes your swing type matters but are you really going to toss it out just to fix your back irritation or pain? I personally think you should even if it puts you 10 strokes back for a good 6 months because in the end you will be able play longer in your lifetime, save in potential and costly medical expenses, and most importantly improve your comfort and quality of life.
If you have back pain it’s suggested that you have a neutral spin angle at impact and into after follow through. We all watch it on tour how the young guns with their full finish and bow in the lower back look so great and powerfull but believe me that many of these guys even the youngins get multiple massages each week, have a good back doctor or chiropractor and suffer from injuries much more than the average golfer does.
Stay tuned for part 2…
In part two I will be going over what has helped me curb the pain, get stronger, and feel more comfortable in life and while I play golf and other sports. The purpose of these blog posts are to get you to be proactive doing your best to improve your back pain situation if you have one.
This is a great post. As I play more golf I am beginning to experience more back pain. The issue definitely is because I’m trying to generate more power with that full finish and extension. I think by fixing your swing to a more neutral spine angle won’t necessarily set you back 10 strokes, but you’ll definitely have to sacrifice distance but you can still be accurate! Looking forward to your part 2 remedies!
Anyone remember the old margarine commercial “it’s not nice to fool Mother Nature”? We’re taught to be wary of her from the time we experience our first thunderstorm. I read this post and it occurred to me, Father Time is the one to be frightened of, he’s the one who can kick our backsides. I’m looking forward to the next installment.
I have back problems as well, Looking forward to your remedy.
The best is to get active treatment programs, such as physiotherapy, in which the patient is an active participant or even massage.
For many years I suffered from intense back pain which sometimes could not move. I practiced judo for more than 15 years of my life and at the end, back pain took me to all kinds of physical activity. A year ago my pains have disappeared thanks to this all-natural treatment I found on internet which anyone can do at home. At least this treatment cured me completely. Hopefully it will be helpful for you as it happened with me. http://www.backpain-relief-4-life.com