Common Back Injuries From Golf and How To Treat Them

Golf is a popular sport enjoyed by many, but it can also lead to back injuries.We will discuss common back injuries that can occur while playing golf and ways to treat them.

Common Golf Injuries

1. Muscle Strains: Golf swings require a lot of force, and rough swings or sudden shifts during the downswing can lead to strained muscles in the back. Treatment for muscle strains includes rest, ice, compression, and elevation (RICE). In addition, over-the-counter pain medications such as ibuprofen or acetaminophen can help reduce pain and inflammation.
2. Facet Joint Syndrome: Facet joints, located between two vertebrae, give your spine the ability to bend and twist. Healthy facet joints have cartilage surrounding them, allowing the vertebrae to slide smoothly against each other during these movements. Golf swings that involve twisting can lead to inflammation and damage to the facet joints, resulting in facet joint syndrome. Treatment for facet joint syndrome can include physical therapy, chiropractic adjustments, and pain medication.
3. Lower Back Pain: The force, torque, and twisting of structures in the lower back create a significant risk of injury to the lower back. The rotational movement of a golf swing can put a lot of strain on the lower back, leading to pain and injury. Treatment for lower back pain includes rest, ice, and heat therapy, stretching and strengthening exercises, and pain medication.

How To Prevent Back Injuries Playing Golf

In addition to treatment options, there are also ways to prevent back injuries while playing golf.

1. Warm up before playing golf: Doing light warm-up exercises or stretches before playing golf can help to prevent back injuries.
2. Focus on your technique: Proper golfing form is essential to prevent back injuries. Make sure your posture is correct and your technique is spot on. A flat back and engaged core while pushing up through your feet are good techniques to use.
3. Strengthen your core: Strengthening your core muscles can help prevent back injuries while playing golf. Our abdominal muscles play a significant role in preventing back injuries. When the core is weak, it increases the strain on the joints within the lower back during the rotational movements of a golf swing.
4. Loosen your back and hips: Open up your hips and loosen your back before playing golf to prevent injuries. Stretching your shoulders, hamstrings, and relieving your wrists are also helpful.
5. Take breaks and rest between rounds: Taking adequate rests between rounds can protect you from golf-related back pain. Avoid playing for too long without taking breaks to rest and stretch your back and hips.
6. Low-impact aerobic exercise: Performing low-impact aerobic exercises, such as walking or stationary biking, for 30 to 40 minutes a day, three days a week can help to prevent back pain when playing golf.

Taking care of your body before, during, and after playing golf can help prevent back injuries. Proper warm-up, technique, and strengthening your core, as well as taking breaks and doing low-impact aerobic exercise, are all important measures to take to avoid back pain while playing golf.

Do You Have Back Pain From Golfing? Call Dr. Han Jo Kim

If you are looking for a highly skilled and experienced back specialist in New York City, look no further than Dr. Han Jo Kim. Dr. Kim has dedicated his career to helping patients overcome spinal issues and injuries through surgery. As a cervical spine and scoliosis surgery specialist, he has mastered his craft and has helped patients with some of the most rare and complex spinal deformities. If you are suffering from a back injury call today to schedule an appointment!