Back Pain and Golf: The Stats
Studies show that more than 80 percent of golfers experience back pain or injury at some point while actively playing golf.
Do you get Back Pain when playing Golf?
In one study of 154 professional golfers, 55% reported a history of low back pain. This pain was of an adequate level to miss at least one tour event, or to play at an unsatisfactory level. Golfers such as Tiger Woods, Mike Weir, Vijay Singh, and David Duvall have trusted chiropractic for years to help keep them at the top of their game, and keep back pain at bay.
“Being a Chiropractic patient has really helped me immensely…lifting weights and seeing a Chiropractor on a regular basis has made me a better golfer. I’ve been going to Chiropractors for as long as I can remember. It’s as important to my training as practicing my swing.”?Tiger Woods
How can Golf cause Back Pain
As we watch events such as the Ryder Cup it’s no wonder golfers suffer a lot of back pain. Initially, the spine is twisted really far in one direction for the backswing; then, after hesitating for a second, the golfer’s back must suddenly change direction, forcefully twist and bend through the downswing, so this is an asymmetric, ballistic movement.
Studies have shown that the chiropractic adjustment can improve the range of motion of spinal joints. No big surprise here. Further, the adjustment can also help to correct improper muscle firing patterns established from previous injuries. What this means to the avid golfer is likely more accuracy, increased muscle efficiency, greater power, and ultimately better performance with less chance of injury, especially low back pain. According to Tiger, “Golfers who consistently get it up and down around the green have two things in common: great technique and good posture.” (Golf Digest, February 2001)
Golf frequently causes Low Back Pain
Reading Chiropractors help relieve Golf caused Back PainWhen a player experiences back pain during a round of golf, their scores suffer and their enjoyment is taken away from the game. There is a higher rate of injury amongst those players with poor flexibility, trunk control, postural control, and improper muscle firing patterns. In addition, back pain, neck, shoulder and elbow pain will sabotage any golf swing and ruin the golf experience. It shouldn’t be that way and it doesn’t have to.Regular chiropractic treatment can help alleviate golf back pain and injuries and get your game to where it is supposed to be.
Andrew Green, of Reflex Chiropractic , also holds the ICCSP (International Certified Chiropractic Sports Physician) qualification and leads a team well versed in effectively treating sports injury, including many presentations of back pain in golfers.
Regular chiropractic care is not just for golfers but for all of us for the treatment AND prevention of injuries. If you value your leisure time activities, consider scheduling a check up appointment with your Reading Chiropractors at Reflex Chiropractic to see how chiropractic care can be of benefit to you!