The golf season is fast approaching, and I can t wait to get out on the links, but I know that once I begin playing regularly, I ll be fighting recurrent back pain. I have undergone testing and even some treatment for the pain, but I still suffer an aching lower back sometimes by the third or fourth hole or after hitting a bucket of balls at the driving range. If your back pain is preventing you from fully enjoying or improving your golf game but traditional pain treatment is only a quick fix, you may have a condition that can be effectively treated through strength and flexibility exercise training or a simple correction of your swing.
Many golfers experience low back pain every time they play.
Their back pain is many times due to the explosive action of the golf swing, poor technique, or the low level of conditioning among most recreational golfers. The pain is further aggravated if the golfer typically rides a cart rather than walks the course. Studies show that the majority of these players have underlying lumbar disc derangements or dysfunctions that respond to flexibility exercises that are easily done on the golf course. Don t let the myths about strength and flexibility training deter you from enjoying their benefits. Some middle-aged and older recreational golfers believe that strength training may be harmful, bringing about an increase in bodyweight and blood pressure, flaring up their arthritis or back pain, and making them tight, reducing their flexibility and golf swing speed.