How to Prevent Low Back Pain from Golf

By Jason Velez, DO

The summer heat has finally arrived in Hotlanta, and many people are ready to play a round of golf at one of our great local courses. I love to play golf, and as an orthopedic spine surgeon, I see many patients who suffer from back pain that keeps them from playing the game they love. I have put together a few tips to help you decrease your risk for low back pain and help keep you out on the course.

Warm Up

Many people don’t think about golf as a sport that requires a warm-up before hitting the links. However, because of the motion required by the body to play golf, it is important to take a few minutes to warmup. This will allow your muscles to relax and help them become accustomed to the motions they will be performing. Try stretching your low back by bending to touch the ground, turning gently from side to side and using one of your clubs to gently performa golf swing. Taking time to stretch before you tee off on the first hole can help save your low back during your round.

Proper Golf Posture

Many of us have been advised over the years to standup straight and maintain good posture. That advice also comes in handy for our golf game because the low back is especially susceptible to injuries from improper posture. Maintaining a proper stance will help you avoid an awkward golf swing and unnecessary twisting of the spine and the small muscles that support it. If you adopt the correct stance when taking your swing, have better luck keeping your ball on the fairway.

Work on Your Swing

The perfect swing takes work to achieve, and unfortunately, an improper golf swing can cause low back pain. Many golfers make the mistak eof swinging too hard, which can cause you to pull the muscles in your low back. Taking the time to perfect your swing can help lower your risk for low back pain and keep you out on the course. I hope these tips help you to decrease your low back pain and keep you out on your favorite golf courses. If you find yourself experiencing back pain that is keeping you off the links, the physicians at Resurgens Spine Center are here to help you get back to your game.

Jason W. Vélez, D.O., received his medical degree from the Philadelphia College of Osteopathic Medicine in Pennsylvania. He completed his residency in orthopaedic surgery at the University of Medicine and Dentistry of New Jersey in Stratford and his fellowship in orthopaedic spine surgery at OrthoCarolina Spine Center in Charlotte. Dr. Vélez practices at Resurgens Orthopaedics’ St. Joseph’s/Sandy Springs andWindy Hill offices.