Getting Into the Swing of Things

By Krista Elliott

Golfers love nothing better than to head out to the links on a sunny day ... or a cloudy day, or a rainy day — we're kind of an obsessed bunch. The fresh air, the beautiful rolling fairways, and the challenge of mastering your game all make golf one of America's favorite pastimes. Plus, if you carry your clubs and walk the course, you can get in a great workout as well. 

All that swinging can come with a price, notably in the form of back pain. You may have been golfing problem-free for years, but one day, you twist just a smidge the wrong way while teeing off, and the next thing you know, you're laid up for weeks. And if your back pain becomes chronic, it could compromise your game and life altogether. 

So how do you prevent back injuries while golfing? 

Warm Up

Golf may be a more sedate sport, but it still involves a fair amount of muscle activity. And going from cold, stiff muscles to a full-strength drive can easily result in strains, sprains, and joint misalignment. Taking a few minutes with some gentle warm-up exercises will not only protect your back, but improve your overall swing. 

Get Your Swing Analyzed

Your swing may do the job, but if it's not biomechanically sound, you run the risk of repetitive-motion injuries and unevenly developed musculature, which puts strain on your spine. Having your swing professionally analyzed will help you develop a swing that is more efficient and powerful, and that is less likely to harm your back and hips. 

Stretch

Tight muscles can easily pull your spine and hips out of alignment. A routine of stretching, especially for your hips and hamstrings, goes a long way toward preventing subluxation and other joint issues. 

It's in the Bag, Baby

Carrying your bag is great exercise, but if you have to lay it down on the ground for each swing and then pick it back up, you run the risk of lower-back injury. Treat yourself to a new golf bag with a pop-out stand, to save you from all of that bending and lifting. And a bag with backpack-style straps helps distribute its weight more evenly across your body. 

Another excellent way to prevent and treat golf-related back pain is with a visit to The Joint Chiropractic. By carefully analyzing your spine and joints, our doctors can adjust your spine into its optimal alignment, helping to treat any existing injuries and prevent future ones. 

With care from The Joint Chiropractic and these prevention tips, you'll be able to enjoy the serene frustration of golf all season long, pain-free!