Protect Your Back When Golfing
By Sara Butler
It’s almost time to get back out on the green and enjoy a few rounds of golf! You might be a little rusty when it comes to your golf moves, so make sure to brush up with the help of the chiropractors at The Joint in order to protect your back during your golf game. Here are three chiropractor-approved ways to protect your lower back when you play golf.
Choose Your Bag Wisely
Carrying that heavy bag around from hole to hole is great exercise, but it’s not great for your lower back. If you want to make sure your back is protected, then use an integrated golf bag. This is a bag that has a stand, so it will sit upright and help you avoid leaning over to pick up the right club. Also, make sure the bag you choose has two shoulder straps instead of just one. This will help distribute the weight evenly to help keep the weight balanced and reduce the chances of hurting your back. Of course, you can always hire a caddy to do the heavy lifting for you, but having this type of golf bag helps to protect their back too!
Learn a Fluid Swing
You may never be as good as Tiger Woods or Arnold Palmer, but it is important to the health of your back that you learn a fluid swing. If you swing too hard, then the force can harm your back and lead to problems with the discs that sit between the bones in your spine. Ensure your golf swing is fluid and that you’re using your pelvis and hips in the right way, not just your back, when you swing. This will help keep your back healthy and probably improve your game too.
Stretch First
Golf is just like any other physical activity, so take the time to stretch before you start your game. Stretching helps to keep injuries at bay when you play, something that can easily happen if you go into your game with muscles that haven’t been warmed up.
Focus on stretching your torso, hips, and shoulders before you start your match. Place your club behind your head and rotate in different directions to get your torso warmed up for your swing and try pulling your knees up to your chest to help stretch your hips.
Take care of your back as you play golf and your game is bound to improve!
To learn more about your health, wellness, and fitness, see your local chiropractor at The Joint Chiropractic in Fort Worth, Tex.