Golf and Lower back pain –Sports Chiropractor-Perth

Playing Golf may be a source of  Lower back pain

Golf is a very popular sport in both the male and female population. Along with the fun of the game, it most definitely has its health benefits. However injuries can occur like they do with any other sport, with the most common being lower back pain. This is usually a result of muscle strain or ligamentous sprain. In elite players it tends to be from the forceful nature of the swing and excessive play. Other factors is due to swing flaws which lead to excessive side bend, over rotation of the spine, abnormal muscle recruitment, poor trunk endurance and restricted lead hip internal rotation. The primary cause has been seen due to a lack of mobility in the ankles, hips, thoracic spine and shoulders of golfer, which in turn puts excessive load on their lower back.

The most common injuries in golfing include:

• Muscle strain or ligamentous sprain- pain from the muscle or ligament tends to be localised to the lower back and doesn’t refer to the buttock or leg. The lower back pain can range from an ache to a sharp intolerable pain. It usually resolves with rest, however stiffness and joint restrictions can present after.
• Disc Injury- The disc lie between individual vertebrae to absorb compressive forces and create gaps for the spinal nerves to exit the spinal column. When excessive force or stress is placed on the disc, it can result in a tear. This can consequently produce a disc bulge which irritates the exiting nerves, causing lower back pain
• Bone Fracture- Stress fractures are commonly seen in golfers and other rotational athletes. This is caused by the rapid extension and rotation of the spine, causing neighbouring vertebrae to clash into each other, resulting in fracture.

The main way to prevent injuring yourself in golf is to normalize movement patterns. Most of your mobility should come from your thoracic spine and hips, which are designed for rotation, where as the lumbar spine is primarily designed for flexion and extension. Mobility of the ankle and the shoulder is also very important in assisting the thoracic spine and hips. This will all prevent the lumbar spine from being the main rotator, and in turn reduce lower back pain.

In terms of the recovery process of lower back pain due to a golfing injury, chiropractic  treatment may be useful!

Here atLakeside Chiropractic our experienced clinicians Dr Linda Schiller and associates can arrange a treatment plan to according to your individual needs. Dr Linda Schiller has a International Chiropractic Sports Science diploma that has helped with many professional golfers. Treatment at our practice in Joondalup includes chiropractic adjustments, massage, soft tissue therapy, acupuncture, dry needling, ultrasound, interferential therapy, strapping and exercises.

We can also prescribe specific rehabilitative exercises,that may  align hips, Knees and ankles better.

Lakeside Chiropractic is central to the northern suburbs of Perth. We are located opposite Lakeside Shopping Centre, local to Currambine, Connolly, Edgewater, Iluka, Ocean Reef, Tapping, Kinross, Clarkson.

If you are a lover of golf and have noticed lower back pain, do not hesitate to contact Lakeside Chiropractic clinic in Joondalup or book online .