Tiger Woods, one of golf’s greatest legends, has undergone back surgery once again - offering a timely reminder of the toll the sport can take on the body.
Despite his historic 2019 comeback after spinal fusion surgery, Woods’ ongoing struggles with back pain highlight a common issue among golfers at all levels.
At Swing Lab, we regularly see a lot of players who struggle with back injuries or soreness after a round of golf. There can be many different factors to back pain, but many issues can be solved by being proactive and taking measures to prevent injuries occurring. .
Why do golfers suffer from back injuries?
Rotational strain: The twisting motion of the golf swing puts significant stress on the lower back, particularly the lumbar spine. This repeated motion can lead to wear and tear over time. If there are significant restrictions in the hip mobility, limited rotation can cause to additional strain on the lower back to create the rotation & separation.
Explosive movements: Golf swings require rapid acceleration and deceleration, compressing the spine and increasing the risk of injury. Without proper core muscles working together from front to back to support the spine, excessive stress on the spine in the golf swing can lead to disc or vertebral injuries overtime.
Repetitive strain: Repeated practice of the same swing mechanics without proper rest can lead to chronic back issues. As the golf swing is a one direction motion, repetitive strain can occur easily if the golfer is not utilizing the proper muscles in the rotation & separation.
Poor technique: Poor swing mechanics, such as early extension or over-rotation, can add undue stress to the lower back. A lot of the swing faults related to back pain are due to the lack of range of motion in the rotational joints (hips, shoulders) and lead to increase stress on the stability joints (lower back). As a result of that, it can lead to poor technique and also additional stress on the lower back.
Golfers can reduce their risk of injury by focusing on proper swing mechanics, strengthening their core for stability, warming up thoroughly, and avoiding overuse through balanced practice.
As Woods faces another setback, his story serves as a reminder for all golfers: take care of your body to stay in the game longer and healthier.
If you're suffering from back pain, book a free initial consultation with one of our team of experts today.
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