Monday, April 1, 2013

Is golf giving you a headache?



Golf is a popular sport played by enthusiasts of all ages here in the Atlanta region. Golf has some “usual suspects” when it comes to injury. Low back pain, golfers elbow, and rotator cuff injuries of the shoulder, to name a few. Range of motion of the trunk and upper extremities is the key to a successful golf swing. Flexibility exercises not only have the potential to prevent injury, but also to improve golf performance. Unfortunately, as you get older, your flexibility is likely to decrease, predisposing you to injury. Golf is a game, unfortunately, of repetitive twisting and rotating of the trunk. Excessive rotation puts a shear stress on the spine, shoulder and hip areas which may increase risk of injury: but who can argue that the feel of a “nailed” 300 yard drive gives one a HUGE adrenaline rush? 

Injury prevention for the low back includes proper swing mechanics, such as rotating both the shoulder and hip equally in the backswing, and keeping the spine vertical (no hyperextension) on follow through.

Exercising the muscles of the core, which are the powerhouse and foundation of the golf swing, will assist in the long shots and increase crispness and control in the short game. So what’s all this about headaches? Was that just a catchy title? No! Neck pain and cervicogenic (originating from the neck area) headaches can be chronic and common in some golfers. If doing as you’re told (keeping your head down instead of admiring your Bubba Watson shot), you can jam your upper cervical joints and sprain the sub-occipital muscles just below the skull, especially if your follow through is tense. So it’s time to add neck stretching to your pre-game AND post-game routine, and ensure that you have a relaxed follow through on your swing. Call us if your symptoms persist, as what may have originally began as a muscular issue, may now have progressed to a joint or nerve involvement. So stretch, warm up, relax, and have fun!

Call our office at (770) 922-1212.

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