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.
