In 2000, approximately 25
million Americans of all ages took up the game of golf. It’s estimated (USGA) that by 2020, 55
million players will enjoy this glorious game of triumph and frustration,
except of course for the unfortunate 8 million –– the 8 million who will be
looking desperately for medical attention for their newly developed low back
pain.
The new golfer soon finds
out that what looks like a harmless, fun-filled pastime turns out to be a
considerable athletic challenge –– especially to the muscles and ligaments of
the lumbar spine. They learn that
playing the game effectively requires the golfer to engage in a vigorous,
coordinated athletic maneuver –– one that most players are not physically prepared
for.
There are certainly many
ways to play the game, but if you want more power and distance off the tee,
higher ball flight and consistent ball striking, you’ll have to adopt the
modern golf swing. But keep in
mind, these benefits come at a significant risk ––
low back pain.
The modern golf swing is
a perfect prelude to articular facet syndrome –– flexion of the trunk
combined with excessive lumbar rotation. This
maneuver is a recipe for chronic, low back pain.
Each vertebra has four
facets –– smooth-faced surfaces that articulate with the vertebra above and the
one below. Each of these joints
allow for a minimal degree of bending and twisting. They are enclosed within a capsule of small ligaments that
hold the joint together. These
small joints are most vulnerable to injury when they are subjected to excessive
twisting during flexion of the trunk.
The modern golf swing can strain or tear fibers of these small, capsular
ligaments. When that happens,
pain, muscle spasm and immobility are the usual results.
In the address position (as
the player prepares to swing) the torso is flexed and held at a slight angle
away from the target. In the
back-swing, a complete shoulder turn on restricted hips places rotational
stress on the lumbar spine. As the
club is brought down into striking position, the “unwinding” of the shoulders
produces even more rotational stress.
Finally, increased flexion of the torso is added at impact. All in all, this maneuver requires a
strong, well conditioned core musculature.
If you’re planning to take up
the game of golf, or adopt the modern swing, be prepared. Strengthen your core and protect your
back. (Read about the diagnosis
and treatment of articular facet syndrome in Back Surgery-Avoid the
Nightmare.)
