Not as Harmless as it Looks

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.)