Why Golfers Have Back Injuries
Golf has become very popular with the popularity growing significantly in the last few years. It is a good sport to play; fun and family-friendly. Actually, in the United States, over 25.3 million people play golfing at least once every year and as the signs show, the numbers are not likely to go down anytime soon.
However, after playing the game, many of the players often seem to experience back pains. The back injuries are often a result of torsion, unnatural motion, or twisting while swinging the club. These back pains and injuries have caused a significant number of golfing lovers to quit the game. Back injuries are usually very uncomfortable and subject one to excruciating pain.
The lack of experience, naivety and perhaps ignorance can lead to a person not doing the right thing at the gold course and hence develop back injuries either while or after playing the game. Here are some of the top reasons why golfers have back injuries.
Inadequate Warm Up Before Starting to Play
The body, muscles, and tissues are supposed to be conditioned to perform effectively. Sudden strenuous activities can cause significant injury to the body ligaments and tissues. The same applies to golfers. They need to prepare the body for golfing action before swinging the club.
The minimum amount of time that is recommended for warming up before golfing is 30 minutes. This is sufficient time to warm up the body and get it ready for a strenuous activity. However, about 8 out of 10 golfers spend less than 10 minutes to warm up for action. In fact, a significant number do not even warm up at all before playing the game. They come from the comfort of their rooms or seats and head right on to the course to swing clubs.
Warming up helps loosen up the muscles in your legs, arms, back, and other parts of the body as well. It helps improve the flow of blood to all the body parts, particularly the ones that will be in active use. You can, also, hit a few balls for short ranges with much shorter swings.
Make it a habit to walk to the various spots on the golf course instead of using the golf cart. This will help you stretch and loosen the body. It, also, helps to keep the body warm which is good for action.
However, do not go into lifting heavy equipment as they will strain your muscles. Just do an activity that you can handle. It should, however, be vigorous enough to stimulate your body for action.
Swing faults that hurt the back
The most important aspect of golfing is the swing. A proper swing will ensure you hit the ball in the right direction while at the same time avoid injuring your back. As you can tell, a sloppy swill will not only score you less points but, also, significantly increase the chances of you getting a back injury. Hence, practicing and trying to perfect on your mechanics go a long way in ensuring you avoid injuries.
Some of the top swing faults include the S-posture set-up. Here, the player arches their lower back excessively rather than having their back straightened. The second swing fault is the reverse spine angle which results in the abdominal muscles not working. The third most common swing fault is the reverse “C” finish on the follow-through. In as much as it might look great, it is dangerous to the facet joints that lie on the right-hand-side of the spinal base.
As such, you can avoid these detrimental swing faults by observing some basic techniques. Firstly, ensure that you maintain your natural posture when taking a swing. Keep your spine in a neutral position; the upper back and shoulders should be straight. Use your hips to bend instead of your back.
Make your swing smooth. In as much as you need to make the swing powerful for a desirable club speed, if the swing is not smooth it can twist your lower spine. Focus on smooth and rhythmic swings that efficiently distribute the force through the various muscles on your body and not focus the force to a specific point.
Do not over swing. Otherwise, you will be putting excessive stress and pressure on your spinal joints and muscles. Before swinging, relax. Get comfortable before taking a swing. Do not use all your might even if your swing will not get as far. With time and practice, you will get better while at the same time protecting your back from possible swing injury.
Not resting the body and letting the body recover
Just like other sports, golfing takes a lot from your body. As such, if the body is not given sufficient time to recover from the strenuous activity, a serious back injury will eventually develop. Most of the time after playing golf one will experience muscle strain; especially if you are not an active person. Therefore, after playing ensure that you rest enough and get enough sleep. You can use massage therapy to allow your body to heal.
In the event that you are experiencing back pains as a result of back injury, take action as soon as possible. Seek the services of a specialist to get the right corrective treatment.
It is only by being careful that you can avoid back injuries and keep enjoying the game for a long time.