Golf Swing Can Be Hurting Your Back

If you spend hours at your desk and golf is your leisure time, you may be having a gradual worsening of low back pain.

It is known to sports enthusiasts that leisure games like golf takes a toll on your low back when the rest of your body is not fit.

Here is why prolonged sitting does not keep you fit. Your hip flexors and hamstrings are in constant contraction. Your diaphragm and your gluteal muscles get flabby. Most sedentary lifestyles and many exercises do not engage these muscles fully. Consequently, hip flexors tighten the lumbar spine, hamstrings, and the ilial tibial band, (ITB) dominate your balance when you are in motion and even when you stand. Shoulders slump, head hangs and your posture is compromised. Poor posture strains your shoulders and compromises the golf swing.

Tight hamstrings and hip flexors can worsen your posture and compromise your optimal swing. The low back becomes tight and becomes over-flexed, lordotic, and cannot bear the load produced by an optimal golf swing. Eventually, the tight low back weakens and is prone to injury.

Did you know your diaphragm and gluteus muscles are important stabilizers for your core?

Correct posture, hip and ankle stability, and flexibility are key. Contrary to most advice given, rolling tight muscles, massage and stretching can worsen the problem.

Core strength actually comes from the tensile strength of the oblique abdominal muscles, The abdominal oblique muscles, not the muscles which make up the “six-pack,” work with your diaphragm to support your spine and is the foundation of your core strength. Having flexibility and strength in your limbs comes from a stable core. Muscle strengthening exercises should engage the full length of your muscle groups especially the spine and legs. A proper muscle contraction requires the muscle to start completely relaxed and lengthen before it contract. The gluteal muscle groups fan out over your pelvis in multiple directions because they stabilize your spine, knees, ankles, and heels when they need to work. Your posture and all your joints, even your shoulders rely on the stability of a stable base. Prolonged sitting and many corrective exercises neglect the diaphragm and gluteal muscles. Consequently, these muscles suffer amnesia, i.e., they forget to be a part of keeping you fit.

Corrective breathing exercises turn out to be the missing link to releasing those tight hip flexors and pelvic floor muscles, TFL and hamstrings allow your pelvis to be a strong yet flexible foundation because the gluteal muscles begin to take their rightful place during twisting and correcting your posture when carrying load. This becomes the power base that enables you to set up your swing powerfully without injury. Your hips and shoulders align throughout the drive-through, keeping your knees and spine protected during major twisting and load.

Dr Jacquie’s care is popular among her adult patients who prefer holistic care and often refer their children and family members to her.