Preventing golf injuries

Low back pain

Low back pain is a common and costly problem for all golfers. Amongst professional golfers, low back pain is the most common injury reported by male golf professionals and the second most common injury reported by female professionals. Low back pain has a significant impact on a professional golfer’s career both in terms of livelihood and longevity.

However, low back pain is also very common amongst amateur golfers, with both male and female amateurs at risk of experiencing golf-related low back pain. In fact, some research suggests the rate of low back injury amongst amateurs is as high as 40%.

Low back pain can also be very disabling for the golfer. Some golfers have reported being forced out of the game for 12 months or more because of their back pain.

These alarming statistics have meant that more than ever before low back pain amongst golfers is under the spotlight, with researchers around the world investigating the potential causes and contributing factors.

The results of this research assist in the development of more effective programs, aimed at preventing and treating the golfer with low back pain. Despite the explosion in golf-specific research, we are still only just beginning to understand the complex nature of the problem. Currently, the proposed contributing factors/causes include:

• The asymmetric nature of the golf swing
• Repetitive play and practice. This is commonly referred to as ‘overuse’
• Age related changes eg. decreased hip and/or spine mobility
• Ill-fitting equipment
• Poor warm-up routines
• Poor swing mechanics
• Swing changes or modifications
• Poor physical conditioning

In recent times, much attention has focused on improving and maximising the physical condition of the golfer. The majority of professional golfers have taken note of this, and now many employ their own physiotherapists and fitness instructors. The result is fitter, stronger and better performing athletes.

The most difficult point for the everyday golfer, is knowing what exercises to do. Exercises need to be individualised to the golfer’s body type, swing mechanics and personal likes and dislikes. There’s no point being given gym-based exercises if you hate going to the gym!

There are a number of exercise techniques or methods which can help you achieve your golf-related goals. This is something that you should discuss with your golf-specific physiotherapist or fitness trainer. However, one important group of muscles that should be targeted, are the muscles of the trunk.

Recent research found that golfers with poor trunk muscle endurance were more likely to suffer a low back injury. Therefore, exercises aimed at improving the endurance capacity of the trunk muscles play an important role in a golfer’s exercise program. None of these exercises should cause pain. It is imperative that golfers who are unaccustomed to physical exercise, consult a qualified health professional before commencing an exercise program.

About the Author
Sean Horan is a Physiotherapist and Exercise Scientist and is a keen golfer. Sean is currently undertaking a PhD investigating low back pain in golfers at Griffith University. He also works privately with Golf Medicine, which has its home on the Gold Coast, Australia. CAUTION.

The exercises and advice provided are in no way intended to substitute for informed medical advice. Exercises should be prescribed only after careful individual assessment by physiotherapists, medical practitioners, certified athletic trainers or coaches.

Due to the many differences between individuals, selected exercises may not be appropriate for some people. To the extent permitted by law, Sean Horan and Golf Medicine (ABN 56069214468) shall not accept any liability for any loss, injury or damage occasioned to any person relying on the material in this publication.