GOLFER’S BACK Injuries to the low back account for a large number of golf ailments, especially amongst male players. Poor swing mechanics, miss-hits and failure to warm up are often the causes of low back symptoms amongst recreational players. The bending and twisting nature of the golf swing will always create some stress on the lower back. In fact the forces produced on the low back during the golf swing motion are DOUBLE the safety standards set by occupational health experts for industrial workers. Since very few golfers have identical swings (even amongst the pro’s), it stands to reason that not every type of swing creates the same amount of low back stress. The following are some of the technique factors which increase stress on the lower back: • An excessively steep swing plane coils the spine and tends to promote an exaggerated hip slide on the downswing. • Excessive lateral hip motion (hip slide) increases the amount the spine bends to the side during the downswing. Side bending is hard on the back since few muscles protect the spine in this direction. • An arched or Reverse “C” finish position compresses the small lower back facet joints. A Reverse Pivot, where weight transfer moves in the opposite direction to normal, can cause the same problem. • Having the knees too straight at set-up forces the spine to bend over further. This increases the amount of strain on the intervertebral discs. The best way of correcting these technical errors is to have a lesson from a CPGA instructor. One important factor every golfer should have checked is their set-up posture since this position influences what stress occurs throughout the actual golf swing. Keeping the spine relatively straight (i.e. not slouching over the ball), turning both feet out about 25-30 degrees, and bending the knees and hips about 25-30 degrees will result in a safe and athletic set-up position. It is important to note not all back injuries are entirely to blame on the swing itself. At least 80% of us will develop some element of low back pain at some point in our lives. This means we often have some underlying weakness in our backs waiting for the right (or wrong) opportunity to strike. Factors inherent to golf such as lifting clubs out of the car, leaning over to putt, and bending over for balls and tees, can all aggravate pre-existing back problems. If you are susceptible to low back pain, use your golf club for support when bending over and don’t forget to bend your knees. Persistent back problems should be seen by your Physician as well as a Physiotherapist with an understanding of golf biomechanics. Among other things, they will teach you how to improve core muscle strength which can help prevent back injuries.