Back Care Awareness Week (#backpainweek) – 7th to 11th of October 2019. Theme – Back Pain in Golf
Golf is a more dangerous sport than Rugby! ‘Low back injuries account for 15.2% to 34% of all golf injuries, followed by injuries to the elbow (7% to 27%), shoulder (4% to 19%) and wrist 10%’ – National Centre for Health Statistics
Golf is a repetitive strain sport – With an average of 300 swings per golf-playing-day, a golfer repeatedly experiences minor traumatic injuries to the spine
Back Pain In Golf – There is a distinct lack of awareness regarding the prevention of back related injuries among golfers which hinder their play and performance in the sport.
Golf is a leisure sport enjoyed by more than 60 million people of all ages across the world and has reached the 4 million mark in the UK alone. It has many health and well-being benefits. It is widely known that a typical 18-hole-round amounts to 6-8 km of walking requiring 8000 to 12000 steps and a calorie burn of 1500. Golf is also a high-risk sport where injuries are common, more than rugby as recently reported1. It requires strength, flexibility, power and endurance, and to be physically fit to produce some of the fastest ball speeds. Unfortunately, the effects of this over time can result in different types of injuries and commonly manifests as lower back pain.
BACK PAIN IN GOLF
Over 80% of golfing-related injuries result from poor mechanics or overuse. Around 40% of these are low back pain usually caused by lack of flexibility and poor technique. Non-specific low back pain implies that it is not clear which structure is causing the pain.
Stressful muscle activity can cause muscle fatigue and general aching particularly after long spells of inactivity, so it is important to stay flexible, play regularly and keep fit. Muscle fatigue can lead to further injury of the underlying joints. It is important that after an episode of low back pain the muscles are managed to ensure efficient control of the spine. Physiotherapists, Osteopaths and Chiropractors normally aim to improve symptoms through soft tissue and joint mobilisation, alongside exercises to both strengthen the stabilising muscles around the back and improve flexibility through stretching.
The modern “X-factor” swing favoured by many professionals may hit balls harder and further than the Classic Swing but it can also put extra strain on the unfit and inflexible spine.
Therefore I suggest that you look after your back and all your joints as a preventative and after injury when playing golf with Traditional Five Element Acupuncture.I have treated many patients with golfing injuries as golf is not so good for your body!
For more information and treatment contact Hannah on ;- https://www.southwellacupuncture.co.uk/contact/
