The Link Between Golf and Back Pain

With the rise of active Japanese players, we hear about the deep-rooted popularity of golf among young and old alike. There was a time when it was bashed for its environmental problems, but I wonder what happened to that story.

Here is a research paper that discusses the relationship between golf and back pain.

Golf and Low Back Pain

If we ignore the original medical history and other factors, there are certain motions in the modern golf swing that can cause back pain. I will not post any pictures, so please let your imagination run wild with the text alone.

The separation of the torso axis from the pelvis axis during the backswing and downswing. Bending and axial acceleration of the torso at impact and initial follow through Hyperextension of the torso during follow-through

The above motions are a list of motions that can cause back pain during competition.

However, it is not a simple matter to say that these actions alone will cause back pain in golf. It's not as simple as that.

It's important to note that the statistics show that 55% of professionals and up to 35% of amateurs suffer from back pain.

Individual Factors

Here are some factors that are not related to golf, but can cause back pain. Here are some of the factors that can cause back pain.

Weight gain

Increase in age

Carrying a golf bag

Asymmetrical range of motion of the hip joint

These are also considered to be causes of back pain.

Although the research paper I referred to considered a variety of factors

The research paper I referred to considered a variety of factors, but found that over-ageing, overweight, and previous medical history were most likely to be associated with low back pain. They also discussed body size, including the relationship between height and weight. This is something that has not been investigated in detail.

Conclusion

From the information obtained, it can be concluded that if one removes the issues of physique, age, and medical history From the information obtained, it seems that if you remove the problems of physique, age, and history, you may be able to avoid back pain by adjusting the cause of injury specific to the golf swing, but from the research, it seems that it is better to solve the problems of weight and other factors.

There were other studies that looked at the linkage between the pelvis and spine, and the strength of the trunk muscles. I also found that it was an indescribable theory because there was no consistent conclusion.

It would be nice if they could be combined and solved.

I wish I could combine them and solve the problem, but I think the quickest way to tackle it individually may be through weight management.

Smith JA, Hawkins A, Grant-Butler M, Beutler R, Lee SP. Risk factors associated with low back pain in golfers: a systematic review and meta-analysis. Sports Health. 2018; 10(6): 538-546. doi: 10.1177 / 1941738118795425