Golf is a popular sport played by enthusiasts of all ages here in the Ottawa region. Golf has some “usual suspects” when it comes to injury. Low back pain, golfers elbow, and rotator cuff injuries of the shoulder, to name a few. Range of motion of the trunk and upper extremities is the key to a successful golf swing.
Flexibility exercises not only have the potential to prevent injury, but also to improve golf performance. Unfortunately, as you get older, your flexibility is likely to decrease, predisposing you to injury. Golf is a game of repetitive twisting and rotation of the trunk. Excessive rotation puts a shear stress on the spine, which may increase risk of injury.
Injury prevention for the low back includes proper swing mechanics, such as rotating both the shoulder and hip equally in the backswing, and keeping the spine vertical (no hyperextension) on follow through.
Exercising the muscles of the core, which are the powerhouse and foundation of the golf swing, will assist in the long shots and increase crispness and control in the short game. So what’s all this about headaches? Was that just a catchy title? No! Neck pain and cervicogenic headaches can be chronic and common in some golfers. If doing as you’re told (keeping your head down instead of admiring your Lori Kane shot), you can jam your upper cervical joints and sprain the suboccipital muscles, especially if your follow through is tense.
So it’s time to add neck stretching to your pre-game routine, and ensure that you have a relaxed follow through on your swing. See your chiropractor if your symptoms persist. So stretch, warm up, relax, and have fun. Bring on lower scores, fewer lost balls and bunkers!
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