There is a club house saying, “Beware of the injured golfer”, that warns healthy golfers of injured players that have a tendency not to push themselves and hence score lower than the healthy player who tries to drive the ball as far as possible and is less consistent.

Most of us, however, would prefer not to be injured at all, whatever the cry in the clubhouse. Why is it that so many golfers suffer with injuries?

Low back pain & the golf swing

Not many golf seasons pass without at least one or two high profile professional golfers succumbing to low back pain. Indeed, for some golfers it has seriously hampered or ended their careers. In recent times Steve Ballesteros has suffered immensely, Nick Faldo and Lee Westwood have had time out. Jose Marie Olazabal was on his hand and knees, unable to walk with foot pain and unknown origin until a German physical Therapist diagnosed the origin a spine problem, following a course of manipulation within 9 months he had won another major- there’s hope for all suffers. So why the high rate of low back pain with golfers? A major factor is the rotation (twisting) of the lower back when swinging the club. The backswing involves approximately a 90 degree turn of the shoulders and a 45 degree turn of the hips whilst trying to keep the head straight and eyes over the ball. This has an effect on firstly the discs. These are flexible pads between the vertebrae, which act like shock absorbers. Although these resist compressive type forces very well they are ill equipped to deal with rotational stresses. This type of stain often results in weakening of the outer part of the disc allowing its more fluid inner part to bulge and press on a spinal nerve (cf Jose Marie Olazabal). Because of the increased strain repeating this movement over and over again it can lead to the disc wearing more quickly (cf Steve Ballesteros).

The golf swing also, because of the alignment of the two joints between the vertebrae, impacts on one joint during the swing and opens the other causing a repetitive stain on these joints. This can also cause a sudden strain on these joints, especially if the club is grounded or a shot is played out of the thick rough, effecting the surrounding ligaments and muscles. When as a result the lower back seizes up it means no golf for some weeks.

The pelvis can also be injured twisting one way or other repetitively or suddenly during a round, season or lifetime golf. There is one Chiropractor who can declare his golfing patients either slicing or hooking depending on which way their pelvis “misaligned” on that particular visit – and he is always right!

Golfers elbow

Golfers, as the name suggests, are susceptible to this but can also suffer from tennis elbow, as these are similar types of injury. It involves a repetitive strain on the muscles and tendons around the elbow joint (“golfers elbow” is on the inside, “tennis” on the outside). This results in a severe inflammatory reaction in these and a lot of pain. Associated with either (or both) is a bent wrist at the point of contact with the ball grounding the club or excessive twisting of the forearms on the follow through. So if you suffer then I’m afraid it’s probably your technique and a visit to the club profession for a swing analysis. You rarely hear the “pros” with this condition because they have great technique.

Other common Golf injuries

The other two joints in the arm, wrist and shoulder, can be affected by either a sudden or repetitive injury. The most common of these to be injured is the wrist. Indeed it would seem that there are as many wrist injuries as low back ones on the professional tour. This is often due to grounding the club or trying to hit the ball out of the rough and in doing so spraining the wrist joint.

In general the repetitive nature of the golf swing tends to cause imbalance in the muscles of most importantly the trunk, something which can lead to spinal problems.

Lastly an often overlooked problem with golfers is the injuries that can arise to the back, shoulder and neck from carrying the golf bag over the shoulders or pulling the buggy around.

Can chiropractic help?

Most people expect that chiropractors can deal effectively with problems in the spine. What many people may not realise is that chiropractors are experts in treating all the muscles and joints in the body and so will also treat problems such as tennis elbow or a sprained wrist. More often than not these injuries also have associated spinal problems and by seeing a chiropractor these can be dealt with also.

How can I avoid injury?

Like any sport golf requires a good pre and post event stretching regime. This is especially true if you have spinal or any other joint and muscle problems. The best person to ask is your chiropractor who can design a short regime to suit your particular problem. One difference with golf is that there is a short burst of activity followed by a body cool down between shots, so doing some stretching between shots or at least between holes is of benefit. Your chiropractor can also design a strengthening regime of the swing. Some gym work to balance the trunk muscles if you are a regular player will also be useful. If the swing is causing problems then do also consult a “golf pro” to try and iron out any bad habits.

The golfers elbow id resolved by a combination of treatment and that visit to the “golf pro” rather than the elbow braces that people wear. These can help you play in pain and may stop a return of the injury but are not eliminating the cause.

To help avoid problems associated with the golf bag try bags with the double shoulder straps. If pulling a buggy try to alternate sides. Or you can always get a caddy!

Even if you do not suffer form any of these problems than a regular check ups on your body are essential for the regular player. Any problems in mobility may effect your swing so you never know it may lower you handicap!!