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when can i golf after lower back surgery

by Dr. Taylor Crist Published 2 years ago Updated 2 years ago
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The most common recommended time for return to golf was 4–8 weeks after lumbar laminectomy and lumbar microdiscectomy, 2–3 months after anterior cervical fusion, and 6 months after lumbar fusion.Dec 10, 2010

Full Answer

How soon can I play golf after lumbar surgery?

The first question many patients ask regarding golf is ‘When can I get back on the course?’ In general, if you had a simple lumbar discectomy or a cervical procedure, you may golf again in about six weeks. If you underwent a lumbar fusion, you may be braced for three months, so the return is delayed to that time.

Can you play golf after a prostatectomy?

While a majority of the golfers who had surgery were able to return to a similar level of play after their procedure, some chose not to play again, due to pain, interest or finances. These patients spanned age and gender differences, but were significantly influenced by the procedure they had done.

How long does it take to recover from lumbar surgery?

In general, if you had a simple lumbar discectomy or a cervical procedure, you may golf again in about six weeks. If you underwent a lumbar fusion, you may be braced for three months, so the return is delayed to that time. Regardless of the type of surgery, I first recommend physical therapy before returning to the short and medium game.

Do golfers swing earlier when they recover from a back injury?

"The average golfer tends not to transmit the same kinetic energy to their spine, and therefore can return to swinging earlier, provided they are making a good recovery.”

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How long after lower back surgery can I play golf?

Results: the most common recommended time for return to golf was 4-8 weeks after lumbar laminectomy and lumbar microdiscectomy, 2-3 months after anterior cervical fusion, and 6 months after lumbar fusion.

Can you play golf after disc surgery?

' In general, if you had a simple lumbar discectomy or a cervical procedure, you may golf again in about six weeks. If you underwent a lumbar fusion, you may be braced for three months, so the return is delayed to that time.

How long after back surgery can you play sports?

With major back surgery, you should be prepared for physical therapy and doctor's care for at least 4-6 months before you are cleared to return to sports.

How long does it take for back muscles to heal after back surgery?

After surgery, you can expect your back to feel stiff and sore. You may have trouble sitting or standing in one position for very long and may need pain medicine in the weeks after your surgery. It may take 4 to 6 weeks to get back to doing simple activities, such as light housework.

Can you golf after having back surgery?

Usually by 16 weeks after surgery patients can return to a full round of golf. If a patient at any time experiences a flare-up of symptoms they should put their regimen on hold for at least 4 weeks and then begin back at step 1 with strength and flexibility exercises.

Should you play golf with lower back pain?

For the millions of people who have long-standing low back pain, golf can still be an enjoyable sport. Using the right equipment, alongside a regular routine of stretching and low-impact exercise, will go a long way in helping maintain one's ability to play golf.

Can you golf after laminectomy?

The most common recommended time for return to golf was 4–8 weeks after lumbar laminectomy and lumbar microdiscectomy, 2–3 months after anterior cervical fusion, and 6 months after lumbar fusion.

What exercise is best after back surgery?

Walking is one of the best exercises you can do after a lumbar laminectomy or discectomy surgery. 1 Why? Because walking helps to improve blood flow throughout your body. This helps to bring in oxygen and nutrients to your spinal muscles and tissues as they heal.

How do I strengthen my core after back surgery?

1:286:44Core Exercises And Stretches After Spinal Fusion- And For Everyone!YouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipPosition belly button is pulled in your breathing. And you're not moving through the hips. Okay you'MorePosition belly button is pulled in your breathing. And you're not moving through the hips. Okay you're keeping everything stable. Or trying to stabilize. Around that spine.

What is the fastest way to recover from back surgery?

Back surgery recovery tipsCreate an exercise plan. ... Stop smoking. ... Fuel your body. ... Prepare your home. ... Find a caregiver. ... Walk often during your back surgery recovery. ... Be careful bathing and grooming. ... Follow basic mobility instructions.More items...•

How long does it take to recover from l4 l5 back surgery?

You'll be encouraged to walk and move around the day after surgery and it's likely you'll be discharged 1 to 4 days afterwards. It will take about 4 to 6 weeks for you to reach your expected level of mobility and function (this will depend on the severity of your condition and symptoms before the operation).

How much should I walk after back surgery?

Walking is the best activity you can do for the first 6 weeks after surgery. You should start out slowly and work up to walking 30 minutes at least twice a day. Do not be surprised if you require frequent naps during the day.

How long after spine surgery can you carry golf clubs?

Also, carrying golf clubs after spine surgery should be avoided for at least three months, so consider investing in a cart or caddie. Rain is a no-go. Weather always plays a role in a golf game, though those recovering from back or neck surgery need to take extra care.

How long does it take to golf after lumbar discectomy?

In general, if you had a simple lumbar discectomy or a cervical procedure, you may golf again in about six weeks. If you underwent a lumbar fusion, you may be braced for three months, so the return is delayed to that time. Regardless of the type of surgery, I first recommend physical therapy before returning to the short and medium game.

What to watch out for after spine surgery?

The main red flag to watch out for when golfing after spine surgery is pain. If your back or neck hurts, don’t ignore it. Give yourself the rest you need before golfing again. The transition back to a full game of golf should be done slowly and thoughtfully after a spine procedure.

How long does it take to get back into golf after lumbar fusion?

The point is to gradually get back in the game as opposed to jumping into a full 18 holes. By three months after surgery (or longer if you’ve had a lumbar fusion), you may typically return to your long game.

Why do you put a tee off last?

The reason I suggest tee offs last is the tee shot is the most demanding on your back—a strong swing can put a lot of pressure on your facet joints and low back. When you are ready for tee shots, hold back on the power of your stroke (for example, give 5% instead of 100% of your energy). Golf involves bending and twisting, ...

What is golf bending?

Golf involves bending and twisting, motions that impact all areas of your spine. Before playing a full round, perhaps spend some time at the putting green or driving range (again, not going full force while teeing off).

Can you play golf after spine surgery?

When you’re ready to take on your first full golf game after spine surgery, you can protect your neck or back with some simple tips. While walking is good for your surgery recovery, mobility may be an issue initially. Use a golf cart until your energy levels return and stamina improves.

How long after surgery can you play golf?

It is important for patients to understand that endurance must be regained prior to embarking on a full round of eighteen holes. Usually by 16 weeks after surgery patients can return to a full round of golf. If a patient at any time experiences a flare-up of symptoms they should put their regimen on hold for at least 4 weeks ...

How to practice golf?

Important Points to Remember. 1. Always warm-up and warm-down with stretching exercises prior to any round of golf or range practice. 2. Move your ball out of angled lies, thick rough, and pot bunkers rather than take the shot. 3.

What is the impact of golf swings on the spine?

The golf swing imparts a tremendous amount of stress to the lumbar spine. This is related to the torque that is generated in the windup and follow through of a long iron or wood shot. Injuries to the lower spine are quite common in both amateur and professional golf.

What are the two most common surgeries performed on the lumbar spine?

In general, the two most common operations performed on the lumbar spine are discectomy and lumbar fusion operations . These two procedures vary greatly in terms of the length of recovery and how quickly one can return to sports activities.

How long after surgery can you do flexibility?

Typically, if a patient is experiencing a good recovery they can begin flexibility and strength training for their low back and abdominal muscles at about four weeks after surgery. These exercises should be supervised by a physical therapist that understands the mechanics of the golf swing.

Can you hit the ball fat after lumbar discectomy?

The point is when they are recovering, they have to avoid hitting the ball fat which can result in a re-injury.”. Regis W. Haid, Jr., M.D., a neurosurgeon at Atlanta Brain and Spine Care, also imparts several rules to his patients when they return to golf after lumbar discectomy.

I had back fusion from T10

I had back fusion from T10 through L2 due to spinal stenosis. After 6 months I am back playing 9 holes. I exercise (without fail) daily. 30 minutes on treadmill or elliptical, 15 min. Stretching, 15 min Strength training, I have a lot of nerve damage but my surgeon gave me clearance to play.

Had a good time Dick. Not

Had a good time Dick. Not much to brag about with the golf for any of us. Took me most of the day to get used to the speed of the greens. If they don't get the greens straightened out where I normally play I should quit playing there.

Hi Surge

I have elbow surgery for a fractred tip of the fibula. I had this surgery four weeks ago. The physical therapist lells me that I am progressing well. He says, that I can go back to golf in five more weeks. I go to my surgeon next week for a check up.

Don, I had back surgery about

Don, I had back surgery about 3 yrs. ago. About the same time I started to play golf. I was 57 yrs old. I asked my doctor if I can play golf since I was only swing with a 3/4 turn.

Hmmmm. I sure hope they didn

Hmmmm. I sure hope they didn't cut on your elbow for a fractured fibula. If they did they missed the mark a bit since the fibula is a shin bone.

I had a 3-4 spinal surgery

I had a 3-4 spinal surgery years ago after a broken neck. Have not had issues since switching to the upright swing a year ago.

Most knee replacements claim

Most knee replacements claim to give you back full range of motion. The PPGS should be helpful in maintaining your new knee (s) because you only move them from side to side with minimal rotation and no snapping the knee straight as in the X factor swing that Tiger and many other pros use. Be sure to keep the knees flexed.

How long after spinal fusion can you play golf?

What researchers found is that 65 percent of amateur golfers played the game within a year after their spinal fusion procedure. Moreover, within 12 months after surgery, 75 percent played as much golf as they did before surgery- some even more so – and 80 percent improved their handicap.

How many people play golf in 2017?

Golf is one of the most popular recreational sports in the world with more than 25 million people in the United States playing in 2017. Other studies show 18 to 54 percent of those who play will experience an injury to their lower back at some point in their lives.

Did Tiger Woods have a spinal fusion?

Spinal fusion has given professional golfer Tiger Woods another chance. Last year, Woods underwent an anterior lumbar interbody fusion. It was the fourth surgery performed on his spine. In March, nearly a year after the spinal fusion, Woods has shown glimmers of a comeback.

Can golfers get back injuries?

Recreational golfers who focus on stretching and exercise during the week, can reduce the chances of developing a golf related back injury. In contrast, professional golfers are in peak physical condition and have mastered the mechanics of the game resulting in fewer injuries.

Can golf put pressure on your back?

Poor golf swing mechanics can also put pressure on the back. Theses forces exert a tremendous amount of force – about 8 times the bodyweight – on the lumbar spine when swinging a golf club. The degree in which the body bends and over rotates when swinging a golf club can cause lower back pain or make it worse.

Can you play golf again after surgery?

A common question patients ask is when they can return to playing recreational sports, such as golf, again. The answer, of course, varies from patient to patient. Following post-surgical guidelines and physical therapy can help to speed recovery and improve flexibility and movement.

Can lumbar fusion surgery help golf?

Lumbar fusion surgery is an avenue of relief for some people. However, they are afraid it will affect their performance or, worse, prevent them from playing the game at all. A recent study, however, shows spinal fusion surgery may improve their golf game not hamper it.

How to help your back when golfing?

The third step is adding strength and stability to your low back and core muscles to help support your spine during a golf swing.

How long does it take to heal from lumbar fusion?

Physical therapy usually does not begin until approximately three months after the surgery to allow bone healing to occur. First phase of rehab after a lumbar fusion is gentle stretching and strengthening at approximately three to four month post-surgery.

How long does it take to recover from spinal fusion?

After approximately four months, golfers can return to playing 18 holes. Lumbar Fusion. Returning to golf after a spinal fusion will be much longer in order to allow the spine to heal correctly around the internal fixation of the fusion. Physical therapy usually does not begin until approximately three months after the surgery to allow bone healing ...

How long does it take to recover from a discectomy?

Discectomy/Microdiscectomy. Most patients can start rehabbing their back approximately four weeks after the procedure. Physical therapy focuses on regaining flexibility of the spine initially, progressing into strength of the low back and core musculature.

Does golf have back pain?

Even some of the most famous golfers deal with back pain and have had to have extensive physical therapy or even surgery to help get rid of their pain. You might recognize some of these professionals with a history of back problems: Jack Nicklaus, Seve Ballesteros, Fred Couples and Tiger Woods just to name a few.

Can you return to golf after a back injury?

In the following article we will talk about common causes of back pain and how to safely return to golf after back injury or surgery. Most commonly, back pain is treated with conservative, non-surgical care. The first step of recovery after a flare-up of back pain is rest.

Can golfers have back pain?

Injuries of the lower spine are very common in both the amateur and professional golfer. The golf swing creates a tremendous amount of stress and torque on the lumbar spine. Back pain plays havoc with our golf game. It does not allow us the flexibility or strength to maintain a proper golf swing. Even some of the most famous golfers deal ...

How long does it take to recover from a microdiscectomy?

Patients often experience immediate pain relief after surgery and resume routine activities shortly thereafter. Full physical recovery can take up to six weeks post-surgery.

How long does chronic back pain last?

Chronic back pain is defined as pain that persists for 12 weeks or longer, even after an initial injury or underlying cause of acute low back pain has been treated. Chronic low back pain continues to be a major factor inhibiting the enjoyment of life for many Americans.

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