Golf-FAQ.com

why does my back stiffen up when i golf

by Violette Bartell Published 3 years ago Updated 2 years ago
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Golf is a natural cause for pain
By its very nature, the rotational forces of the golf swing create inherent risk to the lumbar spine (lower back). This has been compounded by recent trends in golf instruction that encourage a restriction of hip turn in the backswing in an effort to “coil” for more power.
May 9, 2019

Full Answer

Why do golfers hurt their back?

3 Reasons Why Golfers Hurt Their Back 1 Core Weakness#N#Our abdominal muscles play a significant role in preventing back injuries. When the core is weak, it... 2 Limited Rotational Mobility#N#If you’ve been reading and watching our videos, we place a HUGE emphasis on making sure... 3 Weak Glutes More ...

What causes tightness in the back after exercise?

Strength-training activities like lifting weights, especially movements that involve pulling or lifting, can also commonly cause tightness in the back.

What causes swings in your golf swing?

Occur generally as a result of excess usage, swing abnormalities, or accidents as you play golf. These are typically associated with forceful or rough golf swings and also sudden shifting during the downswing. They may result from abnormalities in your golf swing.

How can I avoid back pain when playing golf?

Another thing to help you experience less back pain, is to take regular breaks. When you’re on your way around the course, try to stretch your legs and avoid carrying your clubs unnecessarily.

Why does my golf swing hurt?

How to prevent back pain from golf?

How to stop back pain after a round?

What happens when you put extra weight on your back?

How to help a golfer with back pain?

Can golf cause back pain?

See more

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Why does my back hurt when playing golf?

Golf requires serious stamina. The majority of back injuries from swinging are due to overuse and lack of control through the swing. The stronger your core, the more you are able to have a composed swing repetitively. Be sure to exercise and strengthen your hips, glutes, lats, and obliques — The core is more than abs!

How do you loosen back muscles in golf?

Golf stretches for your backStart facing the back of the bench, feet shoulder-width apart. Hold the back of the chair and take a step back until your arms are extended.Lower your upper body, keeping your back straight. Continue until you feel the stretch in your armpits. ... Repeat 2 to 5 times on each side.

Why does my lower back get tight when I golf?

In short, pain can occur when the supporting structures for the low back aren't balanced and healthy. Factors contributing to low back tightness include weak gluteal and core muscles, inflexible rotator cuff muscles and a lack of mobility in the upper back (thoracic spine).

How do you prevent back pain when golfing?

Warm Up Prior To Activity Warming up increases and improves flexibility, which reduces limitations on the player's range of motion. Stiff muscles and ligaments are far more prone to injury, so it is important to implement warm-up exercises that loosen the back and prepare yourself for golf swing motions.

How do I become more flexible in golf?

4:355:54Become More Flexible For Your Golf Swing - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipSit right on the edge of the chair. Put this across your shoulders. And you're going to rotate. And.MoreSit right on the edge of the chair. Put this across your shoulders. And you're going to rotate. And. I basically want you to be able to rotate 45 degrees this way. And 45 degrees this way.

How do you improve flexibility in golf?

Here are 5 foolproof moves that'll get you loose and limber — and keep your game tight.Twisting Stretch. Start with your legs wider than your hips. ... Hip Press. Tight hamstrings tend to put a lot of pressure on your lower back. ... Scarecrow Twists. ... Standing Side Stretch. ... Shoulder Flossing.

How do you warm up your lower back for golf?

1:252:25Towson Chiropractor Golf Warm Up For Your Back - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipForward swing back swing forward again keeping my shoulders. Out. In front of me in this nice aMoreForward swing back swing forward again keeping my shoulders. Out. In front of me in this nice a frame here and just having that motion come from my pelvis am I hit.

What to do if your back hurts?

That way you can get answers as to what the problem is, some stretches or exercises that can make you stronger and remedy the situation, or provide some treatment to help the pressure off your back.

Is it normal to lose form on the first hole?

Fatigue happens in a lot of sports , after you’ve been going for awhile it’s normal to lose a bit of that good form you had on the first hole, but it’s important to keep reminding yourself to correct your form at the start of each swing.

Is rotation a problem?

Rotation on its own would not be particularly problematic, but the issue stems from it being combined with bending forwards. The degree of variation in the rotation comes from the different movements involved in more subtle movements like putting, to the more of a fast swing of a drive.

Is a swing better for your lower back?

Functionally, it’s a much better position for your lower back, and you’re going to get a nice, smooth swing. Structurally, this will protect your discs in the lower back and you’ll be only flexing from the hips rather than the lower back – this will mean the only stressor on your back becomes your rotation.

Can compression cause a disc to bulge?

Too much compression on your discs can result in eventually bulging or herniating a disc, which will cause much more constant pain and potentially affect your everyday life on a much bigger scale than the odd ache or pain here and there.

Can back pain be prevented by playing golf?

If you can make these amendments in your routine when playing golf, you should find that your back pain doesn’t ever get out of sorts, or too far along, that you can’t actually play.

Does bending forwards cause discs to be stressed?

Rotation in combination with the bending forwards can put even further stress on your discs. The variety in the movement can be a triggering factor on its own, since you might be putting extra force behind those two movements, it increases the compressive load as the muscles really tighten up to support the golf swing.

Why is golf so popular?

The increased popularity of golf may be due to demographics, with baby boomers having more time and disposable income, and may be due to the fact that technology is producing golf equipment that makes the game easier. Whatever the reason, golf is certainly enjoying ...

Can golf cause back pain?

However, like any other sport, golf can produce injuries to the low back and spine. One very common golf injury is low back pain (usually due to muscle strains and sprains). Additionally, people who suffer from chronic or recurrent episodes of low back pain can be frustrated because the pain hinders their ability to play golf.

Is Your Golf Swing Hurting Your Back, Or Is Your Back Hurting Your Golf Swing?

When most golfers are working on their swing mechanics, they’re trying to fit themselves into a certain style of swing or mimic what other’s are doing, and that makes perfect sense. If you want to hit it farther, why wouldn’t you try to swing like Dustin Johnson or Brooks Koepka. It’s working for them, right?

Stickney: The only 2 ways to hit a golf ball farther

If I had a dollar for every time someone walked into my Academy (myself included!) and asked how to hit it farther I’d own a bank by now. Golf course agronomy has evolved and the rock-hard fairways of yesterday are gone and have been replaced by soft conditions that require more and more carry off the tee.

Stickney: The evolution of necessary technology in golf instruction

Over time technology has improved so that we (as teachers) can see and understand motion and forces in action during the swing.

The Wedge Guy: You can change your stripes

Over my 40-plus years in the golf industry and a lifetime in the game, I have had the opportunity to observe thousands of recreational golfers of all skill levels. I believe the common thread between all of us – from scratch player to high-handicapper – is that we all would like to get better.

Why does my golf swing hurt?

Swinging the golf club requires the spine to twist, the hips to pull, and the arms to gain speed in a downward motion. These movements put stress on the muscles around the spine, causing them to tighten. The tightened muscles pull on bones and other muscles around them, creating pain.

How to prevent back pain from golf?

A golf-specific fitness plan that includes core strength training and flexibility training can help prevent back pain. Core strength exercises build the muscles from the shoulder girdle to thigh, including the abdominals, back, and buttocks. When these muscles are strong, they brace and protect the spine, decreasing risk of injury.

How to stop back pain after a round?

Stretching the muscles will also help prevent back pain. The hamstrings, in particular, tend to tighten up during and after a round. When they do this, they pull on the hips and spine, creating more pain. Hamstring stretches will alleviate some of this problem.

What happens when you put extra weight on your back?

This extra weight placed on the back and the shoulder strains the muscles , particularly in the lower back. The lower back holds a majority of the body’s weight, also absorbing the weight of the back. The muscles become stressed and fatigued and pull on the joints and bones of the spine.

How to help a golfer with back pain?

At-home treatments such as icing the lower back to decrease inflammation, tissue massages for muscle stimulation and whirlpool use can will help acute back pain.

Can golf cause back pain?

The demands of the golf swing can cause low back pain often referred to as "Golfer's Back.". Back pain caused by golf is not uncommon. From the eyes of the spectator, golf may seem as if it's a low-impact sport, but it can be one of the most demanding sports on the spine, causing several painful conditions that sometimes require medical attention.

How to prevent back pain while golfing?

5 ways to prevent back pain while golfing. 1. Remember you’re not Tiger in his prime. Whether you’re a recent retiree who suddenly has more time to play or a once-a-month golfer, keep in mind that your body probably isn’t as limber or amenable to change as it once was.

How to play golf before hitting a ball?

Before you hit a ball, gently stretch your lower, middle, and upper back, as well as your shoulders and neck.

How to avoid back pain?

Golfer’s guide: 5 ways to avoid back pain. Warming up and controlling your swing can help prevent golf-related back pain. Every spring, weekend golfers dust off their clubs and hit the links, eager to live out fantasies of playing like Tiger Woods or Jordan Spieth. But if you’ve spent a long winter relaxing on the couch, ...

How to get full extension swing?

Before you hit a ball, gently stretch your lower, middle, and upper back, as well as your shoulders and neck. Then take a few easy practice swings, focusing on your form and biomechanics . Slowly increase the range and speed of your practice swings until you get to a full extension. 3.

Can golf cause back pain?

But if you’ve spent a long winter relaxing on the couch, your back may not be in golfing shape just yet. Low, middle, and upper back pain are common symptoms of golf-related injuries. Golf is a game of muscle memory, and its repetitive motions can lead to inflammation, strains, and other injuries of the muscles and discs of the spine, ...

Is golf hard to swing?

As you get older, you’ll have to face your mortality in many ways. Golf is no exception. You might find season to season that you can’t swing as hard, and that’s OK. You’re probably not playing for a $1 million prize – take it easy, relax, and enjoy the social and exercise components of your sport.

Is Pilates good for your back?

The muscles around the abdomen and back help support the spine, and having a strong core reduces the risk of injury as you swing and bend. Pilates can be particularly effective for core strengthening at any age.

How to help back pain when golfing?

Prevention is the best prescription when it comes to confronting back pain. When you are not golfing, you can implement a few simple exercises to strengthen your abdominal and gluteal muscles. Crunches, planks, and hip thrusts can help strengthen your entire core area, increase flexibility and assist with rotation in your swing. Rowing exercises (pulling rubber tubing attached to a shoulder height object toward your chest) and pull down exercises (kneeling and holding rubber tubing that is attached to a should er height object over your head, then pulling down toward your chest with bent elbows) are recommended.

How long does it take for back pain to go away after golf swing?

Most back pain from a golf swing will get better within a couple of days or a couple of weeks. Muscle strains are the most common injury and will respond to rest, ice, and minor rehab. Over-the-counter pain remedies and NSAID medications can help with the worst of the pain.

How to reduce injury from sports?

You can reduce your potential for injury from any sport with a few simple warmups. Cold muscles are more rigid and prone to injury, so try a few opening moves and stretches before you tee off.

How to rotate your hips?

To get the hips and thoracic spine involved in the rotation, take a golf club and hold at both ends with your feet shoulder width apart. Rotate the club to each side. Allow your hips to rotate with this motion and shift your weight to the opposite toe. Complete 20 repetitions.

How to relieve back pain from golf?

Relieving Lower Back Pain From a Golf Injury. To relieve the associated pain and stimulate the healing process from injuries related to golf, the advice is to take a rest for a day or two. Apply heat to the affected area and also take pain relief, such as naproxen or ibuprofen, is helpful in reducing inflammation.

Why do you do warm ups before golf?

Golfers who do warmups before golfing suffer fewer injuries as compared to those who do not. When you warm up, flexibility is improved, reducing your limitation on your range of motion. Stiff ligaments and muscles are prone to injury.

What should your knee be in during a downswing?

Your right knee should be maintained in a bent position, and your left shoulder turned downwards during your backswing. Slightly squat the lower body during downswing as you shift the greater majority of the bodyweight to the left leg. The shoulder and level of hips should be turned open on impact.

What are some exercises to strengthen lower back muscles?

Exercising to build strength that targets lower back muscles can efficiently prevent injuries. Pull-down and rowing exercises are the most recommended forms of exercise here.

What is the backswing?

Backswing. To ensure the protection of your spine during the backswing, you are to maintain your right knee bent and turn the left shoulder towards the ground. Turning your shoulder down uses the mid-back. The lower back should not be twisted. The mid-back is the one that is supposed to rotate, but not the lower back.

Can golfers get back pain?

Actually, back pain resulting from golfing activities represents a fifth of all the injuries that are reported by golfers. Though back pain is common, it is not easily avoidable. To mitigate the risk of golfers suffering from golf back injuries, simple precautionary measures can be taken. Here we are going to take a look into a number ...

Which side of the back is supposed to rotate?

The mid-back is the one that is supposed to rotate, but not the lower back. The straightening of your right knee during the backswing makes the right side of your pelvis move higher compared to the left. This causes the lower vertebrae to tilt to the left, adding stress.

Why does my back feel tight?

This is especially true when the damage sustained is enough to cause a strain or sprain in the muscle , since these injuries cause inflammation and swelling that often lead to or come with muscle tightness ( 7 ).

Why does my back hurt?

There are many causes for tight back muscles and consequent lower back pain, including stress from overuse, acute trauma, spinal arthritis, fibromyalgia, and contractions of the muscle sheath that covers and supports the spine. Because of the dynamic, complex nature of the back and its system of nerves and muscles, ...

How to treat tight muscles in back?

The most common ways to treat tight back muscles are physical therapy, NSAIDs purchased over the counter, prolonged heat therapy and muscle relaxants. The specific method best suited for you depends on the nature of your muscle tightness and your medical history.

What is the TLF in the spine?

The thoracolumbar fascia (T LF) is the scientific name for a sheath of muscle that encapsulates the spine, providing it with flexibility and additional support. Research indicates that excessive contractions of the TLF could cause stiffness and pain in the back, a condition known as “frozen lumbars” ( 10 ).

What is tight back?

Tight back muscles are one such problem that people typically experience in their lower or mid-back area. Here we’ll discuss the most common causes of tight back muscles, some good treatment options, and the potential risks to keep in mind when dealing with tight muscles.

Is cold or heat better for muscle tightness?

Because heat therapy increases circulation to the muscles, there is some risk of greater inflammation with sustained exposure to heat. For muscle tightness that involves inflammation and swelling, cold treatment may be more effective than heat therapy ( 16 ).

Can running cause tightness in the back?

Strength-training activities like lifting weights, especially movements that involve pulling or lifting, can also commonly cause tightness in the back. However, research indicates that the activation ...

Why does my golf swing hurt?

Swinging the golf club requires the spine to twist, the hips to pull, and the arms to gain speed in a downward motion. These movements put stress on the muscles around the spine, causing them to tighten. The tightened muscles pull on bones and other muscles around them, creating pain.

How to prevent back pain from golf?

A golf-specific fitness plan that includes core strength training and flexibility training can help prevent back pain. Core strength exercises build the muscles from the shoulder girdle to thigh, including the abdominals, back, and buttocks. When these muscles are strong, they brace and protect the spine, decreasing risk of injury.

How to stop back pain after a round?

Stretching the muscles will also help prevent back pain. The hamstrings, in particular, tend to tighten up during and after a round. When they do this, they pull on the hips and spine, creating more pain. Hamstring stretches will alleviate some of this problem.

What happens when you put extra weight on your back?

This extra weight placed on the back and the shoulder strains the muscles , particularly in the lower back. The lower back holds a majority of the body’s weight, also absorbing the weight of the back. The muscles become stressed and fatigued and pull on the joints and bones of the spine.

How to help a golfer with back pain?

At-home treatments such as icing the lower back to decrease inflammation, tissue massages for muscle stimulation and whirlpool use can will help acute back pain.

Can golf cause back pain?

The demands of the golf swing can cause low back pain often referred to as "Golfer's Back.". Back pain caused by golf is not uncommon. From the eyes of the spectator, golf may seem as if it's a low-impact sport, but it can be one of the most demanding sports on the spine, causing several painful conditions that sometimes require medical attention.

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