Many golfers suffer from chronic low back pain. This is largely in part to the physical and biomechanical stresses that swinging a golf club puts on the low back. As I have stated before, the most vulnerable position to put a low back is bending forward and twisting. Proper golf posture demands a slight forward bend from the waist and then a “turn” or a “twist” around the lower (lumbar) spine. This specific motion can cause golfers injure their backs with like of strain/sprains, herniated discs, etc. Commonly this undue stress on the low back can be related to dysfunction of the bones and joints of which make up the pelvis. If the pelvic joints are functioning properly there is less stress on the lumbar spine during the golf swing. This is where Chiropractic care is vital in decreasing the risk of injury to the low back.

 

The bones of the pelvis include two Ilia (hip bones) and the sacrum (triangular shaped bone between the two hip bones). The joint formed by the meeting of the ilia to the sacrum are the SI (sacro-iliac) joints. One can feel his or her SI joints as the little bumps on either side of your low back just above the buttocks. These are moveable and should move every time you take a step, swing a golf club, or even ride a bicycle. For a right-handed golfer, the right hip (ilia) should turn forward during the downswing as the left hip (ilia) should be moving backwards. This is the classic “clearing of the hips” golf instructors speak about. It is when the SI joints lose their ability to move normal that low back problems start to occur.

By mentioning this article your can schedule a complimentary Chiropractic evaluation consisting of a consultation, exam, x-rays, and therapy (a $250 value!) Medicare eligable and medicaid persons are excluded from this offer.

Call Dr. Toby Lingafelter of The Back & Neck Care Center of Sunset Hills at 314-842-8884.