Golf is a popular game enjoyed by every generation. However, especially as we get older, the repetitive, twisting motion of a golf swing can create severe back and joint pain. As time goes by, our joints become less flexible and sturdy. This happens because your joints lose elasticity and stretch, which can impact your day-to-day life, as well as your golf game.

Back pain may cause discomfort when doing everyday tasks, but unfortunately, it can also impact your range of motion while golfing. Typically, exercising and staying active can help prevent this from happening, and there several other ways to improve your back and joint health, ensuring you can continue enjoying your time on the golf course.

Back and Joint Care for Golfers

Before covering how you can improve your back pain and joint health, let’s talk about how back and joint issues happen to golfers in the first place. While staying active is always a good thing, playing golf can also be very damaging to your body. During a golf swing, the lower back supports a force of around 1,400–1,700 pounds. Swinging a golf club places force on one side of your body, which results in uneven pressure on your spine.

Adjusting the posture of your golf swing can help prevent injuries to the lower back. Avoid placing excessive force on your trailing side during a swing, rotating your body beyond its range of motion, or rotating your leg inward at the hip. All of these movements can lead to an injury or muscle tears.

Chiropractic Care for Golfers

According to Dr. Cody Fowler from Symmetry Sports Therapy, about 80% of golfers will experience lower back pain. One of the best and easiest things golfers can do to prevent injuries is to stretch beforehand. Before any physical activity, stretching helps warm up the muscles and improve your joints’ range of motion.

Even if they aren’t injured or experiencing back pain, many golfers also find it helpful to see a chiropractor. Not only can chiropractic adjustments help ease back pain, but they can also help reduce the chance of injuries while golfing and keep the spine from becoming misaligned. Chiropractors use a variety of strategies to help golfers ease or prevent back pain, including adjustments, movement screenings, active release techniques, and range-of-motion techniques.

Back and Joint Health

Because golfing can be an injurious sport, seeing a chiropractor can help you avoid or ease your back injuries. With regular chiropractic care, you can focus on improving your swing and playing your best every game. Not only does chiropractic care help with pain management, but it also boosts your blood flow and brings more oxygen to your muscles.

At Crossroads Chiropractic, we want to see you healthy and happy. If you’re feeling any discomfort or pain in your back, whether it be while golfing or doing day-to-day activities, we can help. Reach out to our office today to schedule an appointment.