How
golfers cope with back pain Back
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Many golfers experience back pain. The golf swing
is an unnatural motion that can cause some unusual
stresses. In some cases, golf does not necessarily
cause the pain, but a golf swing can aggravate old
injuries and escalate stiffness into painful spasms.
I have rarely made it through a season without experiencing
at least one bout of back pain from golf. There have
been times it has been so severe that I thought I
may have to give up the sport. But over time, I have
found a few things that help me golf pain free and,
if I do experience some pain, speed recovery. Of course
these tips are meant for people experiencing pain
from the normal stresses and strains that come from
participation in sport and are not meant for people
who have injuries or are recovering from chronic conditions.
1. Exercise
A couple of years ago I ran across a regimen developed
by Dr. Chico Caldwell, a professor at the University
of Iowa. This series of exercises was not developed
for golf specifically, but is an overall strength
and flexibility program. Even so, I have found it
to be extremely beneficial for avoiding back pain
by keeping abdomen and back muscles toned. The whole
series of exercises takes about an hour. Twice a week
seems to be enough frequency to maintain muscle tone.
No equipment is necessary.
2. Pre-game Warm-up
I personally don't believe stretching cold muscles
does much good. It is necessary to get cold muscles
warmed up and the only way to do this is movement.
Take a club and swing it like a baseball bat back
and forth until you are puffing a bit, then take some
easy practice swings, then go through your stretching
routine.
3. Take It Easy on the Driving Range
I is always tempting to reach for the driver because
you know that that all important drive on the first
tee is coming up in a few minutes. But you will like
do better if you warm up by hitting some easy shots
with your six iron.
4. Walk
It may seem counter intuitive, but I have fewer problems
with my back when I am walking the course than when
I am using a cart. If you must use a cart, because
of course or tournament rules, make sure you stretch
when you get out and walk around as much as possible.
5. Rest
Very often I will not notice any pain during a game
but will experience it the next day when I am riding
my bike or working in the garden. Taking it easy between
games will decrease onset of back pain. If you must
do some lifting, use additional caution after a round
of golf.
By paying attention to these things, you should be
able to play without gulping handfuls of ibuprofen.
But of course, this is just some common sense advice
from one player to another and is not a substitute
for professional help. If you do experience ongoing
pain, consult a professional.
Article Source: http://www.articlecube.com
Ron Strand is a college instructor, consultant and
avid golfer.
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