Many avid golfers contort their bodies into oddly twisted postures, generating
a great deal of torque. Couple this motion with a bent-over stance, repeat
120 times over three or four hours, add the fatigue that comes with several
miles of walking, and you've got a good workout-and a recipe for potential
lower-back trouble.
As America's love affair with the game continues to grow, the American
Chiropractic Association (ACA) has advice on how to take a proactive approach
that will prepare your body for many years of pain-free play.
"Most golfers go until they get hurt, then look for help," says Dr. David
Stude, member of the ACA Sports Council and founding fellow of the National
Golf Fitness Society. "Back pain is a warning sign that there is an underlying
problem responsible for a symptom that will likely get worse. Doctors of
chiropractic look for the cause of the symptom and help reduce the likelihood
of future injury."
If you take the chiropractic approach, you're in good company. According
to Dr. Stude, Tiger Woods says that lifting weights and visiting his chiropractor
regularly have made him a better golfer. Dr. Stude and the ACA suggest
these simple measures to help you avoid back pain or injury and improve
your game:
- Purchase equipment that fits. Don't try to adapt your swing to the wrong
clubs: A six-footer playing with irons designed for someone five inches
shorter is begging for back trouble.
- For the women in golf: If you have "inherited" your husband's or significant
other's golf clubs, they might be difficult for you to use. Not only
are the clubs often too long, but the shaft is often not flexible enough
for a woman's grip. Women typically play better with clubs that are composed
of lighter, more flexible material, such as graphite.
- For the men in golf: It is a good idea to spend some extra time performing
quality stretches-before and after your game-to increase your trunk flexibility.
While men are traditionally stronger than women, they usually aren't
as flexible. Men need to improve their flexibility to maintain a more
even and consistent swing plane and thus improve the likelihood of more
consistent performance.
- For senior golfers: If you show some signs of arthritis in the hands,
consider a larger, more specialized grip for added safety and performance.
- For all golfers: For some, scores may not be as important as enjoying
the social benefits of the game. Having clubs that are comfortable will
increase the chances of playing for a long time without significant physical
limitations.
- Take lessons. Learning proper swing technique is critical. At the end
of the swing, you want to be standing up straight; the back should not
be twisted.
- Wear orthotics. These custom-made shoe inserts support the arch, absorb
shock, and increase coordination. "Studies show custom-made, flexible
orthotics can improve the entire body's balance, stability and coordination,
which translates into a smoother swing and reduced fatigue," Dr. Stude
says. While the upper part of a shoe may score style points, what the
foot rests on affects your game.
- Avoid metal spikes. They tear up greens and can increase stress on the
back. Soft shoes or soft spikes allow for greater motion.
- Warm up before each round. "Stretching before and after 18 holes is the
best way to reduce post-game stiffness and soreness," says Dr. Stude.
Take a brisk walk to get blood flowing to the muscles; then do a set
of stretches. To set up a stretching and/or exercise routine, see a doctor
of chiropractic or golf pro who can evaluate your areas of tension and
flexibility.
- Pull, don't carry, your golf bag. Carrying a heavy bag for 18 holes can
cause the spine to shrink, leading to disk problems and nerve irritation.
If you prefer to ride in a cart, alternate riding and walking every other
hole— bouncing around in a cart can also be hard on the spine.
- Keep your entire body involved. Every third hole, take a few practice
swings with the opposite hand to keep your muscles balanced and even
out stress on the back.
- Drink lots of water. Dehydration causes early fatigue, leading you to
compensate by adjusting your swing, thus increasing the risk of injury.
Don't smoke or drink alcoholic beverages while golfing, as both cause
loss of fluid
- Take the "drop." One bad swing-striking a root or a rock with your club-can
damage a wrist. If unsure whether you can get a clean swing, take the
drop.
Dr. Huntoon has a single mission:
To support as many people as possible in their quest for health and enable them to improve and maintain their health to the highest level possible, while educating them about the benefits of Chiropractic, Natural Healthcare and Holistic Living, so they in turn can teach others to support us having a healthy community.
Your Choice
Health concerns are a major source of lost happiness and lost joy in all of our lives. Finding a solution that is agreeable and enables you to get back to your life is important. Please appreciate that you always have the more invasive surgery and prescription medication available to you as a last resort. What many Traditional Medical Doctors may not share is, many times, once you begin that journey into medication and/or surgery, it alters your original body from the one that you were born with. Unfortunately, at that time, more conservative and natural treatments may no longer be viable. I encourage you to consider that before making any decisions about treatment for your health. As always I am here to help.
Your Choice:
- Continue doing the same thing and nothing changes or it may get worse
OR
- Try something different and get a different result that makes you happier and healthier.
The Choice is Yours
Please call Dr. Huntoon at 845-561-BACK (2225) to discuss your options or click on our E-Visit to do it via e-mail.
Thank You for your consideration.