While professional golfers generally experience more hand and wrist injuries, average golfers’ flawed mechanics make their backs more susceptible to injury. The golf swing stresses the back in three ways: There is downward head-to-foot compression; lateral side-to-side bending; and a sliding, front-to-back shearing motion. According to a comparison of professional and amateur golfers’ swings, the amateurs’ swings put 80% more lateral and shear load on their spines than the professionals’ more polished swings. Regardless of whether you are a professional or amateur golfer, the peak compressive load that your swing exerts on your lumbar spine is equivalent to eight times your body weight. All golfers have good reason to perfect their swings and have a chiropractor check their body mechanics.
Are you a golfer? Or do you have a golfer in your life? At FAMILY PRACTICE OF CHIROPRACTIC, we are dedicated to helping you achieve your wellness objectives — combining skill and expertise that spans the entire chiropractic wellness spectrum. We’re located at 112 McGrath Hwy., Quincy, where we can help your body heal without the use of traditional medication. Call us at 617.472.4220 to schedule an appointment. We offer computerized spinal scans.
P.S. Because younger golfers (between the ages of 30 and 40) tend to swing the hardest, they stand to benefit the most from an easy, fluid golf swing that spares them from back pain.
For Your Health,
Dr. Gabrielle Freedman