There have been many reports of late about the prevalence of back injuries affecting golfers. It is easy to understand, that because of the stance taken by a golfer that there may be injuries caused as a result. Every person who has back problems can’t of course, blame the pain purely on golf. Back pain is the single highest reason for workers being away from their jobs.
The major problem is that everyone struggling with bad pain may have different types of pain in many alternative areas of the back. It really can’t be generalised. However, improving physical fitness, under the instructions of a qualified doctor, may well improve the situation.
Many golfers start to notice that they have problems after playing the game for a little while. The more enthusiastic they become, the more the back pain kicks in, but in many situations, the golfer doesn’t connect the golf and the pain in the back. The two items are independent as far as the golfer is concerned.
It is only when he contacts his doctor, and the question is asked “have you taken up any new hobbies” that the patient comments that he has recently started playing golf. In some instances, the problem with the back may not be connected to the golf at all, but may be a completely separate issue.
The doctor will be able to advise on the best method of helping the golfer, and he may even send him along to the local hospital to have a couple of x-rays taken to confirm that there isn’t a more sinister problem.
In the vast majority of cases, there won’t be any lasting damage, particularly if the patient went to the doctor soon after he realised the difficulties he was experiencing. However, when any symptoms arise which aren’t recognised it is well worth contacting your General Practitioner.