Golfing is a popular sport enjoyed by many of our patients. For some people it’s a relaxing hobby, for others it’s a competitive sport. Spine injuries and conditions can impact hobbyists and professional golfers alike. In this article we will discuss how certain spine conditions and injuries can impact a patient’s ability to play golf, and how to treat these injuries effectively.

Spine Injuries & your Swing

Golfing requires a lot of spinal movement – probably more than you realize. Swinging a golf club involves bending and twisting the spine. When the spine is injured, it can severely hinder your swing (even Tiger Woods – one of the greatest players in the world has spinal issues that negatively impact his ability to play). Some of the most common conditions that prevent golfers from playing at the top of their game include:

• Bulging discs
• Pinched nerves
• Bone spurs
• Spinal Stenosis
• Sciatica
• Scoliosis
• Nerve damage from a spinal cord injury

These conditions can make it difficult to bend over your club or complete the follow through on your swing. They can be painful and greatly reduce the power, distance, and accuracy of your shots. Thankfully, there are options for treating these conditions of the spine.

Treating these Conditions

Treatment begins with a trip to the doctor’s office and a physical examination. Once your physician diagnoses a particular condition, they will explain the varying treatment options available. Treating these conditions generally begins with a combination of physical therapy exercises, chiropractic techniques, injections, and pain medications. These treatments often only provide temporary relief – with the pain coming back every few weeks or months. When this happens, a minimally invasive surgery (such as an artificial disc replacement or a nerve decompression procedure) may be the best option for permanently relieving pain and getting you back on the golf course in full swing.

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