Is golf good for a bad back?

[delc]

Following on from Tiger Woods' problems with his back. I was diagnosed with a condition called ankylosing spondylitis a few years ago. This was picked up quite by chance when I had an X-ray for something else, but I had suffered with a rather sore back since my late twenties. Generally this condition is not too bad if I keep moving, but my back tends to seize up and ache when I stop. I have had physiotherapy for my back problems and keep up the exercises I was shown. I am still able to play golf, although my backswing is not as long as it used to be. My doctor hates me playing golf and thinks that I should stick to swimming to help my back, yet other medical professionals seem to think that golf is good for your back because the twisting exercises the joints and keeps it flexible! Any views on this?

 

[Deleted Member 1156]

I've heard exactly the same, some doctors think the exercise is good for your back and others maintain it does more damage. Guess it comes down to the exact nature of the condition.

 

[Lord Tyrion]

Perhaps also how you swing? A controlled swing, perhaps designed with a pro, will strengthen your back. Swing at the speed and violence of a Tiger or Rory and perhaps you would do more damage than good.

 

[freddielong]

If you swing well it has no impact on your back, as soon as you get jerky or out of plane then it can hurt you.

I have a trapped nerve in my back (herniated disk whatever you want to call it) and when I am playing bad it hurts my back if I put the time in and swing well it doesn't.

I also carry my bag which again if done properly with the right strap etc shouldn't cause you any issues.

 

[Ethan]

'A bad back' is a rather broad category. Ankylosing Spondylitis is very different from the usual wear and tear on the back that most middle aged people get. Low impact exercise is generally thought to be good for Ank Spon, but golf places quite a few stresses on the back, so better check with your doctor or physio first. Also see what your body tells you.

 

[ScienceBoy]

Good golf will probably be a good thing, exercise and stuff.

Bad golf or a "unique" swing might do more harm than good.

Half swings and pitching or even a 9 to 3 swing will probably do enough to help, lots of any more with a bad back would be like trying to run a marathon the day after your first mile run.

 

[delc]

In

'A bad back' is a rather broad category. Ankylosing Spondylitis is very different from the usual wear and tear on the back that most middle aged people get. Low impact exercise is generally thought to be good for Ank Spon, but golf places quite a few stresses on the back, so better check with your doctor or physio first. Also see what your body tells you.

Well I have been playing golf at least twice a week for many years, and four or five times a week since I retired, and my condition hasn't got that much worse, so maybe golf does help! My golf swing is nothing like as long or violent as Tiger's though!

 

[Ethan]

In
Well I have been playing golf at least twice a week for many years and my condition hasn't got that much worse, so maybe golf does help.

People differ and the condition expresses itself in various ways. Hopefully the OP will likewise continue to play well for many years.

 

[delc]

People differ and the condition expresses itself in various ways. Hopefully the OP will likewise continue to play well for many years.

Er! I was the original poster!

 

[PingPlayer15]

My dad always has a back problem, yet he plays off a handicap of 5. Just saying.

 

[delc]

J

My dad always has a back problem, yet he plays off a handicap of 5. Just saying.

He's not the benefits scrounger who made the papers the other day, is he? He claimed to be totally disabled and unable to work, but was his club's champion with a handicap of 5! :mmm:

 

[Tashyboy]

Having worked in the medical centre for twenty odd years, two things that never happens are "bad backs and stress", because you cannot physically see it.

but I would not wish either on anyone.

as has been mentioned before, a displaced disc is different to a back strain, however both are "bad backs".

One thing I would recommend is a good warm up before playing, and that probably goes for everyone.

 

[Deleted member 15344]

Have had back issues from about 5 years now - lots of yoga , Pilates and painkillers does the job - get more issues when not playing golf

 

[Foxholer]

I've heard exactly the same, some doctors think the exercise is good for your back and others maintain it does more damage. Guess it comes down to the exact nature of the condition.

And whether/how well the Doctor plays Golf!

 

[PingPlayer15]

J
He's not the benefits scrounger who made the papers the other day, is he? He claimed to be totally disabled and unable to work, but was his club's champion with a handicap of 5! :mmm:

why do you suggest that my dad is a benefits scrounger? He is actually the chief executive of Honda Wessex and is perfectly able to work.

 

[Green Bay Hacker]

J
He's not the benefits scrounger who made the papers the other day, is he? He claimed to be totally disabled and unable to work, but was his club's champion with a handicap of 5! :mmm:

Reading the Benefits Cheat thread earlier in the week it would seem as though golf is the miracle cure all for bad backs.

 

[delc]

why do you suggest that my dad is a benefits scrounger? He is actually the chief executive of Honda Wessex and is perfectly able to work.

Obviously not the same guy then.

 

[HomerJSimpson]

I get twinges in the back, running down through the bum cheeks, possibly sciateca, but only if I play loads or hit too many balls and a bit of deep heat and some neurofen usually gets me going after a day or so. Nothing like as acute as the OP's condition. The only person that can answer a question like this is the individual. Back pain, from my experiences can range from mildly annoying to absolute agony and tricky to walk and it depends how much pain you want to endure and whether swinging the club exacerbates that pain

 

[Jensen]

Having had a minor issue with my lower back, I now stretch for about 30 mins before playing and this works a treat.
Stupidly before I did not bother. The stretching takes the form of Yoga positions which I did for a number of years and is excellent.
I would strongly recommend Yoga.

 

[Hobbit]

I had an horrific RTA 9 yrs ago. Walking along the pavement minding my own business. Pain in the lower back, pain across the shoulder blades, neck pain, rotator cuff pain, referred pain done the arm and elbow, right hip and leg pain - all pretty much 24/7. One Doc said stop playing, whilst another said if you stop playing you'll never play again.

I can't hit the ball anything like I used to but I can still post some fantastic scores, inc under par gross rounds. Nudge it down the middle, nudge it close to the green and get up and down. Golf isn't a strenuous sport, if it is a sport. Manage the condition, and there's no reason why you can't get out there and play...