The golf swing places a large amount of stress on the low-back, and over time the lower back becomes fatigued. This will results in a decrease in performance and possible injury.

So how do you prevent such an injury from occurring? Golfers can takes steps to prevent low back injuries. One of these steps is the implementation of a fitness program targeted at improving your golf game. Included in this routine will be exercises targeted at improving lower back flexibility such as the one above and strengthening the lower back to avoid injury and pain. This part of the program contains a series of golf-specific flexibility exercises geared to maintaining the range of motion within the lower back. One exercise to increase flexibility in the lower back is descried here. It is a simple exercise for the low back to improve flexibility and rotation during the back-swing, and it also helps keep the musculature of the lower back flexible.

Here’s how to perform the exercise. First begin the exercise by lying on your side with the left hip in contact with the floor, then bend both knees approximately 90 degrees, resting the right knee on top of the left. The second step is to extend both arms straight out from the shoulders, resting the left arm on the floor, and hands clasped together and slowly raising your right arm off the left. Finlay continue to raise and rotate the right arm until it is resting on the floor opposite your left arm and hold this position for 20-30 seconds, and repeat the exercise sequence by switching sides. This should be performed 2-4 times on each side. Remember, to go slow with a new exercise and, check with your physician before starting any new physical training program.

Keep in mind not all lower back injuries can be prevented, but with the implementation of a lower back flexibility and strengthening program, the possibility of one occurring to you can be greatly reduced.

Most acute low back injuries that occur during a game of golf will get better over a couple of days. The most common injuries from golf include, muscle strains which typically occurs with rough or forceful golf swings or a sudden shift during the downswing, muscle and tendon sprains which generally occurs due to excessive use, accidents or swing abnormalities while playing golf, and disc injuries which can occur from swinging abnormalities. It is important to not that disc injuries may be present but symptoms may not occur without the incorrect golf swing (see preventing golf injuries).

For relief of the miner low back pain and to promote healing from golf-related injuries and low back pain, it is generally advisable to rest for a day or two, and apply ice. It is advisable not to further stress inflamed muscles by continuing to play golf through an episode of low back pain. If you take time off the injury will often heal quicker allowing you to get back to golf sooner. It is important to continuing stretching and exercise programs between golf sessions. A low-impact aerobic exercise program, such as walking for 30 to 40 minutes every other day can be helpful and after the low back pain has stopped, slowly return to playing golf and apply the prevention tips to help avoid injuries.

It is well known one of the most common injuries in golf is the lower back. Research indicates more than half of all golfers will incur a lower back injury at some time during their playing careers. Professional golfers spend great deal of time and energy preventing low back injuries. So prevention in this case is the best medicine. If you do injure your low back and the pain continues for more than a few day to a week, a specific problem may be the cause of the back pain and a chiropractic professional should be consulted. Chiropractic are uniquely train in neuromuscular injuries and can often help get you back on the links sooner, you might even shave a stroke or two off your game.