Hitting off mats and bad backs

[jimb6golf]

I've had a bad back (disk problems) for years and managed the pain, but occasionally it flares up. Last night I was hitting balls at the driving range and guess I hit down on a ball a little too much and OUCH my back went out. I've learned over the years to be careful at the range (I'm not a club member) as it's really my only option for practice but it seems that hitting off mats can cause some problems for those with bad backs. Couldn't play this weekend anyway so I guess it happened at a 'good time', but hoping things feel better soon (lots of Aleve to the rescue of sorts). Anyone else had similar problems with hitting off mats?

[SomedayScratch]

Nothing to say about the mats, but I have disc problems between L5 and S1 and spondylolisthesis as well. I feel your pain, it really sucks and affects your whole life. However, I have some advice for how you swing... set up with a bit of a closed stance, drag that right foot back a couple inches, it allows for a bigger and better hip turn going back and puts less torque on your back.