Tired of my back going out while playing golf

[st1800e]

On 4/24/2024 at 10:48 AM, jimb6golf said:

Been to the doctors many times, as well as having many MRIs, and unfortunately my particular disc problem isn't a candidate for surgery (too risky apparently). So I have had to deal with it when it crops up, and live with the constant discomfort and pain - most days it's tolerable though.  Several bulging discs in my lower back are the cause of most of the discomfort and keeping my core stronger helps to support my overall posture and spine and avoid excessive pain, but as mentioned lately other things haven't prevented gym time and it seems the back issues have risen again.  Might talk to my ortho about PT options though as they tend to help a lot too.

Sounds like you’ve been diligent determining your issues.  Very good.  I’d suggest you don’t discount exploring TPI.  You might have a swing flaw that’s aggravating your back.   I know that, left leg shorter than the right….caused a small reverse weight shift and slide through the ball, extra stress on the lumbar.  So two wrongs did make it right.  Played to a 2 cap for years.   My lumbar along with a number of other factors over the ensuing years and declined to a 13. Disabled for a season when the lumbar spine couldn’t take it any longer.  A  TPI instructor quickly identified the flaw.  Tied that into my fitness instruction with core and other strengthening routines, along with injections and ablations from my MSK specialist.    
I’m swinging freely again and properly. I’m now at 7 cap.   
 

 

[Woytoy23]

For what it’s worth, I’m a Doctor of Physical Therapy based out of Las Vegas who specializes in the treatment of all musculoskeletal pain and golf performance training. 
 

If you would like to talk about what you need to do to reduce the low back pain fast and keep it gone for good, then let’s schedule a phone call to talk about it. 
 

I’m always willing to help. 
 

wgpsrehab.com: check it out and send me a message if interested 👌🏼

[jimb6golf]

Thanks for all the great ideas, advise, etc.  And thanks for the sarcastic responses from some of the the doctors too (much appreciated!!).  Just to clarify I am only venting about my bad back problems and how it affects playing golf - it can be very frustrating and painful (as someone told me once 'you know you have back problems when you find yourself at 2 am crawling around on the floor trying to crawl out of your own skin').  I've been to many doctors, PT, had MRIs etc as well and understand the problems with a bad back and wouldn't try any crazy ideas without consulting a doctor first, and have always followed doctor's advise about keeping your core strong and flexible - truly makes a difference.  Much like others here I've suffered from this for 40+ years or more and would be down and out several times a year but working out and stretching really helped.  I've also been to a TPI therapist who offered some various stretching routines. Unfortunately work has gotten it the way in the past few years and the back has suffered.  Really it comes down to commitment to workout and stay flexible especially as you get older, especially before playing golf.  Keep the advise coming for all of us struggling with bad backs. And trust me, if you ever saw my swing you'd know I have swing flaws (ha ha).

[johnrobison]

People emphasize stretching and flexibility but often focus on the back, itself. It's the hips that really need mobility, since if they can't rotate internally and externally well, the forces are transferred to the back, which isn't really designed well for golf swing movements.

 

And, yes, swing mechanics can be a huge contributor. If you're not working with an instructor to improve sequencing and motion (assuming, as you said, that you have flaws), all the flexibility in the world will only do so much.

[getitdaily]

1 hour ago, johnrobison said:

People emphasize stretching and flexibility but often focus on the back, itself. It's the hips that really need mobility, since if they can't rotate internally and externally well, the forces are transferred to the back, which isn't really designed well for golf swing movements.

 

And, yes, swing mechanics can be a huge contributor. If you're not working with an instructor to improve sequencing and motion (assuming, as you said, that you have flaws), all the flexibility in the world will only do so much.

This is why @phizzy30does hip thrusters anywhere and everywhere he can.

 

In line at the grocery store....hip thrusters

 

At the bank...hip thrusters 

 

Waiting for Jimmy John's to make his sub....HIP THRUSTERS! 

 

Sorry dude...had to 🙂

[phizzy30]

1 hour ago, getitdaily said:

This is why @phizzy30does hip thrusters anywhere and everywhere he can.

 

In line at the grocery store....hip thrusters

 

At the bank...hip thrusters 

 

Waiting for Jimmy John's to make his sub....HIP THRUSTERS! 

 

Sorry dude...had to 🙂

It's all about the glutes, bro.  I thought you knew, haha. 

[phizzy30]

3 hours ago, johnrobison said:

People emphasize stretching and flexibility but often focus on the back, itself. It's the hips that really need mobility, since if they can't rotate internally and externally well, the forces are transferred to the back, which isn't really designed well for golf swing movements.

 

And, yes, swing mechanics can be a huge contributor. If you're not working with an instructor to improve sequencing and motion (assuming, as you said, that you have flaws), all the flexibility in the world will only do so much.

I agree.  One must focus on the back but also on the surrounding muscles.  Hips and glutes often get ignored because people don't know or don't think it's important to work on them.