Back pain in golf

Although golfing generally is considered a benign activity, lower back pain is endemic among golfers. The golf swing subjects the lumbar spine to rapid, intense loads, more frequently in amateurs than in professionals. These loads predispose the golfing population to muscle strains, lumbar disc disease, spondylolysis, and facet joint arthropathy. It is imperative for all golfers to warm up properly, develop good swing mechanics, and participate in a lower back conditioning program off the golf course.