Why Golfers Often Develop Back Pain

Golf is a popular and enjoyable way to stay active, particularly for people in their 40s, 50s and 60s. Many patients attending Winchester Spine Centre regularly play on courses around Winchester.

However, golf also places unique physical demands on the spine, and back pain is one of the most common complaints among recreational golfers.

Understanding why this occurs can help players continue to enjoy the game while reducing the risk of discomfort.

The Rotational Demands of the Golf Swing

The golf swing involves a combination of:

• rotation

• side bending

• forceful acceleration

These movements occur at relatively high speed and are repeated many times during a round.

If the body is not well prepared for these demands, certain areas—particularly the lower back—may be exposed to increased stress.

Rotational forces on the lower back during the golf swing.

The Role of the Hips and Upper Back

Ideally, rotation during the golf swing is shared between:

• the hips

• the upper back (thoracic spine)

If these areas are stiff or restricted, the lower back may compensate by moving more than it is designed to.

Over time, this can contribute to irritation of spinal tissues.

Lack of Preparation Before Playing

Many golfers begin playing without any meaningful warm-up.

Going from sitting in a car to performing powerful rotational movements places sudden demand on the body.

A short warm-up can help:

• improve mobility

• activate supporting muscles

• prepare the spine for movement

Strength and Control

Strength plays an important role in controlling the forces generated during a golf swing.

Research into spinal mechanics suggests that adequate muscular support helps distribute load more evenly, reducing stress on any one area.

Without this support, repeated swings may place greater strain on the lower back.

Common Contributing Factors

Back pain in golfers is often influenced by:

• reduced hip mobility

• stiffness in the upper back

• lack of core strength

• sudden increases in playing frequency

Addressing these factors can often improve tolerance to the game.

Practical Ways to Reduce Risk

Simple steps can help reduce the likelihood of back pain:

• warming up before playing

• maintaining hip and upper back mobility

• building strength and endurance

• gradually increasing playing time

These measures help the body better tolerate the demands of golf.

When to Seek Advice

If back pain regularly occurs during or after golf, it may be helpful to assess:

• how the body moves during rotation

• whether stiffness or weakness is contributing

A tailored approach can help you continue playing comfortably.

Patients from across Winchester often seek advice at Winchester Spine Centre to better understand how to stay active in sports such as golf.

FAQ

Is golf bad for your back?
Golf is not inherently harmful, but it places specific demands on the spine that need to be supported by adequate strength and mobility.

Should I stop playing golf if I have back pain?
Not necessarily. In many cases, modifying activity and addressing contributing factors allows people to continue playing.

Does warming up before golf help?
Yes. A short warm-up can help prepare the body for the rotational demands of the game.

Written by Mark Kennedy BSc (Chiropractic), DC, CCEP
Chiropractor at Winchester Spine Centre and very poor golfer.

Mark Kennedy is a UK-registered chiropractor (General Chiropractic Council Reg; 00019) and a Certified McGill Method Practitioner with over 25 years of clinical experience treating back pain, neck pain, joint injuries, and chronic musculoskeletal conditions in Winchester.

This article is published by Winchester Spine Centre, a regulated chiropractic clinic based in Winchester, Hampshire.