As
I write this blog, I am also simultaneously keeping track of the
scoring at the US Open (golf). The 2017 US Open Tournament is starting
today and I will be glued (in one way or another) to the TV or Internet
Coverage of the event. I grew up playing golf and love when the Majors
are played.
The
bad part of this whole thing is that the golf swing is one of the worst
things you can do for your spine. The reason it is so bad is because
you are putting your spine through 3 different planes of motion all at
the same time. If you go through 1 plane, or even 2 planes of motion at
the same time, your joints are better able to deal with that motion and
stay healthy. When you add the third plane of motion, that starts to
put too much torque on the joints and damage starts to occur (see Tiger
Woods & back surgeries).
These are the planes of motion that cause damage:
1.
Flexion and Extension (bending forward and backwards). In the golf
swing, most of your swing occurs in flexion (forward bending) which puts
a lot of pressure on the front side of the spinal joints which is where
the discs are. In and of itself, the forward bending isn't too bad,
but when you add in the other motions of the swing is when you start to
hurt yourself. Years ago, the golf swing was taught to end in what was
referred to as a "reverse C" curve where you were leaning back a lot as
your swing came to an end (see Johnny Millers swing). It's not taught
that way much any more, so the extension part of the swing isn't causing
many problems anymore.
2.
Lateral Flexion (side to side bending). The second plane starts to put
a pinch on particular areas of the disc because you are squeezing both
the front and side of the disc. That pinch decreases the ability of the
disc to move and fluctuate like it should which allows for any pressure
to start to damage the disc.
3.
Rotation (side to side turning). This is where the damage occurs.
Once the disc is "pinched" and immovable, then the player rotates and
instead of the disc allowing the rotation...the fibers that protect the
outer portion of the disc start to tear.
This
process repeated thousands and thousands of times wear down the disc
and eventually, damage it to the point that symptoms will begin to occur
and if that damage is not dealt with and treated properly...Bulging and
Herniations of the disc will occur. Which may lead to surgeries.
Chiropractic
care is meant to help the joints of the spine function properly and
allow for as much movement as possible. The golf swing is still bad for
the spine, but with regular chiropractic care, your back will handle
your game a whole lot better.
