Weak Muscles and Golfers Back Pain

Back pain in golfers may be affected by the abdominal and oblique muscles, according to research at the University of Calgary.

Researchers looked at 25 professional and amateur golfers, 17 of whom reported chronic lower back pain. They examined how muscle groups were used during a golf swing. Those players who were pain free tended to use their oblique muscles (at the side of the abdomen) earlier as the club was drawn back.

Dr Brian R Macintosh commented, "We know that weak abdominal muscles can contribute to low back pain in the general population...we also know that abdominal muscles act as important stabilizers and that they are very active during a golf swing".

According to a spokesperson at Bromley Health Management, it's not just golfers who suffer from these sorts of injuries. "Any sport or activity uses a whole range of muscle groups. If our supporting muscles are underdeveloped, or if our technique or posture are bad, this places undue stress on the primary muscle groups that can lead to chronic pain. If you're suffering from pain, see a specialist as it can often be surprisingly easy to resolve".

Thursday, 1 November 2001