Question for those of you with back problems...

**tws1098** · April 16, 2010

EDIT: I posted here because I wanted to say that my new clubs came and they are awesome, but while I was typing it turned more into a rant about my back. Also, thanks for those of you that responded to previous threads about my upcoming iron purchase, it helped and I think I will be very happy with these.

I am 22 years old and have a ruptured disc, possibly two, in my lower back. I am in good physical shape, lift and run when I can (and i always walk rather than ride at the course). I am not overweight at all (5'9" and 155lbs). I will often get tight after several holes or 15-30 shots at the range. Sometimes I can work through it but other times like today the pain goes down into my leg (sciatic nerve) and causes a good bit of discomfort...

My new Nike Pro combo Tours came today and i was able to get out to the range. Shots 1 through about 15 were sweet. But then the excitement subsided when my back tightened up and I began hitting poorly (my swing changes and I have to try to make corrections mid swing leading to shots that are fat and thin).

I really need some tips on how to keep my back stretched out from those of you who are / have been in the same boat. It really took all of the enjoyment out of getting my new clubs and left me with a bad feeling, like I wasn't hitting them well. I am a physical education teacher so I know a lot of stretches, but if there are any stretches you all do before, during, and after that could specifically help with the golf swing, I would appreciate it. Thanks for any ideas.

**pherg** · April 16, 2010

Two thoughts come to mind. (1) Have you thought about giving it a rest while you recover? (2) OK, assuming you're like me and would play golf even if you were hooked up to a life support machine :) just make sure that you stand up and take a couple of steps between each shot. Don't just bash balls one after the other. I have to do this when I practice my putting. If I just stand there hitting one after the other I get really tight in the back. There are plenty of good sciatica stretches on the net, but it seems the simplest is to sit down and rest the outside ankle of one leg on the thigh of your other leg and then bend forward. That worked for me a while back.

**tws1098** · April 16, 2010

Yeah, I have had this for almost 6 years now so it will not heal. I deal with the low level pain everyday, but during some activities it can flare up and be painful, tight, or both. When i went for physical therapy years ago I did some stretches that helped, but now they do not seem to do much for me.

**Jon K** · April 16, 2010

I'm 27 with back problems. Motorcycle accident in 04'. Mild arthritis from it. I'm also in great shape. I'm in the gym 4 or 5 days week. 6'2", 195 tone. I keep some Vicodin in my golf bag and days when the back gets bad, i pop one or two. helps my golf game quite a bit actually.

I work on golf stretches while i'm in the gym. My favorite are taking heavy medicine balls or pull weights and mocking a golf swing with it. Since I've been doing that, I've gained 10 yards on my drive and feel less pain as well feel like my foundation is much stronger.

Give it a go.

Don't just do any ol' normal gym stretches .. some will actually be worse for your back and swing than you would think ... do some research online. There are some good resources. If you are doing cardio work in the gym, DON'T run. Walk up steep inclines or use the elliptical or bikes. Also, try and stay away from any heavy lifting that uses your back. Focus on working muscles that tone up your core and upper legs ... that's where your swing power comes from anyway.

**bong_crosby** · April 18, 2010

[QUOTE=Jon K;440871]I keep some Vicodin in my golf bag and days when the back gets bad, i pop one or two. helps my golf game quite a bit actually.QUOTE]

You can take two Vicodin and still play golf!? I'd be a mess.

**Jon K** · April 18, 2010

lol well my tolerance is a bit high from the start .. i've also been taking them for breakthrough pain for about 2 years now .. they basically have the same effect like taking a bunch of ibuprofen.

i like your sig.

Woodtek · April 18, 2010

My L3, L4, and L5 are in pretty bad shape, actually almost gone looking at the x-rays. I tend to stiffen up on the back nine and start rising up on my downswing. I lean over, and then back and try to stretch the back muscles out. I have also learned to walk at a slower pace than my usual walking pace. I can tell when to slow down when I start getting that burning sensation in my lower back. I take 3-4 advil 1/2 hour before I play and it seems to make a difference.

**mcotter** · April 18, 2010

Okay, here is my trick. I have a ruptures disc between L4/L5 and L5/S1. I take 4 advil (800mg) and use a thermal-care 8 hour disposable heat wrap on my lower back for the entire round including an hour or so prior to starting. When you pick the ball up out of the hole or off the ground, put your weight on one bent leg leaning forward with the other leg back behind it (almost lifting it). If you can get used to a long putter, do it. My neurosurgeon has been on me to convert to one but; A) I cant get used to it, and B) my golf buddies would never let me hear the end of it. Good luck.

Oh, by the way, I have done so many stretches over the years but there are really non that can help disc issues.

**tws1098** · April 18, 2010

Okay, here is my trick. I have a ruptures disc between L4/L5 and L5/S1. I take 4 advil (800mg) and use a thermal-care 8 hour disposable heat wrap on my lower back for the entire round including an hour or so prior to starting. When you pick the ball up out of the hole or off the ground, put your weight on one bent leg leaning forward with the other leg back behind it (almost lifting it). If you can get used to a long putter, do it. My neurosurgeon has been on me to convert to one but; A) I cant get used to it, and B) my golf buddies would never let me hear the end of it. Good luck.

Yeah, I am not usually good with the whole pain pill thing. After surgery on my wrist and the ruptured disc I was prescribed percocet and vicodin and never took any from the prescription. I have a high tolerance for pain and would rather feel some than become tolerant to pain killers (that way when I do need to take them, they work everytime). From what all of you are saying, I think I will start taking a couple advil before the round and see how that works. I also walk fast, so i will try to slow that down as well. Thanks for the ideas guys, hopefully it will help.

Another question though...would my back tightening and the swing change it causes (less flexibilitiy) lead to thin shots?

**WUTiger** · April 19, 2010

Having had two abdominal surgeries in the past year - and back trouble 10 years ago - I'd advise you to let yourself get well.

Find a physical therapist who knows something about golfers. The therapist can give you an exercise + practice schedule to work you physically back into shape.

Also... midway through recovery is a great time to work on your short game. It's amazing the things you pick up on putting and chip shots when you don't have to worry about teeing off in 15 minutes.

Good luck, & keep us posted.

**tws1098** · April 19, 2010

Having had two abdominal surgeries in the past year - and back trouble 10 years ago -

I am in the percentage of disc ruptures that will not heal, so that is not an option. I think I will be seeing a therapist again, however, so that was a good suggestion that I will be looking into.

**calvie7** · April 19, 2010

As someone who has fought a chronic pinched nerve in my spine, I can say that your answer lies in exercise designed to build the muscles around the problem area. Disk problems may be different but strength training and stretch training at the same time could be your answer. YOGA! I do P90X, and haven't had any problems since. I really am not pushing p90x, any similar program will do, I just know it has yoga, and a real tough yoga, that has made all the difference. If u do it, go slow. Good luck

**glk23** · April 19, 2010

I started yoga 3-4 days a week last summer after my last sciatic flare up. It has made a big difference and I also started other exercises to get my core muscles stronger. Also do daily lunges with weights and I had heard it helped others with back problems. Found some good golf specific regimes for before the round. 200 mg of Ibuprofen before the round, at the turn and after doesn't hurt either.

**Dragonsrock** · April 19, 2010

Hi,

I have disc problems at L4/L5 and L5/S1 and I have tried almost everything over the years. I have found something that works, its called a Trueback, I lie on the thing for less than 10 minutes in the mornings and it opens up the space between your vertabrae. I could not even play 9 holes before I got this thing. I can't say i am pain free, but I used to live on Codeine and now i go months in between needing it...

My golf still sux, but at least I am golfing :)

Good luck

**parplease** · April 22, 2010

I too suffer from lower back pain. Mine stems from my hamstrings being too tight, and pulling my body of line. Which has led to not having enough space between the vertebrae in my lower back. Certain movements trigger a sharp pain that rank a 12 on a 1-10 scale. I'm currently going to the chiropractor, and doing certain excercises to help. But I can only do so much as the sharp pain sometimes sneaks in.

No over the counter meds work. Yoga DVD's for lower back pain have helped a little. And the funny thing is, my back feels fine when I play golf. But the next morning, it's tough to put on a pair of socks....

There are many of us out here suffering. You just have to find what works for you. I wish you the best as I continue my search for a cure as well.

**Ktrap** · April 22, 2010

I'm in the same boat I have a degenerated disc in my L4, I injured it back in Feb. shovling snow..! Chiropractor is really the only thing that has helped (Thank god I have insurance) I would recomend that as well as the one poster said building up the muscle's around it.

**alf174** · April 22, 2010

I've been researching prolotherapy for a thumb joint that has developed arthritis but I've seen references to it being used to treat some back pain. Something to check out.

**gfd66** · September 2, 2011

As far as back pain, I've had L4-L5 fusion done. A really good Chiropractor and massage therapist keep the pain in check. Yoga also helps. What really sucks is the lack of mobility, and my swing shows it. I've started up at Golftec with a great coach (yes I called him a coach) to work through it. If the chiropractor and massage therapy is out, at the very least keep up with core strength exercises and flexibility (yoga). Posture is everything.

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