back soreness from golf- does changing the swing really help?

I'm developing back soreness after going to the driving range.  Sometimes its within a few hours, other times its a day later.

I've experimented with doing swings in different ways.   At first I was using a more Moe Norman style swing, but I found it bothered my lower back to stand so far away from the ball.  I now use a slightly more conventional swing with my hands hanging lower, but I try to come up onto my front foot and not curve my back in the follow-through.      Aside from avoiding bending over to tee up,  not much has really seemed to help alleviate a sore back.

I have some ideas on things in my swing that probably are contributing to the issue-  my tempo is probably too fast and body parts probably aren't coordinated together smoothly.  I still cannot do a full swing and get good ball contact, so I do more of a 1/2 - 3/4 swing.  Swing speed is also low, about 65mph.   I'd like to work with a swing coach but I'd be more interested in working with a coach that could help me develop a swing that causes less stress to my back, rather than one that is some kind of  perfect swing that produces a lot of power.   It would stink to not be able to play golf at all, but that looks like the direction things are headed unless I can fix this.

I have core and pelvic issues and did physical therapy twice in the past two years, both times I had a lot of improvement, though the core area not so much (it was not my biggest concern, or my doctors biggest concern).  I have thought about going back to my doctor for more physical therapy.  I've been trying to work more on stretching and building up strength in my shoulders.  It's harder to do appropriate core excercises- I was taught one to do but it used a stability ball and its very difficult to keep my back neutral during the exercise.   I work out with a foam roller a few times a week.

I did my own research and surprisingly there seems to be little scientific research on whether different  golf swings reduce back injuries.   There is suggestive evidence that maybe older, classic golf swings, as used prior to Jack Nicklaus, could be part of a comprehensive program to reduce back pain in golfers, but no actual evidence that "classic" swings in themselves reduce injuries..  So I'm curious to hear about anecdotal stories of improvement by changing elements in ones swing.

Can you post a swing?

I'd go see a doctor to make sure there is nothing already wrong, and that your golf swing is not aggravating a latent back issue.

I have been fortunate that in the 40+ years, my golf swing has not caused me any back issues. I attribute my good fortune to never trying to swing more that 80%-90% of my maximum swing speed. The other thing I do, I always ride up up on my right big toe during every full swing. I am right handed, and I am talking about my rear foot. I believe by doing this, I do not cause a lot of stress, torque, twisting, what ever you want to call it, on the bones in my back. The other body parts I try to keep healthy are my legs.  Also, properly warming up before any full swings is always a good idea for me.

There have been times in the past when I have played way too many holes in a short period of time, and a couple of days later had some muscle soreness, but that's the extent of any back pains for me. A day, or two of rest and the pains disappear.

Good you found golf interesting enough to get back into shape! I was in a similar situation before. Keep up the good work, and you'll feel much better as you get into better shape. Just make sure you follow Mike's advice. Posture is important to prevent bad injuries.

Since converting to a center pivot type swing, I have not had back issues related to golf after range time.

But I attempt a simple workout of flexibility, core, and elastic cords for resistance several times per week.

Still, the normal back issues would arise from bending the wrong way - hey, I am middle age - but I have not had any "pulls" or "strains" since using a Teeter inversion table (the last 4 months). I don't use it long - a couple of minutes 2-3 times a day depending on my activity. Works for me.

At the same time, a simple golf workout like "JoeyD" (google search it) should help you.

And evaluate your range time -- instead of "banging balls" for 2 hours at full speed, try doing drills - you will find many drills on this site. Perform a drill for several minutes, first slowly until you get it and can pick up the pace, then hit a couple of balls to get the "itch" out of you; then go back to drills.

That should help.

It looks to me like center pivot is moving some of the rotation from the lower back to the upper back.   A lot of swing methods I've looked at have done this- S&T;, Natural Golf/MoeNorman Golf, and Sean Folely's methods.

I've also noticed some soreness in my upper back, above the lumbar area, from time to time after spending time at the range.    My physical therapist said that my shoulders and trapezius were also weak and stiff.

I'll try to upload some swing videos to youtube.

The lower and upper parts of the back have entirely different ranges of motion.    The lumbar spine can bend forwards and backwards but not very well side to side or twisting.   Whereas the thoracic spine can twist moreso.

I think my back problem is fairly well known to most of the regulars on here...lol I have a twisted, curved spine, and to top it off, I have arthritis in my lower back. So, lately, i.e. in the last couple of months, I'm experiencing less pain, and I can hit more balls at the range until my back feels a bit sore.

I think that the relief is due to a couple of things, I may be wrong, maybe Erik, or Mike can chime in, is that 1..I'm making a better turn, and 2..I'm much more in sync with my swing. Still working on keeping my spine angle at impact, but getting much better, as my ball flight has gone way up, and the distance has improved too.

So, I believe that my stretching is beginning to pay off. Also, a proper set up at address, and my posture while golfing, and in daily life.

I would suggest seeking out a good physical therapist that can help you with exercises that can help you, then do them as prescribed.

Then take Erik, and Mike advice re: your swing with regard to your swing thread.

Just to add to the above. I hit 250 balls tonight, probably the best session I've had in a long time. Only rested 3 times in 3 1/2 hours, and I can honestly say, my back barley hurts, just a slight achy feeling, and no where near how bad it use to hurt.

If I were to guess, this is probably a large portion of it. I'm fairly physically fit and definitely had some sore lower back days/even some sore wrist days. Just take it easy, if your back is sore and you still feel the need to go to the range, make sure you're just hitting those punch shots. Just work on getting on plane and finding that sweet spot.

Slightly off-topic and slightly silly. Lately when I've been playing, I imagine myself as a 60 year old. I plan on playing golf my whole life so I'm trying to groove a smooth swing that's easy on every part of my body. You know what's happened? I hit the sweet spot more, I have higher accuracy, and I hit the ball further (this probably goes hand in hand with hitting the sweet spot more).

I've found that playing Ernie Els silky smooth golf is more enjoyable than trying to rip at the ball ala Tiger Woods.