Playing through pain (back)

[GoingfortheGreen]

I am currently laid up with severe lower back pain -- the vicodin is kicking in, and I had to take the day off from work. Golf is out until...who knows

It started on September 1st at the practice range of Sonoma Golf Club. My friend's father is a member, and who was I to turn away and not play the round? Played okay and back wasn't too bad. It's gotten progressively worse as I ended up playing in two scrambles last week (Glenmaura National and Hershey Country Club - both Nationwide stops at one time). Again, the chance to play these courses won out over the physical pain.

Have any of you played through pain to play a great course? Would you play in pain if your back seized up at the practice range of Pebble Beach? I think there are a lot people that would have done what I did, but just checking to make sure I'm not the only crazy one here....

[knock-down]

I'm 30 and I've had a bad back for about ten years now.

I've often had to play though the pain but it definitely makes things worse...much much worse.

I've started going to a Naprapath last year for treatments once-a-week. He's got me stretching for 20 minutes each day. Since I started, my back has been virtually pain-free. Hallelujah!

I stretch for five minutes as soon as I get out of bed. And then for 15-20 minutes at the gym before I workout.

Before, my back would be sore for days after playing 18 holes. Now I can play four times a week w/ no problems.

It's also very important to strengthen you lower back and ab muscles.

[allin]

I'm 30 and I've had a bad back for about ten years now.

I am currently laid up with severe lower back pain -- the vicodin is kicking in, and I had to take the day off from work. Golf is out until...who knows

I don't have a bad back, knock on wood. But I do have significant problems with arthritis(knees,hips), chronic tendinits, (wrist, elbow, ankles). I think at some point you have to rest some, but if it is a chronic issue then you just have to learn to manage it, being inactive probably makes it worse in the long run. Knock down is right about the stretching and strengthening, especially the stretching. Some people are really helped by back braces? Have you tried one?

[GoingfortheGreen]

I haven't tried a back brace. I did use a Therma Care heat wrap when I played on 9/11, but it felt awkward. A physical therapist has recommended some stretches, but I'm too sore to try them.

This is already getting old - had to pull out of a scramble today and Sunday's plans are also shot. I go to Myrtle in November, so hopefully I am recovered by then.

The only person happy @ this is my wife -- more time to spend with her.

[knock-down]

You don't really want to do any major stretching while it's hurt.

The best thing you can do is ICE IT! ICE- ICE -ICE and more ICE!

[MPS67]

Hi!

Anyone here ever have an upper back pain? From about two yeards ago, I started getting this small sharp pain that feels like it is behind (inside) my left shoulder blade. It always feels tender when I push on it and have recently noticed that I walk around like I'm at address. I guess I tense up my sholder muscles to alleviate the discomfort. It's also difficult for me to hold any weight (laterally) in my left hand. Maybe this is associated to the soulder issue when leverage is in play?

Maybe I'll go see the Doc.

Regards,

Mark

[knock-down]

Doctors typically can't do anything for back pain. They'll prescribe pain medication and that's about the extent of their treatment.

I've had the same pain (inside of the shoulder blade) and you basically just need to rest it. Try sleeping on your back if you don't already.

I've found that Naproxin (OTC) pills are pretty effective in releaving back pain.

Also, before you golf it's very important to stretch your back and YOUR LEGS! Lot's of lower back pain is caused by having tight hamastrings.

[avmech]

Just a week ago I finished up a 20 session treatment on a DRX9000 machine for 2 herniated discs - L4/L5 and L5/S1. This is a spinal decompression machine. Played 18 the very next day, with no pain yet. I was doing Vicodin, Voltarin, and Flexeril for the pain. You may want to look into it