Both professional and recreational golfers are becoming more and more concerned about the biomechanics of the spine during the golf swing and its connection to cases of low back pain and performance. Performance in golf is focused on hitting the ball farther and more accurately while putting as little physical strain as possible on the spine. It is for this reason that a significant amount of research has been done on the biomechanics of the spine, typically the lumbar spine, and methods for enhancing performance. This particular concern is becoming more and more important as more amateur golfers enter the game, especially given that the majority of golfers do not recognize the value of “out of season conditioning training,” which is essential for preparing for the current season. This, along with “under-performance syndrome,” is one of the most important reasons why injuries occur, in my clinical opinion, coming from a performance background.
As an osteopath, I think it’s important to assess and evaluate the entire functional biomechanical relationship between ground reaction forces and the functional biomechanical loads applied to the lumbar spine. This relationship should include not only the anatomical factors that should be acknowledged and examined. This is a perfect application of my background in sports and exercise physiology. We can see that the deep stabilizing muscles, as well as the global, prime mover muscles, are extremely important when we use specific motion of the lumbar spine in the beginning of a proper golf swing. In order to reduce rotational stress on the joints, it is clear from a large body of research that spinal segmental stability during motion is crucial.
The deep inner-core muscles that stabilize the spine during dynamic motions are more effective and anatomically suited for particular spinal stability. These muscles are activated first and are responsible for the primary rotation of each individual spinal segment. Due to the neurological innervations (nerves) controlling the fine control of these muscles, any irritation to the neurological supply may consequently cause functional changes and performance adaptations.
It is well known that spinal instability and back pain have a strong causal relationship that ultimately impairs performance. Spinal stability will decline at any decrease in neuromuscular control. Therefore, it’s crucial to thoroughly assess the golfer’s swing. According to recent reports, professional golfers tend to have better overall physical condition than amateur golfers. They typically have better single leg functional control as well. Superior club head speed, which is related to the degree of spinal rotation and scapular glide at the top of the backswing, is another benefit.
Functional Evaluation:
In order to produce an advantage functional dynamics, evaluation of proper technique is crucial when performing any activity. For instance, the person may be compensating for lower back spinal dysfunction if it is found during the evaluation that the stronger, deeper transverse abdominus and multifidi muscles are firing as the primary spinal stabilizers instead of the erector spinae and external oblique muscles. Due to poor biomechanics during the golf swing, this can result in chronic cases of overuse injuries.
Due to the potential biomechanical changes associated with spinal degeneration (reduced range of motion, decreased spinal stability, decreased spinal curvature, etc.), it is also crucial for golf performance… ). The curvature of the spine is crucial in golf as well because a higher lordotic (lower back) curve can put more strain on the posterior segments, especially during the backswing, and it also limits range of motion. But doing so might cause extension, which might then make rotation easier. Reductions have a direct impact on the power generated to connect with the ball and can limit the backswing. The segmental range of motion will also decrease with a decreased lumbar curve (common in older generations). The backswing will be affected similarly, but the method used to enhance proper biomechanics in the area will be different. In my clinical opinion, it is crucial to assess the lumborsacral angle (lower back), which, if increased, will result in decreased range of motion within the extremely common area of injury within the majority of sports medicine.
Sacroiliac joint:
The sacroiliac joint, which connects the pelvic bone and the base of the spine (sacrum), is very significant because it helps transfer weight from the pelvis to the spine. Golfers frequently experience dysfunction within this joint, which is linked to cases of lumbar spine dysfunction, instability, and pain brought on by overuse. Because of the complexity of this integral joint, dysfunction frequently coexists with neurological changes, increased muscular demands, and spasms in the gluteal and lower back muscles. Thus, ultimately creating alteration in the range of motion of the lumbar spine on the backswing and reductions of strength
Ground reaction:
It is crucial to assess the lower extremities and take into account how they affect the spine’s postural biomechanics. The results of the golf swing are significantly influenced by the lower extremities, particularly the mechanics of the foot and ankle joint and how they strike the ground and respond by rotating. Biomechanics places a great deal of emphasis on inspecting the foot and ankle for any structural flaws that might obstruct the spine’s typical segmental movements. Pronation and navicular integrity must be evaluated in order to do this. If dysfunction is present, this may well lead to biomechanical changes, muscular imbalances, and spinal motion dysfunction, which ultimately affect spinal segmental stability. The spine and sacroiliac joints will always experience some biomechanical stress during the swing, so it is crucial to have stability and balance in your foundation, especially on the backswing. The distance of the ball will depend on how much force is transferred from the back foot during the backswing to the front foot during the downswing and acceleration.
To minimize low back injuries and increase golf shot distance and accuracy, posture and proper spinal biomechanics are crucial during the golf swing. During the stance phase, the lumbar spine must be in a stable position; the lower spinal segments, up to about L3-L4, are locked in flexion, and the upper lumbar vertebrae are in extension. The lumbar spine experiences stress at the level of transition where there is a slight change from flexion to extension. During this stage, normal neuromuscular activity is required. I’ve discovered that when assessing a patient’s stance phase, the deep muscles, in particular the multifidi, the erector spinae, and external oblique muscles, are activated too early if there is interference with the neuromuscular innervations.
Adam R. Whatley, PT., M.Ost (Med) Sports Osteopath