Long-Term Back Pain: Insights and Solutions for Golf Injuries

Q: Long-Term Back Pain: Insights and Solutions for Golf Injuries

Lower back pain： Prevention is more important than treatment. <br>Here are 7 simple and easy preventive methods for your reference：<br>1. <br>Change your lifestyle and work environment that puts strain on the spine. <br>Try to avoid prolonged standing or sitting, and engage in re

Chronic low back pain

Hello Dr.
Lai,
First of all, thank you for your enthusiastic response.
My lower back pain seems to be caused by a sports injury.
I have been an avid golfer since I was about 25 years old, playing around 4 to 5 rounds a week.
I started experiencing lower back pain at the age of 35.
At that time, I was doing rehabilitation while still playing golf the next day.
Relying on my youth, I sometimes took 500 to 600 milligrams of painkillers just to play.

Currently, the situation is as follows: whenever I drive for more than an hour, shop for over an hour, or sit in a chair without back support, my lower back becomes extremely uncomfortable.
I initially thought that stopping golf (which I haven't played for about 3 years) would allow for gradual recovery, but the symptoms have not improved at all.

What kind of advice would you give me?

Yu, 40~49 year old female. Ask Date: 2008/08/03

Dr. Lai Yanting reply Rehabilitation

Lower back pain: Prevention is more important than treatment.
Here are 7 simple and easy preventive methods for your reference:
1.
Change your lifestyle and work environment that puts strain on the spine.
Try to avoid prolonged standing or sitting, and engage in regular movement to promote smooth blood circulation.
By altering your lifestyle and work environment, you can reduce the frequency and intensity of spinal load, especially if you have a history of back pain.
2.
Develop proper posture and learn effective lifting techniques.
Avoid leaning forward or slouching; not maintaining a correct standing posture can easily lead to lower back pain.
Learn to bend your knees instead of your back when picking things up.
For example, do not bend forward from a standing position to pick something off the ground; instead, squat down with bent knees, using one hand to support yourself on a nearby object if needed.
When putting on socks, sit down and place your foot on your knee instead of bending over.
3.
Provide appropriate support for your back.
If you need to stand or carry heavy loads for extended periods, use lumbar support products to reduce the load on your back.
When sitting, choose chairs with backrests and armrests to allow your back to rest comfortably.
Adding a cushion behind your lower back can enhance comfort.
4.
Use assistive tools.
When doing household chores, especially avoid kneeling and bending over to clean the floor.
Use a "long-handled" mop; selecting tools with sufficient length can help you avoid bending over.
The same applies to sweeping.
5.
Seek assistance when necessary.
Always assess your capabilities; when moving items, carrying children, or giving up your seat, be willing to ask for help when needed.
6.
Maintain a correct sleeping posture.
Proper sleeping positions are important, as poor sleep posture can lead to lower back pain.
When lying on your back or side, placing soft wedge-shaped cushions under your lower back, between your legs, or at your knees can provide appropriate support and help prevent lower back pain.
7.
Quit smoking.
Research shows that smoking may also be a contributing factor to lower back pain.

Reply Date: 2008/08/03

More Info

Long-term back pain, especially in individuals who have engaged in activities like golf, can be a complex issue that often requires a multifaceted approach to treatment and management. Given your history of playing golf frequently and the onset of back pain around the age of 35, it is likely that your pain is related to repetitive strain and possibly poor biomechanics during your swings.
Firstly, it is essential to understand that the lumbar spine is particularly vulnerable to injuries from activities that involve twisting and bending, such as golf. The repetitive nature of the golf swing can lead to muscle imbalances, strain on the lumbar discs, and even damage to the ligaments and muscles surrounding the spine. Over time, these factors can contribute to chronic pain, which seems to be your current situation.

Since you have mentioned that you have not played golf for about three years and still experience significant pain during activities like driving or sitting for extended periods, it may indicate that the underlying issues have not been adequately addressed. Here are several recommendations that could help you manage your long-term back pain:
1. Physical Therapy: Engaging in a structured physical therapy program can be beneficial. A physical therapist can assess your posture, flexibility, and strength, and develop a personalized exercise program aimed at strengthening your core muscles, improving flexibility, and correcting any biomechanical issues. Core stability is crucial for supporting the lumbar spine and can help alleviate pain.

2. Posture Correction: Pay attention to your posture during daily activities. When sitting, especially in chairs without back support, consider using lumbar rolls or cushions to maintain the natural curve of your spine. Ergonomic adjustments in your workspace can also help reduce strain on your back.

3. Gradual Return to Activity: If you are considering returning to golf or any other physical activity, it is essential to do so gradually. Start with low-impact exercises that do not exacerbate your pain, such as swimming or cycling, before reintroducing golf. This gradual approach can help your body adapt and reduce the risk of re-injury.

4. Pain Management: While you have relied on pain medications in the past, it is important to use them judiciously. Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) can be effective, but they should not be the sole method of pain management. Discuss with your healthcare provider about alternative pain management strategies, including topical treatments, acupuncture, or even cognitive-behavioral therapy for pain management.

5. Regular Exercise: Incorporating regular low-impact aerobic exercise can improve overall fitness and help manage pain. Activities like walking, swimming, or cycling can enhance blood flow to the muscles and promote healing.

6. Consultation with Specialists: If your pain persists despite conservative measures, consider consulting with a spine specialist or an orthopedic surgeon who can evaluate your condition further. Imaging studies, such as MRI, may be necessary to rule out any underlying structural issues, such as herniated discs or degenerative changes.

7. Mind-Body Techniques: Techniques such as yoga, Pilates, or tai chi can improve flexibility, core strength, and body awareness, which may help alleviate pain and prevent future injuries.

In conclusion, managing long-term back pain, especially related to sports injuries, requires a comprehensive approach that includes physical therapy, lifestyle modifications, and possibly medical interventions. It is crucial to listen to your body and seek professional guidance to develop a tailored plan that addresses your specific needs and helps you return to a pain-free lifestyle.

Similar Q&A

Effective Exercise Strategies for Managing Back Pain and Weight

Non-smoker; irregular exercise habits with skeletal or joint issues that may worsen with activity. Other reasons for discomfort during activities include a height of 157 cm, weight of 72 kg, and BMI of 29.21 (considered dangerously overweight). Flexibility: 36 (good) ------ (the ...

Dr. Xu Zhenrong reply Physical Fitness
Dear Ms. F Person, for now, this is how I will address you. You are 157 cm tall and weigh 72 kg, which is slightly overweight. Your flexibility is good, but you often experience lower back pain. A CT scan shows mild degeneration of the lumbar spine. Therefore, it is recommended t...

Understanding Chronic Back Pain After a Sports Injury: Key Insights

Hello Dr. Chen, Four years ago, I participated in a tug-of-war without warming up and sustained a strain. After returning home, the entire left side of my back became swollen. At that time, I received massage therapy and cupping, which led to significant improvement, and I exper...

Dr. Chen Wayda reply Rehabilitation
1. It doesn't seem like sciatica or a herniated disc, but rehabilitation should be done instead of just relying on medication. 2. The original condition does not require any special examinations. 3. If an old injury was not properly managed, it may be difficult to fully reco...

Long-Term Lower Back Ligament Strain: Causes, Symptoms, and Recovery Options

Hello, Doctor! Today I went to see a doctor about my lower back, and he said I have a lower back muscle strain (commonly referred to as an internal injury). The doctor mentioned that this could lead to ligament scarring, which over time can cause poor blood circulation and muscle...

Dr. Chen Yongxue reply Orthopedics
Hello, chronic strain in the lower back is often caused by lifestyle habits or work requirements. First, it is important to reduce prolonged periods of maintaining the same position (whether standing or sitting). Additionally, avoid heavy lifting; if lifting is unavoidable, pleas...

Effective Strategies for Managing Chronic Pain in Multiple Joints

The trapezius muscle has been in a forward-leaning position for a period of time while using a laptop about 8.9 years ago, resulting in long-term stiffness and soreness in the deeper areas of the trapezius muscle between the right shoulder blade and the spine. After examination a...

Dr. Shi Guozheng reply Orthopedics
Shoulder and neck pain is usually caused by overuse, and reducing activity in this area along with moderate heat therapy or some rehabilitation treatments may lead to improvement. If the right wrist joint continues to be problematic, it may be necessary to check for ligament issu...