For the millions of people who have long-standing low back pain, golf can still be an enjoyable sport. Using the right equipment, alongside a routine of stretching and low-impact exercise, will go a long way in helping maintain one’s ability to play golf.
Treatment options are mainly guided by the type and severity of the injury that is sustained in the lower back. Three common types of injury from golf that need treatment include:
- Muscle strains. Rough, forceful golf swings or sudden shifts during the downswing can lead to strained muscles.
- Muscle and tendon attachment. Excessive muscle use, accidents, or swing irregularities tend to cause this type of injury.
It is important to note that overuse or overexertion is a major contributing factor to golf-related injuries, accounting for over 80% of reported golf injuries. Gradually increasing the amount of time spent on the golf course will allow the muscles to slowly adapt to the demands of the sport. A little effort and caution go a long way to prevent back pain.
Golf is a favorite sport and pastime among many. However, the torque and force applied across the lower back pain creates a significant risk for developing or worsening lower back pain. People who suffer from chronic or recurrent episodes of low back pain can be frustrated because the pain hinders their ability to play golf.
Upper back pain and chest pain occurring together can be especially concerning because vital organs, such as the heart, may potentially be involved. An understanding of the symptoms, underlying mechanisms, and causes of this type of pain can help differentiate between a commonly occurring condition and a medical emergency.
When upper back and chest pain occur together, the symptoms can vary widely depending on the cause or severity. Some people may experience mild discomfort or tightness while others may have sharp or intense pain. This pain may be one-sided (left or right) or on both sides. Below are potential causes of upper back and chest pain appearing at the same time.
The thoracic spine has 12 nerve roots (T1 to T12) on each side of the spine that branch from the spinal cord and control motor and sensory signals mostly for the upper back, chest, and abdomen. Each thoracic spinal nerve is named for the vertebra above it. For example, the T3 nerve root runs between the T3 vertebra and the T4 vertebra. There are 12 thoracic spinal nerve root pairs (two at each thoracic vertebral level), starting at vertebral level T1-T2 and going down to T12-L1.
The thoracic spine is comprised of 12 vertebrae labeled T1 through T12. The top thoracic vertebra, T1, connects with C7 in the cervical spine above while the bottom thoracic vertebra, T12, connects with L1 in the lumbar spine below. In addition to being connected to adjacent vertebrae, the thoracic vertebrae are also connected to ribs.
The thoracic spine is the longest region of the spine, and by some measures, it is also the most complex. Connecting with the cervical spine above and the lumbar spine below, the thoracic spine runs from the base of the neck down to the abdomen. It is the only spinal region attached to the rib cage.
There are 24 intervertebral discs in the spine. Of those, 12 are located in the thoracic spine. Each thoracic disc sits between two vertebrae to provide cushioning and shock absorption while preventing the vertebrae from grinding against each other. Thoracic discs tend to be thinner than cervical discs and lumbar discs, which may contribute to the thoracic spine’s relative lack of mobility compared to the neck and lower back. Another distinguishing feature of the thoracic discs is that all but the bottom two interface with ribs.
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