Golf Season Is Here — Is Your Spine Ready?

The courses are open, the days are getting longer, and if you’re like most golfers in the Edmonton area, you’ve been counting down to this since the last snowfall. There’s nothing quite like that first round of the season — the fresh air, the green fairways, the sound of the ball off the clubface.

But there’s also that moment, usually around hole 12, when your low back starts to tighten up. Or the morning after, when you can barely get out of bed. Golf and back pain are frequent companions — but they don’t have to be.

Why Golf Is Hard on Your Spine

The golf swing is one of the most biomechanically complex movements in sport. In a single swing, your spine rotates at high speed under load, your weight shifts dramatically, and your muscles fire in a precise sequence. Repeat that 30-100 times per round, and it’s no wonder your back complains.

Common golf-related spinal issues we see at In-Line Family Chiropractic include:

• Lower back strain — The rotational force of the swing puts enormous pressure on lumbar discs
• Muscle imbalances — Golf is one-sided, which can create asymmetrical development
• Sacroiliac joint dysfunction — The weight shift and rotation can irritate the SI joint
• Neck and shoulder tension — From the posture at address and during the follow-through

How Chiropractic Care Helps Golfers

Many professional golfers receive regular chiropractic care — it’s standard on the PGA Tour. Here’s why:

• Improved range of motion — Better spinal mobility means a fuller, more fluid swing
• Injury prevention — Regular adjustments catch issues before they become round-ending injuries
• Faster recovery — Proper alignment helps your body recover faster between rounds
• Better performance — When your spine is moving properly, your swing is more efficient

Pre-Round Tips for a Healthy Spine

1. Warm up before you swing. Take 5-10 minutes for dynamic stretching — torso rotations, hip circles, gentle trunk bends. Don’t just go to the first tee cold.
2. Hydrate. Dehydrated discs are more prone to injury. Drink water before, during, and after your round.
3. Use a push cart or carry dual-strap bag. Single-strap bags create uneven loading on your spine.
4. Listen to your body. If something hurts during the round, don’t push through it. The Titleist Performance Institute has excellent resources on golf-specific fitness and injury prevention.

Planning other summer activities too? Check out our guides on hiking and back pain and gardening without back pain.