Double board-certified, fellowship-trained physician Seth Kaufman, DO, understands back pain. As a physical medicine and rehabilitation specialist, Dr. Kaufman provides comprehensive nonsurgical solutions for sports injuries at South Florida Interventional Orthopedics and Spine in two locations in Davenport and Miami, Florida.
Many golfers with chronic back pain are surprised to learn that their “low impact” sport is causing back trouble. On the surface, golf seems relaxing, but the reality is that it’s a demanding sport requiring both physical and mental stamina.
Fortunately, when those physical effects show up in the spine, you have options to target the source of the pain and get back to the game you love.
Repetitive movements, speed, power, and rotation are all part of golfing, and they all affect the lower back.
The average male amateur golfer has a swing speed of over 90 miles per hour. “Smash factor,” the measure of how efficiently energy transfers from the club to the ball, also influences distance. When you consider the focused strength and force required, even at a recreational level, it’s easy to see why golf affects the body, especially the spine.
In fact, back injuries are the most common sports injury among golfers, affecting approximately 55% of pros and 35% of amateurs.
Why is golf so hard on the back? There are multiple factors at play. The lower part of the spine (the lumbar spine) is excellent at providing stability. But, rotation challenges the lumbar spine. Every swing generates torque that moves through the tiny spinal joints, discs, and nearby muscles.
Additionally, when the hips don’t rotate correctly, the lumbar spine tries to compensate, which means it absorbs excessive force. Constant bending forward to tee up and retrieve balls adds extra strain within the spine.
Frequent golfing, even on a recreational-only basis, can potentially lead to muscle strain, facet joint inflammation, herniated discs, and other concerns like arthritis flare-ups.
At South Florida Interventional Orthopedics and Spine, Dr. Kaufman focuses on nonsurgical solutions that relieve pain and restore function so patients can return to the activities they enjoy.
Dr. Kaufman may recommend a multifaceted approach to back pain, tailored for your root causes and lifestyle. Treatments often include:
While many golfers improve significantly and are able to return to the game with conservative and interventional care, Dr. Kaufman also works closely with spine surgeons when surgical evaluation becomes necessary. His goal is always to help patients return safely to their active lives with improved mobility and lasting relief.
Back pain doesn’t have to be the end of your favorite sport. Call our Miami or Davenport office or use online booking to schedule an appointment with Dr. Kaufman at South Florida Interventional Orthopedics and Spine today.
