Spine | Injury in golf

Spine

Due to the rotational movement when hitting, the spine is particularly unstressed. Most complaints develop in the lumbar spine (lumbar spine). Golf players with pre-existing changes in the lumbar spine such as hollow back, hunchback or scoliosis, but also wear-related changes (degeneration) have a particularly high risk of developing problems with the spine. In return, however, it must also be noted that he is by the regular in the golf game, a strengthening of the entire spine musculature to determine, whereby partially preexisting back pain improves again. Causes for back pain, which occur with the gulf they can be:

  • A herniated disc, especially the herniated disc of the lumbar spine
  • A narrow spinal canal (spinal stenosis)
  • A vertebral fracture
  • A spondylolisthesis
  • A facet syndrome
  • A lumbago (lumboischialgia)
  • A lumbar spine syndrome

Elbows

Of the arms, the elbow joint is the most frequently affected by injuries. The insertions of the extensor and flexor muscles (extensors and flexors) of the forearm are particularly at risk.These large muscle groups are attached to the joint rollers of the humerus (Epicondylus humeri) elbow joint. The tendon insertions must withstand great strain when they are struck.

High loads, faulty technique, cramped grip position or tissue not yet adapted to the load can lead to inflammation in the area of the tendon attachment. The most common disease in this area is the golfer’s elbow, which is medically known as epicondylitis ulnaris humeri. This disease is caused by overloading the muscles of the lower arm flexor.

The right-handed golfer typically suffers this overload on the right elbow. In addition to overloading the forearm flexors (flexors), this can also lead to overloading the forearm extensors (extensors). This disease is also medically known as tennis elbow (epicondylitis humeri radialis).

The tennis elbow, which can also occur in golfers, affects the left elbow joint in right-handed golfers. In this case, a cramped or incorrect grip position during putting may be the cause. Symptoms of golfer’s elbow or tennis elbow are mainly pain in the right or left arm. More about the elbow joint can be found under “Elbow joint”.