For golfers this spring, sand traps aren’t the only hazards to avoid.
“Low back pain is common, especially in golfers over 50,” says Marc J. Levine, MD, Chief of Orthopedic Surgery and Director of Spine Surgery at Robert Wood Johnson University (RWJUH) Hamilton, a member of RWJBarnabas Health Medical Group and a clinical assistant professor at Rutgers New Jersey Medical School.
Most low-back injuries in golfers, Dr. Levine says, stem from stress on the spine associated with swinging a golf club. “Often, pain remains localized to the lower back, but occasionally it can become sciatic and radiate down one or both legs,” he says.
He offers these 4 tips for warding off back injuries on the links:
• Don’t emulate the pros. Many professional golfers today use the “modern golf swing,” keeping their hips stationary, twisting their upper body and following through forcefully.
While it may make a golf ball travel farther, “The thoracic and lumbar spine can’t absorb that kind of force regularly, especially if you’re over age 50,” Dr. Levine says. A safer approach is to use a swing that’s comfortable for you and to have realistic expectations about how far you can drive a golf ball.
• Keep your swing consistent. “Your body likes predictability,” Dr. Levine says. “Every time you jerk or move unexpectedly, it creates more strain on your back.” Dr. Levine recommends meeting with a golf pro at least once a year to evaluate your swing. Ask for tips to improve your mechanics and ergonomics.
• Stay physically fit. A regular exercise routine can strengthen core muscles, including those in your abdomen and back. “Also, do stretching exercises for at least five to 10 minutes before you start each round of golf,” Dr. Levine says.
• Use the right equipment. “Choose shoes that will help you stabilize your feet, so you don’t lose traction,” Dr. Levine says. If you’re thinking about new clubs, look for ones with less rigidity in the shaft. “That will absorb some of the energy when you take a backswing and may create less force on your spine,” Dr. Levine says.
If you feel a twinge of back pain after a round of golf, Dr. Levine recommends rest, ice and over-the-counter anti-inflammatory medicines (aspirin, ibuprofen) as a first line of treatment.
See a doctor if pain continues for four to six weeks. “If you experience any numbness, tingling or weakness, get evaluated by an orthopedic surgeon,” Dr. Levine says.
Learn more at rwjbh.org/ortho
Programs at RWJUH Hamilton this month
The following programs are sponsored by RWJUH Hamilton Community Health, open to all and all ages, and Better Health Program, open to all 65+ years old. All programs take place at the Center for Health & Wellness located at RWJ Fitness & Wellness Center, 3100 Quakerbridge Rd., Hamilton, NJ 08619–unless otherwise noted. View the calendar of programs available online at rwjbh.org/hamiltonprograms, or for more information or to register, call 609-584-5900. Registration is required to attend programs.
Thursday, April 10
Lunch & Learn: Treating Complex Gastrointestinal Conditions with Advanced Gastroenterology. Noon-1:30 p.m. Join a discussion presented by Imran Fayyaz, MD, Gastroenterology, President of Medical Staff Leadership, RWJUH Hamilton, and member of RWJBarnabas Health Medical Group, and Christopher Chum, MD, Gastroenterology, who will share advanced gastrointestinal (GI) care and the latest specialized techniques and equipment being used to diagnose and treat complex GI conditions.
Monday, April 14
The Power of Food: Nutrition Strategies for Diabetes (Community Health). 11 a.m. – 12 p.m. and Tuesday, April 22; 6 -7 p.m. Join Lori Hager, MS, RD, for our monthly series. Learn how to manage and control your diabetes through dietary choices. Learn the basics of diabetes and how nutrition affects blood sugar levels. Gain practical tips for meal planning and preparation to control your diabetes. These two sessions will occur the 2nd Monday (daytime) and 4th Tuesday (evening) each month.
Tuesday, April 15
Misconceptions vs. Life-Saving Realities of Organ Donation (Community Health). 1-2 p.m. Did you know one organ donor can save eight lives and help 75 more by donating tissue and corneas? Adults 18 and older can register to be organ and tissue donors, regardless of medical history or age. Join the NJ Sharing Network and Tim Ryan, MSN, RN, CEN, Nursing Professional Development Practitioner, CPDIR, RWJUH Hamilton, for this informative talk.
Thursday, April 29
Let’s Talk About Those Golden Years (Better Health). 10-11 a.m. Reaching our “golden years” brings a myriad of life changes. Janet Haag, executive director, NAMI (National Alliance on Mental Illness) Mercer, will lead this discussion on aging. This program will explore the landscape of mental well-being in later life.
Wednesday, April 30
Hearing and Balance Screenings (Community Health). 9 a.m. -Noon. Join us for free screenings on the last Wednesday of every month! These 15-minute appointments are designed to help assess your hearing health or your balance health/fall risk. For more information or to reserve your required appointment, call 609-245-7390. Note: This program will take place at the RWJUH Hamilton Balance & Hearing Center, 2 Hamilton Health Pl, Hamilton Township, NJ.
