Eugene Yousik Roh

Publication Details

• Preseason Training for Golfers with Low Back Pain

  Roh Eugene Y, Geraci M, Smuck M. Spineline. 2012: Jan Feb 17-21

  According to the National Golf Foundation, the number of golfers in the United States has increased from 20 million in the 1960s to 30 million in 2000s, a third of whom are currently >50 years old. Extrapolating US demographics, this aging trend is expected to increase among golfers. Worldwide, the golfing population is estimated at 50 million. Golf provides a physical and social activity for seniors as it requires a low level of cardiovascular fitness. However, golf is deceptively demanding on the spine and musculoskeletal system. The golf swing generates considerable mechanical forces including compressive, shear and rotational moments. Despite being a low-impact sport, recent studies showed 60% of professional and 40% of amateur golfers suffered from injury each season. Professional golfers tend to have over-use type injuries while amateur golfers have more acute injuries. Among golf related injuries, low back pain is the most common injury in amateur golfers while professional golfers experience more upper extremity pain followed by low back pain. Professional golfers have the highest incidence of back injury of all professional athletes.6 With aging and reduced flexibility, spinal forces are increased with the golf swing. When coupled with degenerative changes in the spine, it is hardly surprising golfers are predisposed to spine injury. In this review, we will review the biomechanics of the golf swing, the assessment of golfers with low back pain and pre-seasonal treatment.