Low Back Pain in Golfers - ''S-Posture''
The
"S-Posture" is one of the leading causes of back pain in
golfers.
Lower back pain is one of the most common complaints of all golfers. This is usually due to the high velocity rotary forces that are applied upon the lumbar spine during the golf swing. Even the best golfers in the world, with the best swing mechanics can develop lower back discomfort.
Lower Crossed Syndrome is basically the combination of tight hip flexors and a tight lower back, paired with weak abdominals and weak glutes. This combination leads to an excessive arching of your lower back (S Posture). This is a very dangerous combination of muscle imbalances due to the excessive stress that it places on the structures of the (lumbar spine) lower back.
It is easy to spot a golfer who has a lower crossed syndrome by observing their set-up posture from down-the-line. If you look at their lower back it has an excessive swayback or curvature creating what we call, the “S-posture”.
Some golfers actually put themselves into this position on purpose because they heard it was good to stick their glutes out at set up. Unfortunately, if you arch your back to stick your glutes out at set up, you are also putting your lower back in jeopardy of being injured.
You can actually stick your glutes out at set up without arching your back, if you just hinge from your hips and keep your spine in a neutral stable posture.
So if you have lower crossed syndrome, the good news is this
is very easy to eliminate. All you need
to do is: Have your glute and abdominal strength tested, and have your hip
flexor and low back mobility tested. I would then show you a combination of
stretching and strengthening exercises to elevate this problem. Call Dave at