NYC Golf Season Injuries – Top Three Reasons to Carry Your Golf Bag

Golf season is in full swing (no pun intended) and here in our midtown NYC chiropractic practice, we encounter a number of golf related injuries. One would be surprised to know that there is a large golfing community here in NYC.

Why Does NYC Have So Many Golfers?

The Top Three Reasons:

1. We have an abundance of very good public and private golf courses within striking distance of NY. Whether you are looking for tracks steeped in tradition, or modern facilities that host major events, we have it all.
2. There is a large population of young people who move to NY from other parts of the country who played golf earlier in life and wish to resume the sport.
3. When you work in a concrete jungle all week long you need to balance your life with some fresh air time away from the hustle and bustle.

A question we receive often by our patients is whether they can continue playing with their respective injuries. The truth is each injury is different and because of that some people will be able to make modifications and continue to play while others might have to shut it down for a period of time. At the end of the day we encourage all our athletes to continue playing as long as they do not risk further injury. That is the key. Here are a few diagnoses we see often in our golfing community.

Most of our golfers present with either a neck/shoulder injury, or a low back dysfunction from the repetitive rotational forces placed on their spine.

Crevice-brachial syndrome is a diagnosis consisting of a dysfunction of the base of the cervical spine where it meets the thoracic/shoulder region. In this area of the body you have the transition of your spinal bones from cervical (neck) to Thoracic (mid back). This is an area where the curve of your spine actually changes direction. These transitional areas can have excessive stress placed on them with sporting activities and repetitive movements like a golf swing.

Lumbar Segmental Dysfunction is a diagnosis that is used to describe a mis-alignment or dysfunction in the lumbar spine region. The bones of your lumbar spine are designed in such a fashion which allows for the movement of flexion and extension (bending forward and backwards). The lumbar spine is not designed for repetitive rotational movements. As such one could deduce how something repetitive like a golf swing could cause harm to an area that is not prepared for such stress. As an example; if an average golf score is 100, and each player conservatively takes two practice swings prior to hitting the golf ball, that would mean he or she swings the club 300 times over a four to five hour period of time. Wow!!!

Here at The Center For Spine Care and Mobility, we have designed specific exercises to both stretch and strengthen those golf muscles that can be injured. By using an integrative approach of sports chiropractic, physical therapy, acupuncture, massage and medical interventions we give the player the best chance to heal in the shortest amount of time. Tools that are golf specific such as GravityFit have helped CSCM become a go to source for NYC’s golfers who wish to get out of pain.

Another question we field often is carrying your golf clubs vs. pushing a hand cart or riding in a cart. There have been countless articles written on this subject with anecdotal evidence that suggests one form over the other. One reason to ride in a golf cart is if you have a medical condition which does not advise you raising your heart rate for an extended period of time. Another might include a degenerative orthopedic condition such as osteoarthritis of the hip or spine that will only get worse with repetitive stress.

At the end of the day I believe, if possible, one should carry their golf clubs.

NYC Golfers: Here Are Three Reasons to Carry Your Own Golf Clubs

1. Wolff’s Law, developed by German anatomist and surgeon, Julius Wolff in the 19th century, states that bone in a healthy person or animal will adapt to the loads under which it is placed. What was he talking about? If you want to keep your bones strong, place them under some form of constant stress. Look around at the elderly who maintain good health.  They walk, run, cycle, and generally lead an active life. I see them in my office over and over again. People say 50 is the new 40, 60 is the new 50. You get my point. What we know today about exercise, fitness, diet and nutrition have placed the elderly in a unique position to take control of their health and wellness. At the end of the day carrying a golf bag for 18 holes is equivalent to walking 3-6 miles. Factor in the weight of your carry bag (20 pounds with 14 standard clubs and accessories) and you have yourself a real opportunity to burn calories, get plenty of exercise, and breath in some fresh air.
2. Better than a pull/push cart. I have found a pull cart has a few inherent flaws.
   1. There can be dangerous on uneven ground that could be slippery such as with morning grass. I have had patients injured by the pull cart hitting the back of their legs during an awkward transition on uneven pavement.
   2. If given the choice I would rather push than pull. Pulling twists your spine out of position. Walking in this position for four plus hours is a recipe for disaster.
3. Five hundred years ago when the Scottish developed golf it was meant to be a walking sport. Yes, I believe walking is part of the game. When Tiger Woods was asked to comment on John Dalys approval of a golf cart for a senior tournament he stated that we walked the US Open with a broken leg. Draw your own conclusions. Aside from that, in my opinion I believe there is something in the way you hit your golf ball, collect your clubs, and slowly walk to your next shot. The act of pacing off your shot, taking the time to reflect on where you are and what you might do next, and truly feeling and enjoying the golf course in all its beauty is one of the best parts of the game.

The Center for Spine Care and Mobility was started in 2000 and has developed into an integrated/multi-disciplinary health care facility. We offer services consisting of chiropractic, physical therapy, acupuncture, massage, and medical services. Learn more about how CSC+M can help you with golf injuries today.